The most iconic fashion films do more than just inspire style—they reflect our culture. In fact, few art forms complement each other as perfectly as fashion and film. Whether it’s a director’s skill at capturing the flow of a gown on screen or the lasting impact of fashion designers in cinema, this partnership has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in movie history.
Whether you’re curious about the often mysterious world of fashion, want to explore key moments in its history, or just enjoy a stylish escape, here are the most iconic fashion films you can watch right now.
Funny Face (1957)
Perfect for: Fans of Hollywood’s Golden Age glamour, musical lovers, and anyone who believes Paris is always a good idea.
Few fashion films are as joyful as Funny Face. Audrey Hepburn stars as Jo Stockton, a shy New York bookstore clerk who dreams of studying philosophy in Paris. Her wish comes true in an unexpected way when she becomes the muse of celebrated fashion photographer Dick Avery, played by Fred Astaire. Filled with beautiful Parisian scenes, delightful Gershwin tunes, and stunning dresses by costume designer Edith Head and Hepburn’s frequent collaborator Hubert de Givenchy, this film is a love letter to haute couture. —Liam Hess
Iconic fashion moments: From the pink cropped capelet on the runway to the drop-waist bateau-neck wedding dress in the finale, the film is full of breathtaking designs by Head and Givenchy. Hepburn’s black ballet flats, capri pants, and turtleneck in the jazz club scene became a defining look of the 1950s, inspired by the Beat Generation and French existentialism.
Fashion trivia: The editor-in-chief character Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson) was based on Diana Vreeland, while Astaire’s role drew inspiration from legendary photographer Richard Avedon.
Blow-Up (1966)
Perfect for: Lovers of art house and experimental films, and anyone fascinated by the style and music of 1960s London.
A darker entry on the list, this stylish thriller by Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni is set in the heart of Swinging Sixties London. It follows David Hemmings as Thomas, a hedonistic fashion photographer who believes he has accidentally captured a murder on film. While the protagonist’s treatment of women feels dated today, the film’s tension is balanced by fabulous cameos from figures like Veruschka and Jane Birkin. Blow-Up remains a captivating snapshot of a pivotal moment in fashion history. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: Veruschka embodies the “mod goddess” in a metallic dress during the infamous photoshoot scene, while Birkin’s striped shift dresses and bangs capture wide-eyed innocence as she navigates the fashion world.
Fashion trivia: Thomas was inspired by real-life British fashion photographers like David Bailey, Don McCullin, and John Cowan.
Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (1966)
Perfect for: Fans of French New Wave, satire, and mockumentaries—every frame looks like a vintage magazine spread.
Released the same year as Blow-Up, Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? offers a more surreal and satirical take on the Swinging Sixties. Directed by William Klein, the film follows the title character, a model navigating the absurdities of the fashion industry. With its playful critique of media and celebrity, it feels both stylish and sharp-witted.Directed by American photographer and filmmaker William Klein, the film playfully mocks the excesses and frivolities of the fashion industry, striking a balance between glamour and grotesque. The costumes alone are worth watching for—they perfectly capture 1960s style and have inspired designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs. But it’s Grayson Hall’s brilliant performance as Miss Maxwell, a commanding, Diana Vreeland-like fashion editor whose sharp comments can make or break careers, that truly makes the film memorable. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: Polly’s Space Age aluminum look in the opening scene nods to the era’s boldest styles, as seen in designs by Paco Rabanne and André Courrèges.
Fashion trivia: Director Klein was a real-life Vogue photographer, and Dorothy McGowan, who played Polly, was also a working model.
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Mahogany (1975)
Who will love it: Fans of campy cult classics like Valley of the Dolls or Showgirls.
Diana Ross stars as Tracy Chambers, an American design student whose creations become a surprise hit in 1970s Rome high society. Directed by Motown’s Berry Gordy, the film revels in flamboyant, over-the-top fashion while weaving in a political message that still resonates today. Tracy is torn between her love for a Black activist fighting gentrification in her Chicago hometown and the glamorous but hollow promises of her modeling career in Europe. With an unforgettable soundtrack, Mahogany is a campy yet surprisingly thoughtful fashion fantasy. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: In one of the film’s most referenced scenes, Ross wears a floor-length cape covered in mirrored shards that dazzle under the lights. Many other glittering outfits echo the disco glamour of Halston and Bob Mackie.
Fashion trivia: Ross designed 50 of the film’s 60+ costumes but went uncredited. Her influence lives on—Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Zendaya have all paid homage to Mahogany in photoshoots and on the red carpet.
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Prêt-à-Porter (1994)
Who will love it: Anyone nostalgic for the supermodel era of the 1990s.
In Robert Altman’s sprawling, satirical take on the fashion industry, nothing is quite as it seems. Using his signature mockumentary style, the film features celebrity cameos from Julia Roberts, Sophia Loren, and Lauren Bacall, all playing fashion insiders gathered in Paris for Fashion Week after the death of the city’s fashion council head. Though the film was a critical and commercial failure, the fashion industry’s initial confusion has since turned to affection. As a snapshot of 1990s runway glamour, there’s no better film to watch. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: Look out for real Paris Fashion Week designs by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, Sonia Rykiel, Christian Lacroix, and Vivienne Westwood.
Fashion trivia: The cameo list reads like a who’s who of the era, including Tim Robbins, Anouk Aimée, Forest Whitaker, Rupert Everett, Lili Taylor, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Linda Evangelista.
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The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Who will love it: Anyone who enjoys power dynamics and sharp one-liners.
Few films have pulled back the curtain on the exclusive world of fashion media as successfully as The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep delivers a thrillingly vicious, Oscar-nominated performance as Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. The story follows Andy Sachs, a young journalist who lands a job as Miranda’s assistant and quickly learns the cutthroat realities of the fashion industry. With biting humor and standout performances from Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, the film remains a modern classic. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: The film is packed with high-fashion looks, from the iconic cerulean sweater speech to the countless designer outfits that define Miranda’s icy, impeccable style.
Fashion trivia: Patricia Field, the film’s costume designer, blended real high-fashion pieces with more accessible items to create a believable yet aspirational wardrobe. The film’s influence on both fashion and workplace culture endures.The film follows Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, who starts out with little fashion sense, as she enters the cutthroat world of high fashion as Miranda Priestly’s assistant. Filled with memorable quotes and sharp humor, it offers a hilarious look at the obsessive nature of the fashion industry. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also deliver standout supporting performances. But is the real villain actually Andy’s boyfriend? A quick scroll through Twitter shows that debate is still going strong. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: It’s hard to choose just one, but Andy’s transformation from frumpy to fabulous—complete with Chanel boots, sleek coats, and Hermès scarves—is a highlight.
Fashion trivia: Costume designer Patricia Field created over 100 outfits for the film, mixing real couture with ready-to-wear pieces. She used $1 million worth of Chanel items for Hathaway’s wardrobe, with Karl Lagerfeld personally approving the loan. Keep an eye out for a cameo by Valentino during the Paris Fashion Week scenes.
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Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Who will love it: Fans of biopics about iconic, unconventional women like Frida, Jackie, and Becoming Jane.
For a dose of fashion history, look no further than Audrey Tautou’s captivating performance as the young Coco Chanel, before she founded her legendary fashion house. With elegant cinematography and art direction—plus stunning costumes by Catherine Leterrier, who won a César Award for her work—this biopic goes beyond the surface, offering a moving glimpse into Chanel’s inner world. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: The film shows how Chanel introduced some of the 20th century’s most influential styles, from the striped Breton shirt to the little black dress.
Fashion trivia: The Chanel fashion house granted access to its archives and lent items to ensure historical accuracy. At the time of the film’s release, Tautou was also the face of Chanel No. 5.
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Phantom Thread (2017)
Who will love it: Those drawn to stories about obsession, control, and toxic love; fans of Vertigo or Black Swan.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread masterfully captures the obsessive, precise world of haute couture. The film explores the relationship between a high-society designer, loosely based on Charles James, and a young woman who becomes his muse. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an Oscar-nominated performance, matched by co-stars Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville, bringing this dark fairy tale to life. Phantom Thread offers an intoxicating look at post-war fashion, but one that feels more like a nightmare than a dream. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: The elaborate gown designed by Day-Lewis’s character for a royal wedding is pure old-world extravagance.
Fashion trivia: Day-Lewis learned to sew for the role, studying under real dressmakers and examining Cristobal Balenciaga’s techniques.
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Cruella (2021)
Who will love it: Prequel lovers and anyone craving a darker, edgier take on The Devil Wears Prada.
Disney’s stylish and fantastical origin story of 101 Dalmatians’ infamous villain, Cruella De Vil, may stretch reality, but it gets more right than wrong. Emma Stone plays the young Cruella, a renegade fashion designer who rebels against the florals and frivolity of her time.The 1960s London style in the film blends with something darker and more dangerous, drawing comparisons to real-life figures like Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano. While the costumes aren’t historically accurate—by design—the story of ego and excess in fashion remains timeless. —L.H.
Iconic fashion moments: Cruella’s final black-and-white outfits playfully hint at her future obsession with Dalmatian spots.
Fashion trivia: Costume designer Jenny Beavan created 277 original looks, many handmade, and later won an Academy Award for her work.
CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Who will love it: Romantics who refuse to settle.
Audrey Hepburn stars as the eccentric and naive Holly Golightly, who dreams of marrying rich while living in New York. When struggling writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard) moves into her building, their lives intertwine amid heartbreak, chaos, and even a night in jail as they explore love in their quirky, romantic world. While many will recognize the film’s famous “Moon River” theme, nearly everyone remembers Holly’s elegant black dress, jewels, and cigarette. —Gia Yetikyel
Iconic fashion moments: Almost every Hepburn look is iconic, but the opening scene’s floor-length black Givenchy gown with opera gloves, pearls, and oversized sunglasses is legendary.
Fashion trivia: The film continued the collaboration between Hubert de Givenchy and Hepburn after Sabrina. It also boosted Tiffany’s reputation, with visits to their Fifth Avenue store surging after the film’s release.
Courtesy Everett Collection
The Dressmaker (2015)
Who will love it: Fans of Death Becomes Her or Fargo, and those who enjoy absurd humor.
Myrtle “Tilly” Dunnage (Kate Winslet) returns to her rural Australian hometown decades after being wrongly blamed for a classmate’s death. Now a skilled couture designer, she turns heads with her glamorous creations while teaching the locals that a dress can be transformative. As she styles the town’s women, Tilly also seeks revenge on those who wronged her. The fiery finale, with red fabric rolling down a hill into town, is unforgettable. —G.Y.
Iconic fashion moments: Winslet’s form-fitting red dress, complete with hat and gloves in the homecoming scene, is the ultimate revenge outfit.
Fashion trivia: Many designs feature cinched waists inspired by 1950s Balenciaga and Dior’s New Look.
House of Gucci (2021)
Who will love it: Fashion history buffs and true crime enthusiasts.
Based on a true story, House of Gucci follows Patrizia Reggiani as she marries into the Gucci family, setting off a chain of betrayal, revenge, and murder. The film is packed with dazzling outfits and family drama, including the iconic line, “Father, Son, House of Gucci.” With a star-studded cast including Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Al Pacino, it dramatically retells the Italian fashion empire’s turbulent history. —G.Y.
Iconic fashion moments: The whole film is visually stunning, but Jared Leto’s pastel suits as Paolo Gucci steal the show.
Fashion trivia: Lady Gaga wore over 70 costumes, including vintage Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and custom recreations by costume designer Janty Yates, who meticulously researched the archives for authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about the greatest fashion films ever made
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is a fashion film
A fashion film is a short movie often just a few minutes long that uses storytelling music and artistic visuals primarily to showcase clothing style and a brands identity rather than just to sell a product directly
2 Why are fashion films important
They are a powerful form of artistic marketing They build a world around a brand evoke emotions and create a deeper connection with the audience than a standard photo ad or commercial can
3 Where can I watch these films
Most major fashion houses publish them on their official YouTube channels and websites Platforms like NOWNESS and SHOWstudio are also dedicated to curating highquality fashion films and documentaries
4 Do I need to be into high fashion to enjoy them
Not at all While they feature designer clothes they are often appreciated for their cinematography music storytelling and sheer creativity much like a beautiful music video or short film
Examples Recommendations
5 What are some classic mustsee fashion films
Funny Face A classic musical starring Audrey Hepburn as a bookshop clerk turned model in Paris
BlowUp A stylish thriller set in the swinging 60s London fashion scene
PretPorter Robert Altmans satirical comedy about the chaos of Paris Fashion Week
6 What are some iconic modern fashion short films
Lady Blue Shanghai by David Lynch for Dior A surreal dreamlike mystery
The Tale of Thomas Burberry by Asif Kapadia A cinematic biopicstyle ad celebrating the brands founder
Many of Chanels short films especially those starring their muse Kristen Stewart
7 Which directors are famous for making fashion films
Acclaimed directors often crossover into fashion Key names include David Lynch Sofia Coppola Wong Karwai Ridley Scott and Spike Jonze
Deeper Dive Advanced Questions