Given the current climate not only in Australia but worldwide, all public events have been brought to a standstill including the iconic Costume Institute Gala, or Met Ball, as it is better known. Whilst the excitement for sensational, magnificent 2020 Gala designs will have to be preserved for a later date there is much you can still catch up on in the meantime. So to help maintain your fashion appetite here is a curated list of documentaries that shed insight, inspiration and innovation into one of the most fascinating industries in the world.
The First Monday in May (Available to Buy or Rent on Youtube Movies)
Combining the public extravagance of the Met with the glamorous exclusivity of the exhibit itself, The First Monday in May follows American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and Met costume curator Andrew Bolton along with their illustrious team as they plan for the biggest night in fashion. Featuring an impressive collection of interviews from top designers, to fashion writers, to Gala attendees, the documentary highlights the monstrous task that is creating the 2015 exhibit. It becomes clear very soon into watching how hard all involved strive to perfect the theme for the year “China: Through the Looking Glass”, represent it successfully and maintain the excellence of previous exhibits, as they convey the true importance of fashion as art and its ability to impact people.
Savage x Fenty Fashion Show (Available on Amazon Prime)
From a determination to create a lingerie brand that not only appeals to every woman regardless of body type, background or personality but truly represents them, Savage x Fenty was born. This Amazon Prime special follows creator and artist Rihanna with her team as they prepare for the “visual event” fashion show Savage x Fenty. Showcasing incredible lingerie designs and an impressive lineup of models, dancers and artists from all walks of life, the real star of the show is the show itself, combining fashion, music, movement and female empowerment all on one runway.
7 Days Out CHANEL Haute Couture Episode (Available on Netflix)
This Netflix series documents a compact yet detailed glimpse of what it takes to pull together an event in the last seven days before it is presented and features the legendary french fashion house in its fifth episode. Shot whilst the late Karl Lagerfeld was still creative director at Chanel, the episode takes us behind the scenes into the Chanel atelier, portraying the work and time that goes into creating every single Haute Couture garment for the Spring-Summer 2018 collection, then designing the fashion show to showcase it. It is no secret that Karl Lagerfeld gained much attention and controversy during his time at Chanel, however 7 Days Out allows its audience to peer inside his creative mind and appreciate how brilliant he was at his craft.
Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer (Available to buy or rent on Youtube Movies)
The current creative director at Moschino with his own esteemed fashion label and a love for putting an edge on pop culture, Jeremy Scott is a rebel with a side of satire. Yet for all of the colourful, eye-catching designs and long list of celebrity collaborators, The People’s designer also delves into his early life and the years that shaped him into the success he is today. Whilst his rise to greatness was not without its challenges and setbacks it is a testament to his determination and perseverance as a designer. Overall the documentary is a love letter to all creative outsiders, passionate artists and of course the man driven to make clothes that “live, party and have fun.”
The Future of Fashion Series (Available to watch for free on Youtube)
If you want to know what it takes to land a job at Vogue, how to run a fashion business or the influence of social media at Balmain then this one's for you. The series produced by the British Vogue youtube channel and hosted by Alexa Chung looks at all sectors of the fashion world and what they entail. Chung explores avenues from fashion law and design, to more contemporary roles such as trend forecasting and fashion blogging. Series one and two of The Future of Fashion series feel down to earth as they shine a light on the diversity of work and roles that actually exist in the industry. With a variety of in-depth interviews from creatives that work in these roles, the ultimate lesson from this series is that there are many ways to get where you want to be, yet no specific way that needs to be done. Bravo!
These recommendations are available on the mentioned platforms in Australia only and other countries may differ.