4 Types Of Movies That Can Teach You About the Fashion Industry

by Devin Caldwell

The fashion industry is one of the most fascinating industries on earth. Anyone who pays attention to New York or Paris fashion week knows that the world of fashion is constantly changing, but few understand what's really going on under the surface. Thankfully, there are several films out there that are known for accurately portraying the ins and outs of the fashion world.

1. Biographical Dramas

Thanks to a rising interest in the big fashion designers of the past, tons of cool biopics and biographical dramas are coming out that can show you a lot about what these designers may have been like. Miniseries like Halston, all about the iconic designer of that name, have the time to zoom in on specific aspects of this person's career, from their fixation on fleece fabric to their preferred type of wine.  Similarly, films like House of Gucci portray intense family drama within a fashion house that the outside world was unaware of at the time.

Of course, because these are movies, the events are heightened and dramatized for greater effect. But, in general, they stay true to what really happened. Even for those without a particular interest in fashion, these portrayals of creative and motivated people make for a great watching experience. 

2. Documentaries

If your goal is to get the facts and see the real people and places behind the clothing you love, finding a good documentary is the way to go. Documentaries like Valentino: The Last Emperor show the behind-the-scenes action of a huge fashion house like Valentino, but they'll also give you a glimpse of who these designers are and what inspires them. The September Show is a rare look at what goes on to prepare each issue of Vogue magazine, from the perspective of its reigning editor, Anna Wintour.

These documentaries are visually stunning and extremely well-made. You'll find yourself moved to tears by the passion and the hard work that goes into curating a line of clothing or putting on a show. It's a lot easier to see how fashion is an artistic expression when you look at it through the lens of these brilliant designers. 

3. Old Classics

The fashion industry has been around a long time, and nothing can teach you more about the fashion and style of way back when than a Hollywood classic like Funny Face. Not only do you get to see Audrey Hepburn in one of her earliest roles, but you get to see her wearing dramatic gowns with Paris as a backdrop. The movie was made in the late '50s, so the styles of that time are all represented, from beatnik turtlenecks to Dior-Esque gowns. Watching old movies is one of the best ways you can get familiar with how people used to dress and what was in style, but movies like Funny Face will also show you what the fashion industry was like in those days. 

4. Fictional Portrayals

There have also been some fantastic fictional stories written about the inner workings of the fashion world, such as The Devil Wears Prada. While Devil is technically a work of fiction, it's based closely on the book of the same name by a woman who worked for a high-end fashion magazine. It's a fascinating story that can tell you a lot about the long hours and hard work required of those who want to make it big in the fashion industry. Movies like Head Over Heels can tell you about what it's like to work as a model, a career that many aspire to without understanding what it demands.

And no list of movies about the industry would be complete without mentioning Zoolander, a comedic take on the sometimes egotistical stereotypes about male models. No industry is without its flaws, and a comedy helps to shed light on those flaws while still making for a fun viewing experience.  

The Main Takeaway

For anyone with an interest in fashion and a curious mind, these movies, documentaries, and miniseries are all a great way to get a closer look while also having a great time.