8 Best Fashion Documentaries To Watch

They say fashion goes deeper than the clothes after the stories, the vision and the moments that define cultural shifts. From behind-the-scenes chaos at couture shows to the quiet genius of designers who changed the way we dress, fashion documentaries capture the drama and artistry that define the industry. If you’re ready for inspiration, creativity, and a closer look at the world’s most influential tastemakers, these are the best fashion documentaries to watch now that take you behind the glitz and glamour of the world of fashion.

Fashion Documentaries

Here's a roundup of the best fashion documentaries for you to watch:

The True Cost

A hard-hitting look at the global impact of fast fashion, The True Cost traces the journey of our clothes from factory floors to retail racks. Through interviews with garment workers, activists, and industry experts, the film exposes the environmental devastation and human rights abuses behind cheap, disposable clothing asking viewers to reconsider what their wardrobe really costs.

Very Ralph

Very Ralph offers an intimate portrait of Ralph Lauren, chronicling his rise from Bronx-born tie designer to one of America’s most influential fashion icons. Through personal interviews and rare archival footage, the documentary reveals the philosophy, ambition, and storytelling behind the brand that helped define the modern American dream.

The September Issue

This behind-the-scenes classic follows Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team as they craft the magazine’s monumental September issue. With unprecedented access to Vogue’s inner workings, the film captures the creative clashes, high-stakes decisions, and editorial genius that shape one of fashion’s most influential publications.

Dior and I

Dior and I goes inside the storied French fashion house as newly appointed artistic director Raf Simons prepares his first haute couture collection. Blending the brand’s rich heritage with the pressures of modern innovation, the documentary highlights the artistry, emotional labor, and collaborative brilliance required to bring couture to life in just eight weeks.

Men of Cloth

A quiet, reverent tribute to master tailors, Men of Cloth follows three artisans devoted to the disappearing craft of handmade menswear. Through their personal stories, the film explores tradition, dedication, and the challenge of preserving old-world craftsmanship in a fast-paced, mass-produced era.

Material Success

Focusing on the business side of creativity, Material Success profiles Canadian fashion designer Bruno Ierullo as he attempts to scale his avant-garde vision into a full-fledged brand. The documentary captures the tension between artistic passion and commercial demand, offering a raw look at the realities of building a fashion label from the ground up.

McQueen

A visually striking and deeply emotional portrait of Alexander McQueen, this documentary traces the designer’s meteoric rise and the demons that haunted him. Using archival footage, intimate interviews, and McQueen’s own provocative work, the film captures the brilliance, darkness, and unyielding creativity that made him one of fashion’s most revolutionary figures.

Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist

This film charts the life and legacy of Dame Vivienne Westwood—from her rebellious beginnings in the punk movement to her emergence as a global design force and outspoken climate activist. Through candid interviews and studio footage, the documentary reveals her uncompromising spirit and the bold political ethos woven into every collection.