The Best Fashion Documentaries on Netflix

For many the world of fashion is a fantastical form of escapism from the humdrum of 9-5 life. We find ourselves swept away on a wave of silk soft textures, vivid hues and awe inspiring designs, that often leave us speechless in the wake of their beauty. Fashion is the ultimate fairy tale for grown ups, a place where our sartorial dreams become a reality, one perfectly sewn stitch at a time.

The Best Fashion Documentaries on Netflix

So after the next less than perfect day at the office we recommend you break free from the shackles of adult life with one of these unmissable Netflix fashion docs…

The First Monday in May

Any fashion lover worth their salt knows that the first Monday in May plays host to the annual Met Gala; and a profile on the event is bound to be one of the best fashion documentaries on Netflix. A disgustingly lavish red carpet soiree to promote the unveiling of the latest Metropolitan Museum of Art’s fashion exhibition. This highly charged masterpiece, directed by Andrew Rossi, showcases the run up to China: Through the Looking Glass; an in depth look at the impact of Chinese design on Western fashion. Follow MET curator Andrew Bolton as he professionally navigates complex logistics, tight deadlines and the wrath of Anna Wintour.

Franca – Chaos and Creation

A documentary with a difference, Franca: Chaos and Creation follows the fashionable comings and goings of former legendary Italian Vogue Editor Franca Sozzani by Francesco Carrozzini, her super talented director son. Willing to go where many others wouldn’t dare, Francesco challenges his mother and gets answers to the questions we’d all have loved to ask! The epic tale beautifully highlights Franca’s creative genius and passionate urge to repeatedly shake up the status quo. Since her untimely death in 2016, this special film has become all the more poignant and iconic.

Manolo

Long before Carrie Bradshaw’s infatuation there stood an ambitious, quirky young dreamer named Manolo Blahnik who made tin foil shoes for lizards…yes really! Fast forward 30 years to the early 70s and Blahnik follows the wise words of Diana Vreeland (then Editor in Chief of US Vogue) to turn his shoe sketches into a reality. Manolo documents the magical journey of one charming man’s love affair with truly phenomenal footwear, cementing itself as one of the best fashion documentaries on Netflix. 

Jeremy Scott – The People’s Designer

Ever wondered how an ambitious Missouri farm boy became the Creative Director of Moschino? The People’s Designer follows the rise of pop culture worshipper Jeremy Scott, as he divides critics opinions with his kitsch and wildly outlandish designs. The unlikely tale documents Scott’s entire 360 from a tough child hood through to rubbing shoulders with A list admirers including Katy Perry, Jared Leto and Miley Cyrus.

7 Days Out – Chanel Haute Couture

Fairy tales don’t come more magical than a Chanel Haute Couture show. Twice a year Paris’ Grand Palais is transformed beyond recognition as its audience is swept away on a magic carpet ride of Karl Lagerfeld’s extraordinary mind. The documentary – one of a 6 part series on some of the world’s biggest events – offers exclusive access to the hectic 7 days leading up to the Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Directed once again by Andrew Rossi, the fascinating retrospective is a delightfully raw insight into the world of couture.

Words: Jenna Jones