4 Fashion Films to Watch According to our Team
4 Fashion Films to Watch According to our Team
The team at Fashion Minority report have selected four fashion films that have deeply influenced our understanding of the industry and the creative visionaries who drive it. These films—featuring icons like Alexander McQueen and André Leon Talley—go beyond the surface to reveal the artistry, innovation, and challenges that shape fashion. They’ve inspired us as a team, and now we’re excited to share them with you, offering a glimpse into the stories that fuel our passion and broaden our perspective on what fashion truly means.
McQueen, 2018: Aswan, Content Media Coordinator
McQueen (2018) is a documentary that delves into the life and career of Alexander McQueen, one of the most groundbreaking designers in fashion history. Through a combination of archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, the film offers an intimate portrait of McQueen’s creative process, tracing his rise from a young, self-taught designer to the head of his own celebrated fashion house. It showcases his ability to blend artistry with theatricality, creating collections that shocked and inspired the fashion world.
The film doesn’t shy away from exploring McQueen’s personal struggles, including the immense pressure and emotional toll that accompanied his success. For those interested in fashion, McQueen provides an insightful look into the industry’s demands and the creative passion that drives it. With its focus on innovation, risk-taking, and the artistry behind fashion, the documentary is a compelling watch for anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity and business.
“The charm, the cheek, the unabashed and otherworldly creativity — they could go above and beyond in showing how great he was because McQueen was a designer that did exactly that: went above and beyond. A beautiful tribute to a talent gone far too soon, but cherished nonetheless.”
John Galliano on Martin Margiela, dressing Zendaya and Kim Kardashian and his love of the process, 2024: Daniel, Founder and Director
In this conversation, John Galliano reflects on his creative journey at Maison Margiela, sharing the inspiration behind his work and how it has evolved over time. He delves into the sensory experiences that influence his designs, from the texture of fabrics to the impact of music, scent, and even atmospheric conditions. Galliano highlights how these elements shape both the physical garments and the emotions they evoke, particularly in his Cinema Inferno collection, which combines fashion with theatre and film. He explains how his background and early work influence his current designs, while embracing Margiela’s unique ethos.
A key takeaway from the discussion is Galliano’s belief in the importance of soul in fashion. For emerging designers, this offers a lesson in how to blend emotion with technique, pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the core of a design.
“Galliano, like many creatives at his level, have often been seen as an enigma, mostly because we don’t see or understand much about the genius behind the work. This 40 minute watch delves into the layers of hidden beauty that go into the craft, giving a glimmer into his process for the now famed 2024 Maison Margiela Artisanal collection.”
The Gospel According to André, 2017: Aoife, Talent Development Project Coordinator
The Gospel According to André (2017) offers an intimate look into André Leon Talley’s life, from his Southern upbringing to becoming a towering figure at Vogue. The film includes poignant scenes of Talley visiting his grandmother’s home, reflecting on how her lessons in dignity and style shaped his journey into fashion. Archival footage showcases his presence at iconic fashion shows and behind the scenes at Vogue, where his influence on shaping the publication’s vision is undeniable.
The documentary also explores Talley’s personal battles with racism and exclusion, adding a raw, emotional depth to his story. One particularly compelling scene shows Talley commanding a Vogue editorial meeting, seamlessly blending his deep knowledge of history with his bold, artistic vision for fashion. The Gospel According to André celebrates not only his influential career but also the complexities and challenges that shaped his remarkable legacy in fashion.
“He was a 1 of 1 with a boundless and inspirational knowledge of fashion history and literature. Without him, many of us wouldn’t dare to dream about fashion today and I will forever thank him for his contributions!”
The First Monday in May, 2016: Hannah, Content Editor and Staff Writer
The First Monday in May (2016) is a fascinating documentary that follows the creation of one of the most significant fashion events of the year—the Met Gala. The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning behind the 2015 exhibit, China: Through the Looking Glass, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Directed by Andrew Rossi, it explores the intersection of fashion, art, and culture, and examines the complex role of cultural appropriation in fashion.
The documentary captures key figures like Anna Wintour, Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, and Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator, as they work tirelessly to curate both the exhibition and the glamorous Met Gala. The film offers intimate moments of creative discussions, logistical challenges, and the high-pressure environment of producing such a large-scale event. The First Monday in May is an engaging look at the collaboration, vision, and art that bring the worlds of fashion and culture together in a truly spectacular way.
“The First Monday in May was my first real glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of fashion, and seeing the meticulous work that goes into the Met Gala was eye-opening. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the art of fashion and the people who shape it.”
