The world of fashion has often been depicted in cinema with a mix of glamour, drama, and satire. From iconic performances to unforgettable styles, movies about fashion have created some of the most memorable characters and stories on the big screen. Whether highlighting the cutthroat nature of the industry or celebrating the beauty and creativity of fashion, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that is both brutal and enchanting. Spanning from timeless classics to modern hits that showcase the multifaceted allure of fashion, these Hollywood films are the best in the film industry if you want a taste of fashion.
Here’s a curated list of the most iconic films about fashion that you must watch.
The Devil Wears Prada (30 June 2006)
The ever-iconic film, The Devil Wears Prada is unabashed in spilling the secrets of the fashion media industry. Meryl Streep’s performance as Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, is one of the most memorable characters in the history of movies. Anne Hathaway’s journey as Andy Sachs is a thrilling one, enduring a ruthless boss but persevering and even becoming the better of two assistants. It’s an unavoidable watch or an eventual rewatch for everyone.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (5 October 1961)
Audrey Hepburn’s most mimicked look of her black dress and pearls originates from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She plays the naive but fabulous Holly Golightly, whose daily activities lead her to meet Paul Varjak. While the movie doesn’t age well in the present, it’s a classic that has greatly inspired fashion. The classy and unforgettable moments are one for the ages, the perfect romantic film for an evening.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (13 February 2009)
While the fashion in Confessions of a Shopaholic is quite exaggerated, the movie portrays addiction towards shopping in a much too relatable manner. Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) embarks on a journey towards recovery and while she consistently disappoints, she eventually understands her actions and gets a happy ending. Under her shopaholic personality is an honest woman consumed by her love for fashion.
House of Gucci (9 November 2021)
Based on accounts of The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden, House of Gucci narrates the real-life story of Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) and Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver). Their romance turned into rivalry over their greed for the Italian brand Gucci. It also stars an ensemble cast of Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek, and Al Pacino. The project was only rumoured for several years with weak press but their immense success proved that the perseverance for its release was worth it.
Cruella (28 May 2021)
Cruella is the origin story of the villain of the 101 Dalmatians franchise, Cruella de Vil, that nobody asked for but everyone is quite surprised by. It narrates the story of how Cruella became who she is and while the plot is overly cliché and the world of fashion is not entirely true to life, the fashion looks are extraordinary. Emma Stone’s performance as Cruella also hit the nail on the head with her effortless style and chaotic energy.
The Neon Demon (9 June 2016)
The Neon Demon is a grotesque take on the fashion world. Despite the unrealistic storyline, the emotions embedded into the characters–jealousy, ignorance, naivety, etc. are all too common within the competitive world of modelling. Jesse, played by Elle Fanning, is a 16-year-old model whose natural beauty and innocence catch the eyes of the wrong people. Her fellow models are sidelined; if you watch the movie, you can guess how that might end up. The movie has an incredulous amount of gore so fair warning if you believe it’s just about modelling.
Gia (13 January 1998)
Based on the life of one of the first supermodels, Gia Carangi, Angelina Jolie plays the titular character in this sensual but devastating version of her life. The movie depicts how destructive an addiction can become, especially the damage it does to your relationships with your loved ones. Moreover, it warns people of the other consequences of drug abuse.
Crazy Rich Asians (15 August 2018)
Crazy Rich Asians might not be centred around fashion but the style and glamour of the film left a lasting impression on the world. Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is thrown into a whirlwind when she discovers that her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), comes from one of the richest families in Singapore. Due to her middle-class background, she undergoes a makeover but is still not entirely accepted by his strict mother. The styling in the movie is one for the ages, from Rachel’s dress at the dinner party to the wedding. Even the other cast members, from Gemma Chan to Michelle Yeoh, are in their best fashion. It’s a worthwhile and fun movie to watch.
Clueless (19 July 1995)
Clueless is a fabulous coming-of-age film featuring Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a rich but good-natured student living in Beverly Hills. It centres around romance and teenagehood but the style in the film is timeless. Plus, when there’s an iconic makeover scene in a film, it has to be considered a fashion movie must-watch.
Zoolander (28 September 2001)
Zoolander is a movie I almost forgot was a fashion film due to its eccentricity and a rivalry scene that became famous as a meme in late 2022. Featuring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as the leading men playing rival models, it is a satire on the fashion industry’s exploitative practices. In surprise appearances, the film also featured icons like David Bowie, Victoria Beckham, Tommy Hilfiger, Heidi Klum, and so many more. The movie is definitely the easiest to watch on the list.
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