Not many genres have earned appreciation of fashion. Since the 1960’s, the fashion genre has created unforgettable movies. Whether it’s devilish magazine editors, fashion designers or pretty hookers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite fashion films of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Devil Wears Prada
Bosses are powerful figures that shape employees’ futures. Several years ago, I worked for a cruel manager that mistreated employees causing sorrow. She was a demanding person that would humiliate employees which showed up late. Despite her strict managerial style, I always admired a manager making my work worthwhile. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the impact of managers with charisma on an organization as powerfully as “The Devil Wears Prada”. Ever since its release in 2006, David Frankel’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest fashion film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Frankel used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a fashion manager guiding an organization facing despair. Frankel has always had an aptitude for making movies about the fashion industry, and “The Devil Wears Prada” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Frankel effectively used montages to capture authoritative fashion managers humiliating employees. For instance, the scene in which Miranda humiliates Andy for wearing a blue shade dress in front of everyone causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Meryl Streep, who embodies a devilish fashion manager of a successful company. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” my favourite fashion film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the fashion industry that are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about workplace abuse which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to have an interest in fashion-designers to appreciate it. Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic film about devilish fashion managers wearing Prada causing employees to face a dilemma, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre making great movies which are worth seeing in the Cinema.
2. Phantom Thread
Fashion-designers are fascinating figures that always impressed my father. I remember my father was once interested in the lives of fashion-designers. He would always praise artists that sought to design glamorous clothes that shine. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved clothes fashion-designers thread, I adored “Phantom Thread”. Released in 2017, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured the life of an obsessive fashion-designer in the 1950’s. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Phantom Thread” stand out is its attention to detail. Anderson uses captivating montages to capture an obsessive fashion-designer whose romantic relationship begins declining. For instance, the scene in which Reynolds has a tense argument with Alma over her surprise dinner dishes causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrayed an obsessive fashion-designer. Ultimately, what makes “Phantom Thread” a fashion masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. As gorgeous as clothes Reynolds Woodcock seeks to design, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which always shine.
3. Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts is a fantastic actress that my mother always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that adored an actress with courage. She would always speak fondly about a pretty woman that she considered a fashion icon. We would always enjoy watching Julia Roberts movies togehter. My mother regarded all of Julia Roberts’ movies with affection but her favourite film was always “Pretty Woman”. Released in 1990, Garry Marshall’s movie depicted the life of a pretty prostitute woman with a love for fashion. Marshall used captivating costumes to capture the life of a pretty prostitute woman that loves her profession. For instance, the scene in which Vivian goes on a shopping spree searching for dresses to wear causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Julia Roberts, who embodied a pretty prostitute searching for her identity. Ultimately, what makes “Pretty Woman” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of prostitution that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of pretty prostitute women seeking romantic relationships with affection, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which are worthy of celebration.
4. The Substance
Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl concerned about her body image. Called drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl my classmates would consider precious. However, she never believed that she was a pretty woman that had a bright future. She desired to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself people admired. As someone haunted by a girl that desired drugs to change her appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Carolie Fargeat’s movie offered a captivating critique of the fashion industry. Fargeat used symbolism of a drug to showcase women concerned about body image. For instance, the scene in which Elisabeth discovers using the substance changes her appearance is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Demi Moore, who portrays an aging actress. Ultimately, what makes “The Substance” a great fashion movie is its bravery. The film tackles provocative themes rarely seen in movies. A bold portrait of actresses that lack self-confidence using a substance to enhance their appearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced great movies earning a huge audience.
5. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book that shaped my teacher always loved dearly. I remember an English teacher that grew up to treasure the book as timeless pieces of literature. He would love discussing a book about millionaires about which he came to deeply care. Drawn to the green light, he loved discussing a book that gave him great insight. Fashion has always been a key aspect of a book capturing the era of the 1920’s. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann uses stunning costumes to capture Gatsby’s luxurious lifestyle as a millionaire. For instance, the scene in which Nick first meets Gatsby in his luxurious mansion causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed the larger-than-life personality of a literary icon. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A grand adaptation of a great book about a mysterious millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured timeless films about which audiences deeply care.
6. Ocean’s 8
When it comes to the most greatest movies ever made about fashion, it’s worth discussing “Ocean’s Eleven”. Since its release in 2001, George Clooney’s movie has become a heist classic. Fashion has always been a key theme in the “Ocean’s” movies. In 2018, Gary Ross honoured the fashion franchise in his movie “Ocean’s 8”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ocean’s 8” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating costumes capturing women committing robberies of fashion galas that are astonishing. Assisted by Cate Blanchett who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a fantastic feminist fashion movie. As precious as diamond jewelry female thieves plan to steal, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured films with lasting appeal about which audiences strongly feel.
7. Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette is a legendary queen that built a lasting legacy. During the 18th Century, the French queen wore glamorous dresses that defined her identity. An awe-inspiring queen, Antoinette built a legacy that’s lasting. In 2006, Sofia Coppola honoured the queen in her movie “Marie Antoinette”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Maria Antoinette” stand out is its depiction of queens. Coppola uses glamorous costumes to showcase Marie Antoinette’s powerful transformation into a commemorated queen. Assisted by Kirsten Dunst who is extraordinary in the lead role, Coppola honoured the fashion worn by a queen that’s legendary. As precious as dresses worn by Marie Antoinette, it’s a gorgeous reminder of a grand genre that has set a high bar producing unforgettable movies that are impossible to forget.
8. House of Gucci
When it comes to the world’s greatest fashion companies, it’s worth discussing Gucci. Formed in the 1920’s, Gucci is a successful fashion company that seemed to have a bright destiny. However, crime scandals destroyed the company’s legacy forever. In 2021, Ridley Scott captured the fashion company’s decline in popularity in his movie “House of Gucci”. Unlike most movies about fashion, what makes “House of Gucci” stand out is its depiction of family. Scott uses captivating non-linear storytelling to capture the downfall of a fashion family. Assisted by Adam Driver who is amazing in the lead role, Scott honoured Gucci’s enduring legacy. Nearly 30 years following the downfall of a famous fashion empire that faced crime scandals which were dire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences admire.
9. Cruella
It isn’t easy to create an effective remake of a classic animated movie. Over the past decade, Disney has developed a tendency of adapting cartoons into live-action features. These remakes rarely capture the magic of the original films. However in 2021 Craig Gillepsie pulled it off effectively with charisma in his movie “Cruella”. Unlike most movies in the fashion genre, what makes “Cruella” stand out is its risks. Gillepsie takes huge risks recreating the cartoon from a fashion perspective but succeeded. Assisted by Emma Stone who is amazing in the lead role, Gillepsie honoured an animated classic that’s well-known. As precious as clothes Cruella seeks to create, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has never lost its abilities to captivate by manufacturing larger-than-life movies which audiences always appreciate.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Few movies ever made about fashion accessories are as beloved as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Since its release in 1961, Blake Edwards’ movie has become a fashion classic. Edwards used captivating costumes to capture a woman with love for shopping in the 1960’s. Assisted by Audrey Hepburn who is extraordinary in the lead role, Edwards created a fantastic fashion movie. Although I’ve always been a huge fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s use of yellow-face to depict Asian-Americans has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition to the genre. As precious as dresses that Holly enjoys wearing, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has built a lasting legacy producing engaging movies about hardships fashion-designers are facing which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 