The Top Best Documentaries about the World of Beauty and Fashion

Oct. 7, 2022

The search for the ideal beauty is the common journey in the following documentaries. How much our appearance matters? And how much does it say about ourselves? Anyone who has ever watched a fashion or beauty documentary knows that there is more to the industry than meets the eye.

These documentaries go beyond the surface to explore the journey of finding the ideal beauty. They also pose important questions about how much our appearance matters and what it says about us as individuals.

Why watch documentaries on fashion, trends, and beauty? 

This list of films about beauty and fashion offers a well-rounded view of beauty and fashion, from the perspective of both those working in the industry and those who are simply passionate about style.

They explore important themes such as aging, body image, and self-expression through clothing. If you're interested in learning more about how our culture perceives beauty, these films are a great place to start.

What are the best documentaries about beauty and fashion?

It's in the Sky (2014)

 

A blond girl looks at the camera standing on an European street

 

In this Fashion Documentary Film, Dutch filmmaker Sarah Domogala travels in search of answers to the changing world of Western women's clothing today. What begins as an exploration about transforming your own personal liking for an outfit becomes an interesting inquiry into the world of fashion trend.

Through interviews to ordinary women and experts which take place in Amsterdam, Paris, London or New York, the filmmaker looks for answers to the questions of thousands of women who seek to represent with their clothes the transversal energy they evoke as mothers, professionals, lovers and dreamers at the same time. 

Catwalk (1995)

This documentary gives an inside look at the high-pressure world of fashion modeling. It follows a group of models as they travel to cities like Milan, Paris, and New York to participate in some of the biggest fashion shows in the world.

Along the way, we learn about the intense competition between models, the pressure to maintain a certain appearance, and the grueling demands of the job. While it may not be all glamorous, Catwalk provides an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

 

Next (2015)

 

A blonde young girl looking through the window

 

Director Elia Urkiza gives us direct access to the side of Hollywood that we did not know. Hundreds of girls and teenagers from all over the United States flock to California to join casting agencies and talent workshops in their desire to become a Hollywood star.

Whether in acting or singing classes, or hosting a newscast just for kids, in this film we accompany several characters during their arduous rehearsal sessions.

From this observational approach, we become confidants of the aspirations of the protagonists and get to know a consolidated economy that operates thanks to dreams of beauty and fame that Hollywood promotes.

Advanced Style

This film explores the lives of seven elderly women living in New York City who have one thing in common: their love of fashion.

Despite their advanced age, these women continue to dress in a unique and stylish way that reflects their personality and individual sense of self. Advanced Style celebrates aging as a natural part of life and proves that you can be fashionable at any age.

 

Richard Avedon, Darkness and Light (1996)

 

Richard Avedon’s secret on how to photograph the human beauty is unveiled in this beautiful documentary.

The magician behind iconic fashion pictures published in magazines like Vogue and Life, in which he photographed such personalities as Marylin Monroe, the Kennedys or the Duchess and Duke of Windsor, tells us his own method of creation and the ideas and images that inspire him throughout his life.

The most interesting thing about this film, which is full of confidences told by Avedon himself, is the opportunity to discover the deeply human side of fashion photography in the words of a man with the undeniable gift of capturing beauty.
 

The September Issue (2009)

For anyone interested in learning more about the inner workings of Vogue magazine, this documentary is a must-watch. The September Issue follows editor-in-chief Anna Wintour as she prepares for Vogue's biggest issue of the year.

We get an inside look at photo shoots, cover decisions, and all of the drama that goes into creating one of the most popular fashion magazines in the world. If you're looking for an insider's view of the fashion industry, this is the film for you.

 

Maximum Pleasure (2014)

 

Three Polish women in a living room

 

Four Polish women in the autumn of their lives are the picturesque protagonists of this entertaining documentary. All of them have something in common: they are addicted to buying beauty products like automatic massage beds or gym equipments to exercise at home.

In an observational approach full of humor and quotidian moments, director Katarzyna Trzaska brings together these picturesque women to build a documentary that rests on seemingly superficial conversations. Ironically, the dialogues only reveal the underground conflict: the intrinsic loneliness and boredom that comes with the autum of their lives.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

This is a fascinating portrait of legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who retired from the fashion industry after 45 years.

The film chronicles his final collection, as well as his retirement party, which was attended by many celebrities and dignitaries. It also offers a rare glimpse into Valentino's private life, including his relationship with his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

Hair India (2008)

 

Several Indian models on a runway


Amid a crowd of men and women of all ages, an Indian woman with a shaved head gives her hair during the sacred ceremony she assists. After her religious gesture, the faithful woman will not know where her hair will end up.

In Hair India we will witness the unpredictable journey of that hair until it becomes an expensive and precious product for the women of the West. Our journey through this process of transformation offers us a reflection on the cultural differences of two hemispheres where religious faith and beauty prototypes are at the mercy of the current globalization.

Dior and I

This film gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Christian Dior's Haute Couture fashion house in Paris. It follows designer Raf Simons as he assembles his very first collection for the iconic label after being appointed as Dior's Creative Director in 2012.

The film provides an intimate portrait of the creative process, as well as a glimpse into the high-stakes world of Haute Couture fashion.

 

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