Prince Miškin, in Dostoyevsky’s Idiot, says that “beauty will save the world“. The word “mir”, in Russian, has two meanings: world and peace, and this is precisely the concept on which we want to focus today.
We are experiencing a complex, difficult and unprecedented situation. We are overloaded with news, numbers, appeals, warnings, restrictions, all to cope with an emergency that is leading us, or rather, has already led us to radically change our habits.
At this moment, if there is one thing we can all do, it is to follow the simplest of the directions given to us: stay at home.
Battles are fought with the weapons at our disposal, and we are lucky, because from ours we have perhaps the most powerful of all, beauty.
To combat fear, boredom and intolerance, we have chosen 10 documentaries on the world of fashion, the ones we liked the most, so that we can dedicate this almost muffled time to our passions, to beauty, which will hopefully restore some peace to this world.
Dior and I
Year: 2014
Director: Frédéric Tcheng
This wonderful documentary recounts the debut of Raf Simons, as creative director of the French fashion house Dior. Tradition and innovation, passion, emotions, along the seven weeks of work to get to the most important moment, the fashion show.
The September Issue
Year: 2009
Director: R.J. Cutler
A journey behind the scenes of the most important edition of Vogue USA directed by the most influential woman in the fashion world, Anna Wintour. The documentary traces a unique profile of the world’s most famous Editor in Chief, with her clear and decisive choices and her unique way of doing things.
Valentino: The Last Emperor
Year: 2008
Director: Matt Tyrnauer
More than 250 hours of filming, ranging from work to private moments, made from 2005 to 2007 that tell in a unique way, the most influential Italian designer in the world, Valentino.
Yves Saint Laurent: L’amor fou
Year: 2011
Director: Pierre Thoretton
Documentary that focuses his attention on the relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The genius of the French designer in contrast with his complex and difficult personality.
Social Fabric
Year: 2017
Creators: Jonah Bekhor, Jonas Bell Pasht
Not really a documentary, but a series dedicated to streetwear that analyzes the phenomenon in all its most absurd facets. The designer and founder of the Brain Dead brand, Kyle Ng, presents each episode with his passionate yet light and irreverent approach.
Sneakerheadz
Year: 2015
Directors: David T. Friendly, Mick Partridge
Docu dedicated to sneakers and its fans. Experts in the sector analyze the phenomenon that has become an integral part of the fashion world.
A Day in the life of Massimo Osti
Year: 1995
An interview is an opportunity to experience a day with “the godfather of sportswear“. The genius, vision, uniqueness and ability to be “one step beyond” of one of the most important designers in Italian history, Massimo Osti.
Jeremy Scott, the People Designer
Year: 2015
Director: Vlad Yudin
The story of the American fashion designer told through the crucial episodes of his life, from the farm in Missouri to becoming Moschino’s creative director. Quite a few guest stars like ASAP Rocky and Lady Gaga peep out in this unmissable documentary.
Fresh Dressed
Year: 2015
Director: Sacha Jenkins
A wonderful love story, the one between fashion and hip hop, told by Sacha Jenkins. Social, musical and costume revolution in a documentary that sees the presence, among others, of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.
House of Z
Year: 2017
Director: Sandy Chronopoulos
The rise, fall and challenge to rebuild his company and his life, by designer Zach Posen. The documentary recounts the often fragile balances of the fashion world.
