HOUSE OF Z (Netflix)
“Fashion has a dark side. It’s not all runways and lipstick and fishtail gowns,” says designer Zac Posen at the start of the documentary. Following an illustrious career that started early, this industry prodigy witnessed a downfall that made people believe his label was nearing the end. Straightforward and compelling, House of Z documents the journey of Posen’s rise and fall and getting back up again to become the powerhouse he is known for being today. The documentary has been directed by Sandy Chronopoulos and co-written by Cherien Barsoum
MCQUEEN (2018)
Netflix Tracing the life of legendary designer Alexander McQueen, the documentary offers first-hand accounts of his genius artistry that changed the world’s perspective of fashion and a tormented private life that ultimately ended him. McQueen traces some of Alexander’s most provocative and moving work, only showing that there will never be another designer like him in the world of fashion. Directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui and featuring industry biggies like Anna Wintour, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss among others, this is a comprehensive biography of one of the modern world’s enduring icons.
MANOLO: THE BOY WHO MADE SHOES FOR LIZARDS (Netflix)
He’s charming, giggly, opts for a lavender suit and doesn’t take himself too seriously – that’s how this astounding documentary describes Manolo Blahnik. What he does take seriously is his love for making shoes and the vast reservoir of knowledge he holds. This Michael Roberts documentary attempts to capture the quirk of Manolo Blahnik, the master of mules and his extraordinary life since the late 60s
CASABLANCA: THE MAN WHO LOVED WOMEN
Netflix Whether you’re someone who loves the world of fashion or not, you would easily recollect Cindy Crawford’s Pepsi ad or notable names like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bundchen – this is the story of the man who made them household names. The man behind the most powerful modelling agency, Elite, John Casablanca, coined the term “supermodel” and revolutionized fashion consumption. This Hubert Woroniecki film is a rich account of the heady (and crazy) 80s and 90s that traces the larger-than-life world and lifestyle of Casablanca and his contribution to the fashion industry.
IRIS (Amazon Prime Video)
Widely known for her round-framed spectacles and eccentric way of dressing, fashion icon Iris Apfel is more than just her appearance. In a moving tale of this 97-year-old performance artist, Iris showcases her vast collectibles and distinct style of living with her 101-year-old husband and interior designer, Carl. Apfel’s casual words of wisdom to budding artists and fashionistas go a long way in showing why she truly deserves to be documented. Film-maker Albert Maysles’ Iris is a visual treat that needs to be watched.
FRANCA: CHAOS AND CREATION (Netflix)
The most revered editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani, dared to do what no one in her position had been able to accomplish till then. Right from her ‘Black issue’ to the ‘Plastic surgery issue’, she managed to connect current affairs and global issues that mattered with fashion. Sozzani’s son and director, Francesco Carrozzin, captures his mother in an intimate one-on-one, offering the viewers an insight into her mind and her reasons for breaking the norms of fashion magazine publishing.
ABSTRACT: THE ART OF DESIGN (Netflix)
The second episode in the series, Tinker Hatfield: Footwear Design, is based on legendary footwear designer for Nike, Tinker Hatfield. The man behind the Air Jordans, Air Max and several other prototype sneakers comes in front of the camera and narrates his association with the brand from 1981. Directed by Brian Oakes, The episode showcases a man’s deep desire to not just create shoes that not only fit your feet but offer more than just that. There are several learnings in this episode that artists in every field can understand, absorb and emulate.
7 DAYS OUT: CHANEL (Netflix)
Chanel haute couture shows, over the years, have been the most prominent fashion extravaganza that there is, courtesy late designer Karl Lagerfeld and the many minds that go behind putting up a show of this scale. For the first time, director Andrew Ross gets access to Chanel’s Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week S/S 2018 and depicts how the entire thing falls in place from day 7, before the show. The episode also gives an insight into the madness, nailbiting drama and sleepless hours spent by the makers to put up a fashion show.
