The Devil Wears Prada, 2006. Although the fashion in this movie leaves little to be desired the movie was a big hit and widely considered to be vastly superior to the novel it was based on. There are some political and cultural insights into the world of fashion such as this quote from Meryl Streep’s character: “you think you’re immune from fashion but that horrible sweater you’re wearing is blue because two years ago designers decided blue was the trend”.
Zoolander, 2001. An acquired taste in comedy is needed for this early Ben Stiller movie and again, the fashion does not feature designs that would make any fashion aficionado’s wardobe but there are certain truths about fashion that are once again revealed. Whatever the appeal, it must have struck a chord with many as there is a sequel on the way.
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) Anne Fontaine, 2009. Playing a young Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, Audrey Tatou puts in an inspiring performance. She exudes the charm of the most influential women ever to grace the field of fashion beginning where Gabrielle and her sister had just left an orphanage and begin working a day job as well as performing as cabaret singers by night. The main character never quite made it professionally but thanks to meeting a rich prince, she had the backing she needed to make her mark on the world of fashion.
Yves Saint Laurent: His Life and Times and Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris David Teboul, 2002. This documentary looks at the life of legendary designer, Yves Saint Lauren including interviews with the man himself as well as close friend. We see his roots in Algeria and his time as head designer at Christian Dior at the tender age of just 21.We see him launch his own fashion house and up to his retirement in 2002. We then take a look at his collections from preliminary sketches to final fittings.
Who Are You, Polly Magoo? William Klein, 1966. Infamous American Vogue fashion photographer, William Klein made his first full-length movie in 1966. This satire depicts the two worlds in which he lived; the media and , of course, high fashion. It features a journalist making a documentary about Polly Magoo, the latest supermodel who is subsequently pursued by a prince who wants to take her back to his kingdom. The movie features an American publisher who is based on Diana Vreeland, former Vogue editor-in-chief.