Documentaries for the Aspiring Creative

It's been years of searching for a kind of creative high in the midst of school and otherwise uninteresting surroundings. Looking for anything I could latch on to that did not resemble an immediate and all too familiar environment.

Oh, if only my 15 year old self sketching next seasons couture line in between mathematics exams could see me now.

As time passed I have consistently gathered inspiration from so many different sources and in the process of opening up and making these sources visible, I've compiled a list documenting some of my all time favourite documentaries.

These are predominantly fashion related although deal with such a wide range of topics I'd recommend them to just about anyone.

Proceeding in no particular order:

McQueen (2018)

Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, with an initial release in 2018, this is perhaps the most recent attempt at understanding the life of Lee Alexander McQueen.

I know I've said that this would not be in any particular order but are we surprised that this is the first on my list, be honest?

A great look into the mind of a genius and a must watch for any fan or follower of fashion. McQueen held such a significant position in the industry and the mark he left is undeniable. If you're not a fan of the designer or maybe his work was not necessarily to your interest, it's worth noting that his rule breaking nature opened up paths within the industry that may not have existed today had it not been for his influence.

The film had a significant budget and with that you can expect increased production value. This put me off in the slightest because with McQueen everything has always been so raw and authentic. His shows were elaborate but only in an attempt to convey a message or feeling so if you're annoyingly picky like me you might find it to be a bit much at times.

Do not let that discourage you as in every other aspect the film remains brilliant.

McQueen and I (2011)

Directed by Louise Osmond, the documentary came at a time when the pain of McQueen's passing just a year earlier could still be felt and his presence dearly missed.

With less spending room and a lot more palpable emotion, this film does a great job of putting everything on the table and allowing you to feel freely. The film says "here, this is the life story of McQueen in all his glory without any extra decorations or claim for validation".

They're not trying to emphasize his importance or make you fall in love with what he has created, but you do anyway.

You are really placed into his world whether that be scraping by in the streets of London or suffering at the peak of success during London Fashion Week. This, much like the aforementioned "McQueen", deals with a lot of personal struggles and very real pain which is worth noting before deciding to put yourself in his shoes.

Dior and I (2014)

A cult fashion favourite, Raf Simons trades his place and long time reign at Jil Sander to tackle the world of Haute couture.

This is about more than a man and clothing but instead the collision of two entities both renowned in their own regard.

The world of haute couture is a sacred one and we are given front row access. Experiencing the entire process from design, construction of pieces in a famous parisian atelier by world class artisans experienced in their craft to development of the show space and finally witnessing the finished product as they flow effortlessly down the runway.

We love Raf for his graphic prints, oversized silhouettes, bold statements and overall defiant nature. This is very different. Sitting side by side with him as he engages in this world for the first time is a thrilling and emotional process. Possibly as close as we could get to physically being inside a couture house. A documentary not worth missing.

Dries (2017)

Directed by Reiner Holzemer, this documentary follows the days in the life of an otherwise notoriously private Dries Van Noten.

“The fashion industry has been dying in its own grave, and people like Dries keep the flame alive. He is a treasure and should be treated as such” says 80s fashion icon Iris Apfel.

What Dries does well is provide you with a completely authentic and fantastical experience.

His mind works in ways so different to many up and coming designers yet at the same time produces collections which remain refreshingly modern. He takes the body of traditional practice and dresses it as to appeal to audiences of today thereby preserving the core values of fashion. Allowing the viewer an opportunity to appreciate something they probably did not know was missing in the first place.

The Artist is Absent (2015)

You won't find much information on the internet about the masterful Martin Margiela.

Directed by Alison Chernick, very few people are aware that the documentary exists.

With a total run time of roughly 11 minutes and the self-appointed absence of the artist's representation within the media it's hardly a surprise.

A lot of mystery surrounds the elusive designer who refused to give interviews or walk the runway at the end of his many spectacular shows. Margiela would have models wear headpieces in order to obstruct the audience's view of their faces, encouraging guests to focus primarily on the clothing.

With an emphasis on construction and deconstruction, his work contained an impeccable amount of artistry unmatched by any other designer at the time. The industry will continuously beg for more information with regard to Margiela's process but until then, this documentary does a pretty good job.

The Artist is Present (2012)

There are no words to describe the work of Marina Abramovic so "The Artist is Present" aims to do a lot of the explaining for you.

Directed by Matthew Akers with many awards and nominations under its belt, this piece of work takes you completely out of your comfort zone as you navigate the life of someone expressing their ideas through extensive and unimaginable performance methods.

At times unnerving, you are provided an opportunity to explore the depths of creativity and the human mind. Not only of the artist but of yourself as you try to make sense of the emotions being provoked by each specific piece or the journey as a whole.

How far will someone go for their art?

Bill Cunningham New York (2011)

A view from the other side of the camera. This self titled documentary follows the legendary Bill Cunningham as he photographs fashion on the streets of New York.

Devoted man, friend to many and long time contributor of The New York Times.

Bill shows us what it means to be truly passionate about your work. From everyday street looks to Hollywood style glamour, Bill documents each picture perfect moment in a fashion all his won. Sacrificing everything for the perfect shot.

Directed by Richard Press and produced by Philip Gefter, it acts as an essential ode to one of the most recognizable photographers within the industry.

Iris (2014)

Nothing would be complete without a little Iris Apfel.

She's eccentric, her style bold and personality infectious.

An eye for fashion truly unique.

Directed by Albert Maysles, we are transported into Iris' world.

She shares her thought process when deciding what to wear each day and gifts us with memories of her younger years along the way. Following her around we are given a glimpse into her life where we come to find more is definitely more.

Her flamboyant style is not for everyone but that's what makes this film so special.

The clothes grab your attention while her warmth captures your heart.

The September Issue (2009)

If you've ever wondered what goes into developing the largest issue for the biggest fashion magazine in the world, this one's for you.

September is the most important month on Vogue's fashion calendar.

Directed by R. J. Cutler, the documentary gives us access into what goes on behind the scenes. From photo-shoots to editorials, the stress is high with writers and photographers all scrambling to have their assignments completed in time for their work to be printed onto those iconic glossy pages.

Having the infamous Anna Wintour looking over your shoulder does not make the task much easier. Heads and personalities collide while at the end of the day it's not difficult to see who runs the show in this fast paced world.

None of these films fall short in terms of their ability to engage an audience.

Grab some snacks, hack your neighbor's netflix account and prepare yourself for hours of viewing pleasure.