Buhle Mbonambi
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes a well-deserved respite from the year's hustle. But for the fashion-obsessed, the break isn't just about indulging in delicious meals – it's an opportunity to delve deeper into the world that fuels our dreams.
As you enjoy your well-earned holiday and Festive Season shopping, you must also find some time to settle in for a front-row seat to the stories behind the seams. And we have the must watch productions that will make you learn even more about the fashion industry.
From iconic fashion houses, models to fierce competitions, this curated guide features the must-watch fashion documentaries and shows that will captivate you this holiday season.
Delving into Designer Dreamscapes
Kingdom of Dreams (Showmax)
Kingdom of Dreams isn't just a fashion documentary, it's a front-row seat to a high-stakes game of fashion’s throne. Featuring behind-the-scenes interviews, insights, and expert views, you will witness the clash of creativity and commerce that defined a golden age of fashion (1990s-2010s), where Kering and LVMH waged war for global dominance.
The four-part documentary tells the story through the eyes of iconic designers like Tom Ford, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs and goes beyond the catwalk and into the boardroom telling the story. It’s a true deep dive into the disruptive business strategies, the birth of iconic brands, and the high-stakes world of luxury fashion.
Discovering Valentino (Amazon Prime Video)
Having visited the Forever Valentino exhibition in Doha, Qatar in 2022, my fascination with Valentino has only grown. So if you’re looking for a short documentary to learn more about the brand, Discovering Valentino is perfect. Beyond the red carpets and dazzling gowns lies the story of Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer who redefined romance and elegance. This intimate documentary peels back the curtain on the man behind the myth, revealing his journey to fashion stardom and his enduring love affair with the craft.
7 Days Out Chanel Haute Couture Episode (Netflix)
This episode of 7 Days Out grants unprecedented access to the world of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel, capturing the lead up to a jaw-droppingly stunning presentation. This is a rare behind the scenes look into what happened before Lagerfeld shared with the world his latest haute couture for Chanel. Set inside the Spring/Summer 2018 haute couture season, viewers will get so see the artistry and the pressure that helps make the show a success.
Fierce Competition and Runway Rivalry
Making The Cut (Amazon Prime Video)
For fans of fashion design competitions, Making The Cut is one of the best in recent years. Hosted and created by Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, the Project Runway alums unleash their signature tough love in this fashion design competition, which finds designers from around the world to see if they have it in them to make the cut.
The contestants are encouraged to push their creative boundaries, and through the challenges designers must create a two garments; one that is runway ready and another version that’s ready for retail. The show forces the designers to think about the business side of the fashion industry.
Next In Fashion (Netflix)
Another off-shoot of Project Runway, Next In Fashion also looks for global fashion designers and takes them through a series of challenges to find fashion’s next design superstar. Initially hosted by British style icon, Alexa Chung and Queer Eye’s Tan France, Gigi Hadid joined the show as a co-host in the second season. Boasting an impressive set of guest judges, including celebrity stylists Jason Bolden and Elizabeth Stewart, Next In Fashion goes beyond the usual.
The Super Models (Apple TV +)
“We have this expression, Christy and I. We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” These iconic words by Linda Evangelista were a sign of her power as one of the Big Four Supermodels of the 80s and 90s. During fashion’s golden age, four names ruled the roost on the runway- Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell.
The four-part docu-series explores their meteoric rise, their iconic campaigns, their impact on the fashion industry and the legendary rivalries that defined an era in fashion. They were geniuses at modelling. They celebrated designers, making sure to support both young and established designers. The models share insights into their careers, the difficulties they faced and how that quote by Evangelista, changed the fashion industry.