10 fashion designer documentaries to watch before Sofia Coppola's Marc Jacobs documentary

The Venice Film Festival has announced an exciting roster of films that they will be showcasing this year, which star Hollywood's finest, such as Julia Roberts, Emma Stone, George Clooney, Jacob Elordi, Idris Elba, and more. One movie that stood out was a documentary in which Sofia Coppola turns her lens to make a documentary about and starring Marc Jacobs, titled Marc by Sofia. The American filmmaker, who is credited with creating Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, and Priscilla, will be making her first-ever documentary for her long-time friend Jacobs, who has served as the Creative Director for both, Louis Vuitton and his namesake label, Marc Jacobs. Coppola often turns her directorial eye to the lives of real people; Marie Antoinette and Priscilla were cases in point. Marc By Sofia will mark the first time the director will be delving into the world of non-fiction filmmaking. Marc Jacobs served as the creative director of Louis Vuitton for a period of 16 years, from 1997 to 2013. He studied fashion at New York's prestigious Parsons School of Design and graduated in 1984. In 1986, with the help of Robert Duffy, he launched Marc Jacobs label and took it worldwide in 1993. Today, Marc Jacobs is one of the most well-known brands in the world of fashion. This documentary will help many fashion lovers get a sneak peek of what goes into making a brand in the cutthroat style sphere.

Fashion designer documentaries have always been a topic of interest for many people who are looking to either; build a career or are simply interested in the inner workings of the glamorous world. Over the past few years, we have documentaries that cover the world of fashion through the editorial, model, or designer point of view. Scroll down to know which ones need to be on your watchlist. 

1. Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton (2007) 

Marc by Sofia will be the second time Jacobs will be in front of the camera to document his life. Prior to this, Marc Jacobs starred in the documentary, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, where he trotted across the globe during his time at the French luxury fashion house. The documentary scrutinises Jacobs’ influence on modern American fashion and his reach beyond the country, including his working relationship with Louis Vuitton and time at the fashion house.

Watch on Youtube 

2. High & Low—John Galliano

High & Low—John Galliano follows both Galliano's journey as a fashion designer and his personal life marred by controversies. The documentary not only features archival footage of Galliano's design process, interviews, and his rise to fame, but also details his fall from grace after a 2010 incident which ultimately led to his removal from Dior as the Creative Director. 

Watch on Apple TV+

3. Westwood: Punk. Icon. Activist. (2018)

Westwood: Punk. Icon. Activist is about legendary British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and her struggle to maintain brand legacy while staying true to her personal integrity. Along with her influence on fashion, the documentary also goes in-depth about Westwood's activism and dedication to bringing awareness to how climate change is impacting the world.

Watch on Apple TV+

4. McQueen (2018)

McQueen chronicles the life of designer Lee Alexander McQueen from the launch of his label to his death by suicide at 40. The film details his life; from growing up in London to his rise in the world of fashion. 

Watch on Apple TV+

5. Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards (2017)

The documentary follows the life of Manolo Blahnik, the life story of a designer who found fame in fashion by designing shoes. The film covers Manolo Blahnik’s professional career and rise in the fashion industry, as well as his upbringing and childhood. 

Watch on Netflix

6. Very Ralph 

Very Ralph details the life of American fashion designer Ralph Lauren, going back to how Ralph Lauren began in 1967 with men's ties. One of the most loved Americans in fashion, Very Ralph details how the man redefined American style for both; men and women, through his extraordinary vision. 

Watch on JioHotstar

7. Dior And I (2014)

Dior and I take a deep dive into the world of Dior, a legacy left behind by Christian Dior. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes dive into the work of Creative Director Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection.

Watch on Apple TV+

8. Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

The documentary follows the life of Valentino, the artist of couture who founded his eponymous house in 1959. It follows his life from his success, to him becoming synonymous with haute couture, to his retirement. This film follows the legendary designer through the last two years of his prolific career.

Watch on Youtube 

9. Lagerfeld Confidential (2007)

Lagerfeld Confidential offers a rare glimpse into Karl Lagerfeld's enigmatic world, exploring his creative mind and personal life beyond his stint at Chanel. 

Watch on Netflix 

10. Martin Margiela: In His Own Words (2020)

The film follows the work of Martin Margiela, narrated by him. Even though he uses his own voice to tell his story of operating his label from 1989 to 2009, only his hands are visible throughout.