BEST FASHION DOCUMENTARIES AND WHERE TO WATCH THEM NOW

While you might not work in the fashion industry, there are plenty of documentaries out there that will give you an insight into what it's like for those who do. Whether it's behind-the-scenes at the Met Gala in The First Monday In May or a look inside how a Chanel haute couture collection came together under the guidance of the late Karl Lagerfeld, there's a lesson in each of them. 

The documentaries out there aren't just focused on high fashion, either. Paris Is Burning takes a look at the fashionistas of the New York Balls in the 1980s, while Fresh Dressed details the history of urban fashion from its start on cotton plantations to its spread to corporate America.

Below are our top picks if you want to get a better knowledge of the industry and people that clothe you.

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© Acolyte/Kobal/Shutterstock

Valentino: The Last Emperor Valentino Garavani, one of the world’s most celebrated designers, announced his retirement in 2007, around 50 years after first founding his eponymous brand. As he prepares for his final show, and taking a closer look at the relationship between him and his longterm partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino: The Last Emperor details the finest moments of his life. Out now on Amazon Prime.

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© Music Box Films/Kobal/Shutterstock

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards Released in 2017, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards focuses on the Manolo Blahnik: perhaps the most famous shoe designer in the world. Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, John Galliano, Iman and Karlie Kloss all feature, praising the designer, and longtime fashion journalist Michael Roberts presents. Out now on Amazon Prime.

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© Pascal Le Segretain

7 Days Out If you haven't heard of it, Netflix show 7 Days Out explores the excitement and drama behind the scenes in the seven days leading up to major live events. Episode five of the programme, which first aired in 2018, explores how the late Karl Lagerfeld's Spring/Summer 2018 couture collection came to be and how a couture show, held at the Grand Palais, comes together. Out now on Netflix.

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© John Phillips

Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer gives an insight into the working life of Britain's best-loved designer. The documentary explores how this modest man from Nottingham become synonymous with elegance in men’s fashion. Out now on Amazon Prime.

5/5

© Patrick McMullan

Harry Benson: Shoot First This documentary takes a look at the work and life of renowned photographer Harry Benson, the man who shot The Beatles, having been assigned to cover their inaugural trip to the US in 1964. As well as this, he was allowed to capture some of the key figures in history on camera and his extensive portfolio includes iconic images of Sir Winston Churchill, Bobby Fischer, Muhammad Ali, Greta Garbo, Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr. Out now on Netflix.