2 fashion films to watch

Film has the ability to engage, entertain and educate an audience, allowing them to be completely submerged into a new world; a place where they can forget about their worries and be transported into an unknown place for a period of time.

I am a particular fan of documentary cinema, and have recently watched two influential and inspiring fashion films; Bill Cunningham New York (Richard Press, 2010) and Mademoiselle C (Fabien Constant, 2013).

Image source - BCNY | Image source - MC

Bill Cunningham New York (Richard Press, 2010)

Bill Cunningham New York follows the famous photographer, Bill Cunningham on his daily routine; photographing street style on the streets of one of the most famous cities in the world, New York. The 80 year old photographer has two columns for the New York Times and has photographed everyone - and anyone!

Dozens of well-known designers and celebrities appear in the film, including Michael Kors and Carmen Dell'Orefice who all adore the photographer. One thing that perhaps is quite shocking is where he lives; a tiny apartment - without a kitchen - surrounded by filing cabinets containing every photograph and negative he has ever taken. Over the course of the film we see learn that he is content with how he lives, and he is very humble. It's hard to believe that when the film was made he was on his 29th bicycle - they keep getting stolen!

"We all get dressed for Bill!" - Anna Wintour

Cunningham has one of the cheeriest and optimistic faces I think I have ever seen on the big screen. His infectious smile and bubbly personality makes everyone around him feel at ease, even though his face is hidden behind his camera.

The documentary is a fun and light-hearted watch, and I am yet to find someone who didn't think he was one of the sweetest people!

Mademoiselle C (Fabien Constant, 2013)

Mademoiselle C is a documentary film about Carine Roitfeld, the legendary fashion stylist, and former editor-in-chief for Vogue Paris. The film follows Roitfeld's journey as she heads to New York to launch her own two per annum fashion and lifestyle magazine, "CR Fashion Book".

The documentary is full of famous faces and world-renowned designers including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Beyoncé, Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld. Who knew Karl Lagerfeld could look so good pushing Roitfeld's grandson, Romy around in his pushchair?!

The former model and fashion journalist welcomes everyone she meets with an unforgettable smile and treats everyone in her presence with a positive attitude and great respect, whether it's her children or a stranger on the street.

"It's better to be told you look beautiful tonight than to be asked what are you wearing?" - Carine Roitfeld

As a whole, the documentary is a very positive piece of film and is quick to dismiss the significance of problems that may arise in the fashion industry - from your model fainting at a photo shoot or the pressures and issues that are evident when launching a new magazine.

Mademoiselle C is a great insight to the chaotic and hectic fashion industry, and if you're interested high fashion, film and magazines, this is a film for you.

One to watch?

Both documentaries are a great insight to the fashion industry, giving you behind the scene access into the lavish and luxurious world. Two very different people, however both pleasant to watch and very entertaining.
If I was to only recommend one out of the two fashion films, it would have to be Mademoiselle C. I personally found more engaging, as it delved into a range of aspects from the fashion world, not only photography, but editorial, runway and styling.