28 Movies About Fashion for Fashionistas & Designers

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We’ve put together a list of all the best TV Series, Documentaries and Movies about Fashion that every fashionista should watch. Take a peek into the glamorous, exciting, and sometimes tricky universe of fashion.

best movies about fashion

We’ve put together a list of all the best TV Series, Documentaries and Movies about Fashion that every fashionista should watch.

Fashion isn’t just about clothes, its more like storytelling with what you wear.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of those glitzy runway shows or how iconic designers create their magic, than these 28 movies about fashion will be an eye opener?

These movies give you a peek into the glamorous, exciting, and sometimes tricky universe of fashion.

These are not all serious movies, we have comedy and even some horror films about fashion. There is a bit of everything to suit every mood!

But one thing is true for every movie, show and documentary on this list… style comes alive in all of these amazing movies about fashion!

There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.

Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).

Read to the end for BONUS movies streaming FREE

best movies about fashion checklist

Must See Movies About Fashion for Style Enthusiasts and Designers

1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Andrea Sachs lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the powerful editor in chief of a major fashion magazine. The plot follows Andrea navigating the cutthroat fashion industry while dealing with her demanding boss. This movie became iconic for its portrayal of the high stakes fashion world and the clash between personal ethics and professional ambition.

2. Ready to Wear (1994)

  • Director: Robert Altman
  • Cast: Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Julia Roberts
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘Ready to Wear’ on IMDb

“Ready to Wear” is set during Paris Fashion Week and offers a satirical take on the fashion industry. The film weaves together multiple storylines involving designers, models, journalists, and more, all converging at the center of the glamorous yet chaotic fashion world. It’s a playful and humorous exploration of the intricacies and absurdities of the fashion scene.

3. Slaves of New York (1989)

“Slaves of New York” follows the lives and relationships of struggling artists and designers in New York City’s East Village during the ’80s. Focused on the challenges faced by young creative minds trying to make it in the competitive fashion industry, this movie portrays the raw, bohemian side of the scene and the personal sacrifices often made for artistic success.

4. Funny Face (1957)

  • Director: Stanley Donen
  • Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson
  • Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • IMDb: ‘Funny Face’ on IMDb

In “Funny Face,” a bookstore clerk is transformed into a fashion model and finds herself immersed in the world of high fashion photography. The film showcases iconic fashion moments, delightful musical numbers, and the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn. It’s revered for capturing the charm and glamour of the fashion industry of the 1950s.

5. Clueless (1995)

  • Director: Amy Heckerling
  • Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy
  • Genre: Comedy, Romance
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘Clueless’ on IMDb

“Clueless” revolves around Cher Horowitz, a fashionable and popular high school student navigating the ups and downs of teenage life in Beverly Hills. Fashion takes center stage as Cher and her friends showcase their iconic ’90s styles while navigating relationships and social status. The film’s influence on fashion and pop culture remains significant, reflecting the trends and attitudes of the time.

6. Zoolander (2001)

  • Director: Ben Stiller
  • Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘Zoolander’ on IMDb

“Zoolander” hilariously follows Derek Zoolander, a dimwitted yet iconic male model, as he gets unwittingly embroiled in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia. This satire on the fashion industry pokes fun at the industry’s stereotypes, featuring outrageous fashion, absurd characters, and memorable quotes that have become synonymous with the movie.

7. Coco Before Chanel (2009)

  • Director: Anne Fontaine
  • Cast: Audrey Tautou, Benoît Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘Coco Before Chanel’ on IMDb
  • Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Coco Before Chanel” explores the early life of Gabrielle Chanel, who later became the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel. The film delves into her humble beginnings and follows her journey from a seamstress to an iconic figure in the fashion world. It’s a biographical piece that uncovers the woman behind the influential fashion empire.

8. The September Issue (2009)

“The September Issue” provides an intimate look into the creation of the September 2007 issue of Vogue, helmed by the influential Anna Wintour. The documentary offers insight into the creative process, the personalities behind the scenes, and the immense effort involved in producing a prestigious fashion magazine issue.

9. Blow-Up (1966)

  • Director: Michelangelo Antonioni
  • Cast: David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles
  • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • IMDb: ‘Blow-Up’ on IMDb
  • Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Blow-Up” revolves around a fashion photographer who inadvertently captures a possible murder on film. As he delves into the photograph, trying to unravel the truth, the movie explores themes of perception, reality, and the enigmatic nature of images. It’s renowned for its stylish portrayal of ’60s London and its commentary on the fashion and art worlds.

10. Paris is Burning (1990)

“Paris is Burning” is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the drag ball culture in New York City during the 1980s. While not directly about fashion, it heavily influences and intersects with the fashion scene, highlighting themes of identity, self-expression, and the impact of marginalized communities on mainstream culture, particularly fashion and style.

11. A Single Man (2009)

“A Single Man” follows a day in the life of George Falconer, a British college professor in 1962 California grieving the loss of his partner. Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, the film showcases meticulous attention to visual detail and style, reflecting Ford’s expertise in the fashion world. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and aesthetics.

12. Yves Saint Laurent (2014)

“Yves Saint Laurent” delves into the life of the iconic fashion designer, focusing on his career and personal life. The film captures Saint Laurent’s creative genius, his impact on haute couture, and the challenges he faced in the competitive fashion industry. It’s a biographical piece that offers insights into the mind of a visionary designer.

13. The Secret World of Haute Couture (2007)

“The Secret World of Haute Couture” is a documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the exclusive and highly secretive world of haute couture. Through interviews with designers, clients, and experts, the film explores the craftsmanship, luxury, and allure of haute couture fashion, revealing the dedication and artistry behind these one-of-a-kind creations.

14. Catwalk (1996)

“Catwalk” takes viewers behind the scenes of the fashion industry, following supermodel Christy Turlington as she navigates the high stakes world of fashion shows and photo shoots. The documentary provides an inside look at the demanding and glamorous life of a supermodel, offering insights into the challenges and pressures of the industry.

15. Phantom Thread (2017)

  • Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
  • Genre: Drama, Romance
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘Phantom Thread’ on IMDb

“Phantom Thread” is set in 1950s London and follows the life of a renowned dressmaker, Reynolds Woodcock, and his relationship with a young woman who becomes his muse. The film beautifully portrays the meticulous craft of haute couture, showcasing the artistry and obsession behind creating exquisite fashion pieces while delving into the complexities of artistic temperament.

16. The Neon Demon (2016)

“The Neon Demon” ventures into the dark side of the fashion industry, following an aspiring model who becomes the target of envy and obsession among her peers. Through a surreal and visually stunning lens, the film explores the cutthroat world of beauty and fashion, revealing the dangers and sacrifices often associated with fame and success.

17. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

Based on a true story, “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” revolves around a widowed cleaning lady who wins a trip to Paris and becomes involved in the world of high fashion. The film showcases the transformative power of fashion and the unexpected opportunities that arise, emphasizing the joy and confidence that can come from embracing one’s individual style.

18. Halston (2021)

  • Director: Daniel Minahan
  • Cast: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Dayan, Krysta Rodriguez
  • Genre: Biography, Drama
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • IMDb: ‘Halston’ on IMDb

“Halston” is a biographical series that chronicles the rise and fall of iconic fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick. The show delves into Halston’s groundbreaking designs, his influence on American fashion in the ’70s and ’80s, and the personal and professional challenges he faced in an ever evolving industry.

19. The First Monday in May (2016)

“The First Monday in May” offers a behind the scenes look at the creation of the annual Met Gala and its accompanying fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This documentary explores the intersection of fashion, art, and celebrity culture, showcasing the meticulous planning and creativity involved in staging a globally renowned fashion event.

20. In Fabric (2018)

  • Director: Peter Strickland
  • Cast: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill
  • Genre: Comedy, Horror
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘In Fabric’ on IMDb

“In Fabric” intertwines horror with dark comedy, centering around a cursed dress and the people who come into contact with it. The film uses the fashion world as a backdrop to explore consumerism, desire, and the sinister aspects of materialism, offering a surreal and eerie take on the influence of clothing on our lives.

21. Slaxx (2020)

  • Director: Elza Kephart
  • Cast: Romane Denis, Brett Donahue, Sehar Bhojani
  • Genre: Comedy, Horror
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • IMDb: ‘Slaxx’ on IMDb

“Slaxx” is a horror comedy film about a possessed pair of jeans wreaking havoc in a trendy clothing store. Through a satirical lens, the movie critiques fast fashion and consumerism while offering a quirky and gory take on the dangers of exploitation in the garment industry.

22. House of Gucci (2021)

“House of Gucci” portrays the real life events surrounding the tumultuous relationship between Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani, leading to murder within the Gucci fashion empire. The film delves into the high stakes world of luxury fashion, showcasing the opulence, power struggles, and scandals behind one of the most iconic fashion houses.

23. Dior and I (2014)

“Dior and I” provides an intimate and behind the scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as the creative director of Christian Dior. The documentary highlights the artistry, craftsmanship, and pressures involved in producing a couture line, offering insights into the dedication and teamwork behind the scenes.

24. The House of Eliott (1991–1994)

“The House of Eliott” is a television series set in the 1920s, following two sisters who start their own fashion house after the death of their father. The show explores the challenges of running a business in the fashion world while showcasing the changing styles and societal shifts of the post-World War I era.

25. The Dressmaker (2015)

“The Dressmaker” follows a talented dressmaker who returns to her small Australian hometown to reconcile with her past. Through her exquisite designs, she transforms the women in the town and seeks revenge while uncovering the secrets that haunt her. The film combines drama, humor, and fashion to explore themes of redemption and forgiveness.

26. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011)

“Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel” is a documentary that explores the life and legacy of Diana Vreeland, a legendary fashion editor and influential figure in the fashion industry. The film chronicles her remarkable career, from her tenure at Harper’s Bazaar to her iconic role as editor in chief of Vogue, highlighting her innovative style, creativity, and impact on fashion and culture. Through interviews, archival footage, and Vreeland’s own words, the documentary captures her unique vision and enduring influence on the world of fashion.

27. Appendage (2023)

  • Director: Anna Zlokovic
  • Cast: Hadley Robinson, Emily Hampshire, Kausar Mohammed
  • Genre: Horror
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • IMDb: ‘Appendage’ on IMDb

Reminiscent of 1980s movies like “Basketcase” and “Its Alive”, Appendage is about a fashion designer who begins to grow an appendage that takes a horrifying but delightful turn! A must see horror film for those who like something different and quirky.

28. McQueen (2018)

  • Director: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui
  • Genre: Documentary, Biography
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘McQueen’ on IMDb

“McQueen” is a documentary that delves into the life, career, and artistry of the renowned British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Through interviews, archival footage, and visually stunning presentations of his runway shows, the film explores McQueen’s creative genius, his innovative designs, and the emotional depth behind his work. It offers an intimate portrait of a designer whose impact on the fashion world continues to resonate even after his untimely death.

BONUS Movies About Fashion Streaming FREE

Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber (2005)
The Genius of Gianni Versace Alive (2022)
Oh, Dior! (2017)
The Drawings of Yves Saint Laurent (2017)
Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton (2007)
Passion (2013)
The Cara Project (2017)
Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston (2010)
Factory Girl (2006)


Thanks for reading this article for fashion movie inspiration!

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best movies about fashion checklist

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So, what are your thoughts on the movies included in this list? What additional movies would you have included? What movies would you have left off?

We encourage all comments and discussion!

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