Documentaries and films that paint an interesting picture of fashion

Just a few days before the new year, FashionUnited traditionally looks back on the films, documentaries and series of the past year. 2024 was the year of documentaries that gave more insight into what goes on behind the scenes at fashion companies, from an intimate look at the lives of influential people to the trends that continue to shape the fashion industry. Here they are: the 12 best documentaries (series) and films that paint an interesting picture of fashion.

Documentary: Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge

The documentary “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” follows the story of one of the most important fashion designers of the 20th century: Diane von Furstenberg. She is more than just the woman who made the wrap dress fashionable through her designs. Von Furstenberg is a businesswoman. The documentary gives an intimate look into her career and personal life. The story paints a picture of a woman who made the best of herself and her career despite many setbacks.

Series: The New Look

“The New Look” is a ten-part American drama series. It paints a picture of the European fashion world after the Second World War. Balenciaga, Cardin, Givenchy, Chanel and Dior are just a few of the names of the designers featured in the series. These are the names of entrepreneurs who forged a new path for women’s fashion. The series particularly examines the politics, culture and atmosphere of post-war fashion in the 1940s and 1950s and highlights the influence of Dior’s idea for a new form of women’s fashion.

Series: Cristóbal Balenciaga

The six-part series “Cristóbal Balenciaga” paints a picture of the challenging fashion world in the 20th century through the eyes of one of the most influential fashion designers in fashion history: Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895 – 1972). The series highlights Balenciaga’s life and career, influenced by his Spanish heritage and Catholic tradition. Additionally, the series touches on themes that are still relevant today: corruption, counterfeiting, and Balenciaga’s dedication to his craft amid the rise of rapid mass production. The series also offers an insight into how fashion journalists from magazines like Harper’s Bazaar influence the image of fashion.

Movie: Black Teeth

When you think of a smile, an image of sparkling white teeth probably comes to mind, but in ancient Japan, a beautiful smile meant black teeth through the tradition of “Ohaguro.” The short film “Black Teeth” by Amsterdam fashion designer Lisa Konno paints a picture of this alternative ideal of beauty. The film sketches an image of fashion that contrasts with the image known from dominant fashion campaigns, commercials and fashion shows.

Movie: Challengers

The film “Challengers” is interwoven with the themes of love and sport. The film, although fictional, paints a picture of contemporary fashion. At a time when collaboration between sporting goods retailers such as Adidas and Nike (but also luxury fashion houses such as Chanel and Gucci) and top athletes has become an integral part of the fashion world.

Documentary: Invisible Beauty

“Invisible Beauty” is an American documentary that tells the story of the career of model and activist Bethann Hardison. Hardison was a champion of ideas like diversity and inclusion, terms that are common in 2024 but were new to the fashion industry in the 1970s. “Invisible Beauty” shows how Hardison completely changed the idea that there is only one type of beauty (fair skin and blonde hair). She began paving the way for women of all skin tones in the fashion industry by running several campaigns. She founded the Bethann Management Agency in 1984 and, together with former model and friend Iman, the Black Girls Coalition in 1988, both to support African-American models. Hardison has received various awards for her work, including the CFDA Founders Award in 2014.

Documentary series: Inside Vogue: The 90’s

This six-part documentary series, In Vogue: The 90’s, delves into US fashion culture of the 90s, with growing influences from people from countries outside the US, such as the UK, thanks in part to British magazine iD. The series shows how this era changed the fashion industry forever. She explores iconic fashion houses like Gucci and top models like Kate Moss. The documentary paints a vivid picture of the fashion events surrounding the US magazine Vogue, with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour at the helm.

Documentary: Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion

The documentary “Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion” tells the story of the fashion brand Brandy Melville, which has been at the center of accusations of racism and discrimination for years.

Documentation: Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy

“Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy explores the dark side of consumer culture. It examines how companies use marketing strategies to influence consumers to buy faster and more often, often at the expense of ethical production.

Series: Becoming Karl Lagerfeld

“Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” is a series based on true and fictional stories surrounding the life of German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The documentary explores Lagerfeld’s early life, his time at Chanel and his influence on fashion culture in the 21st century.

Movie: Wicked

The film “Wicked” focuses on the characters of the “Wicked Witch of the West” and “Glinda” from The Wizard of Oz. Although it is not a documentary, the film influences fashion through its iconic costumes and visual style, who redefines the figure of the Wicked Witch in fashion.

Movie: Shame (عيب)

“Shame (عيب)” is a short film that deals with the themes of shame, identity and cultural expectations. The film explores the inner struggle of a person faced with the pressures of societal norms and the search for personal freedom. Through a powerful visual style, including the use of modest fashion, the film invites viewers to reflect on the impact of social taboos and the power of self-acceptance.