Fashion Docs

Fashion Docs

By Veronica Saroli (ArtSci ’14)

Staff Writer

Why not indulge in relaxation over the holidays and travel into the realm of the fashion industry through a documentary. Here are a few to check out:

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

Once fashion editor at Harpers Bazaar and editor in chief at Vogue, Diana Vreeland had a unique vision and talent that made her one of the most influential voices and editors in fashion. The movie provides insight into a world where Vreeland dictated trends that were adopted and coveted by the masses, with thousands of dollars and weeks dedicated to fashion shoots in order to attain the perfect image. If you want to know more about her, D.V., Vreeland’s memoir dubbed ‘faction’ (fact and fiction; she was notoriously hyperbolic), is a good way to get lost in the unbelievable life she lived.
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

The September Issue

The September Issue follows the process of putting together the most important magazine issue of the year—Vogue’s September issue—and the people behind it. The documentary created a cult-like status around Creative Director Grace Coddington, who has become a celebrity in her own right, and the ‘ice queen’ herself, Anna Wintour. This documentary provides an interesting look at behind the scenes action and creativity. Whether seeing it for the first time or re-watching, it never fails to inspire.
The September Issue

On the topic of Vogue editors, HBO has produced some very interesting documentaries about fashion. Recently debuted, In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye brings attention to the image-makers – the fashion stylists – who have defined the pages of Vogue for decades. 2012 is a big year for Vogue (it celebrates the 120th year publishing), and this film coincides with the release of a coffee table book of the same name as well Grace Coddington’s memoir, Grace.
In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye

During the summer, HBO also aired About Face: Supermodels Then and Now that discuses aging and famous supermodels from a period when supermodels were personalities rather than mere mannequins.
About Face: Supermodels Then and Now

Bill Cunningham New York

A story of dedication and passion to doing what you love, Bill Cunningham New York showcases New York Times photographer and street style photography pioneer Bill Cunningham as he bicycles around New York photographing the ‘show on the street.’ His narrated videos on the New York Times website are a real treat and pleasure to view for a three minute digression from work.
Bill Cunningham New York

There are many other fashion documentaries out there; other notable docs include Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton, Valentino: the Last Emperor, Christian Dior: The Man Behind the Myth, Lagerfeld Confidential, Girl Model (on the world of model scouts), Notebook on Cities & Clothes (about Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto), Seamless, and Unzipped.

Images from wikipedia.com, rottentomatoes.com, imdb.com, entertainista.com, movieposterdb.com

All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s)-in-Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.

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