5 Fashion Films to Watch Right Now That Aren’t The Devil Wears Prada

Scary, sweet, satirical—this list has it all.

Date April 2, 2020

There’s no shortage of shows to stream available to us right now – which is great considering that we may be indoors for a little while longer yet. But after you’ve binged The Devil Wears Prada, Dior and I and The First Monday in May, there’s plenty more style-centric cinema to indulge in from cheeky industry send-ups to some spookier fare—and they’ve got lewks to spare. Here’s a list of fashion films to keep you intrigued and inspired.

Phantom Thread

Step into the beautifully sombre world of dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he makes sumptuous gowns for London’s high society. Tenuous relationships with his business partner sister and a new love interest ensure there’s plenty of drama in Woodcock’s life, but the most dramatic characters in this film are the clothes, which evoke examples of the finest techniques used by Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Stream it now on Netflix.

Unzipped

Speaking of drama, this documentary about New York-based designer Isaac Mizrahi boasts scads of supermodels, sequins and stressed-out moments. It follows the preparation for Mizrahi’s Fall 1994 collection, which was presented in a most unique way by giving the audience a glimpse of what was happening backstage during the runway show. This movie predates most of the BTS fashion docs you know and love, and is wildly unfiltered thanks to the fact the director, Douglas Keeves, was dating Mizrahi at the time; their breakup is said to have been caused by the toll making the movie took on their relationship.

Stream it now on Prime.

In Fabric

Peter Strickland’s sinister flick about a havoc-wrecking frock might have you covering your eyes at certain points—but it’s so hard to turn away, especially when a flock of saleswomen in voluminous, Gothic dresses step on to the screen. Moody, mysterious, funny and totally engrossing, it’s the perfect form of escapism. And you’ll never look at sale season in quite the same way.

Stream it now on Crave.

Bill Cunningham New York

Beloved photographer Bill Cunningham was one of the most well-known faces amongst the street style fray at fashion’s biggest events, but his best work came from a more relatable milieu—the bustling streets of Manhattan. Before his passing in 2016, this doc capturing his gentle spirit and unparalleled eye was released; it’s especially worth watching if you’re in need of a little cheering up.

Stream it now on Kanopy.

Who are you, Polly Maggoo? (Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?)

Directed by iconic photographer William Klein, this retro romp follows American model Polly Maggoo (played by Dorothy McGowan) as she navigates the world of Parisian Couture. It’s fashion-focused satire that became the template for movies like Zoolander, and features key hallmarks of style in the ‘60s including luxe bohemian and the futuristic flair of Paco Rabanne.

Stream it now on Prime.