As we collectively navigate a period of uncertainty and prioritise time spent indoors, there is a comfort to be found in the world of cinema. For those looking to lift their spirits or find a moment of sartorial escape away from their closet, fashion films offer a variety to choose from. Whether you’re seeking a deep-dive binge or something to play in the background as you go about spring cleaning, these eight films promise to inspire and delight.
The Devil Wears Prada
From Miranda Priestly’s razor-sharp wit to Andy Sachs’s metamorphosis through the halls of Runway magazine,The Devil Wears Prada remains an infinitely rewatchable classic for the fashion set (and everyone else). With the highly anticipated sequel slated for release next month, there is no better time to revisit the original and refresh your memory of every detail. The movie stands as a love letter to the grit and glamour of fashion journalism and is one that never fails to entertain.
House of Gucci
Ridley Scott’s portrayal of the Gucci dynasty is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a gripping family drama. Set against the backdrop of Milan and the Swiss Alps, the film showcases a story styled in vintage Italian power dressing. Lady Gaga’s wardrobe alone, complete with gold chains and silk scarves, serves as a mood board for maximalism. What’s more? The plot leaves you invested, whether you’re a Gucci girl or not.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
For a lighthearted escape, Confessions of a Shopaholic offers a vibrant, candy-coloured lens on the thrill of the hunt for the perfect accessory. While its protagonist navigates the pitfalls of credit, the costume design by Sex and the City‘s Patricia Field brings a whimsical energy to the screen. It is a joyful reminder of the emotional connection we share with the pieces in our wardrobes.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Few films have shaped the course of fashion history quite like this Audrey Hepburn classic. The opening scene, featuring the famous Givenchy black dress, established itself as the epitome of elegance for decades after. The movie offers plenty of fashion inspiration throughout, from oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses to the poise of Holly Golightly herself, every frame serves as a reminder that style can be both quiet and commanding.
McQueen
This documentary offers an intimate and haunting look at the life of Lee Alexander McQueen, one of the industry’s most daring visionaries. Through rare archival footage and breathtaking runway captures, the film explores the raw emotion behind his most iconic collections. The movie is a tribute to a man who transformed the catwalk into a stage for art.
Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s record-breaking film turned the world pink and is a film that celebrates femininity in all its glory. Beyond the Barbiecore aesthetic, Barbie’s costume design is a tribute to the Chanel archives and vintage Mattel silhouettes, offering viewers a chance to go revisit their childhood and dress like her, too. It is a brilliant, high-fashion satire that proves style can be playful and meaningful.
Wuthering Heights
For a moody movie that will have you in your feelings, Andrea Arnold’s adaptation of this classic tale offers a raw look at 19th-century textures. The film’s beauty lies in its tactile nature, the wind-swept hair, heavy wools and weathered fabrics that mirror the rugged Yorkshire moors. It is a stunning visual study in period-core that finds romance as the main protagonist.
The Great Gatsby
Baz Luhrmann’s high-octane take on the Roaring Twenties is a masterclass in Jazz Age opulence. With costumes designed in collaboration with Prada and jewellery by Tiffany & Co., the film embodies cinematic luxury and “more-is-more” styling. Every frame is filled with crystal gowns and tailored tuxedos, making it the perfect choice for a stay-at-home spectacle.
