February Fashion Month 2025 is in full swing, and while the runways command attention, I’ve also been diving into the world of fashion documentaries—unearthing hidden gems I had somehow overlooked. Each film offers a deeper understanding of the visionaries who have shaped the industry, blending artistry, rebellion, and innovation in ways that continue to inspire.

From Marc Jacobs’ transformative tenure at Louis Vuitton to Martin Margiela’s enigmatic genius, the legendary influence of André Leon Talley, and the inimitable spirit of Dame Vivienne Westwood, these documentaries provide an intimate look at the creative minds that define fashion’s past, present, and future.

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton

 I embarked on my sartorial journey, starting with none other than “Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton.” Marc Jacobs has long held my admiration as a visionary designer and creative mastermind, but witnessing him navigate between his eponymous label and the helm of Louis Vuitton was nothing short of revelatory.

As the camera unveiled the behind-the-scenes intricacies of preparing for the Spring/Summer 2007 collections, Jacobs emerged as a virtuoso of multitasking, seamlessly transitioning from the bustling streets of Soho, New York to the enchanting arrondissements of Paris.

At the heart of his Marc Jacobs presentations is an exquisite fusion of beauty and imperfection that spoke volumes of his innate artistry. The jeweled heels and masterful layering were but a testament to his unique DNA, where each flaw served as a stroke of brilliance.

Meanwhile, the piece that caught my eye the most from the Louis Vuitton showcase was undoubtedly the limited edition Tribute Patchwork bag. A bag that is certainly on my wish list which I pray one day I’ll have the opportunity to own. Witnessing the painstaking craftsmanship that went into its creation was a testament to Jacobs’ unwavering commitment to excellence. Even as the final stitches threatened to unravel moments before the show, his dedicated team rallied together, seamlessly bringing his vision to life.

Left: Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag

For those yearning for inspiration in every facet of life, “Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton” stands as an unequivocal testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. Watching Jacobs effortlessly balance the demands of his multifaceted life stirred within me a renewed sense of creativity and pushed me to dig into my own artistic endeavors such as going back to sketching and sewing.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Tubi, Freevee

Martin Margiela In His Own Words

 Next up was a creative journey into the enigmatic aura surrounding Maison Margiela’s visionary, I eagerly anticipated delving deeper into the mystique of Martin Margiela, the elusive maestro behind the brand.

Martin Margiela’s ascent to stardom began in the halls of Jean Paul Gaultier’s atelier—an apprenticeship that would shape his artistic trajectory. Yet, while Gaultier reveled in the limelight, Margiela was a study in contrasts, avoiding public appearances and interviews in favor of allowing his singular vision to take center stage. I’ve always been a fan of Jean Paul Gaultier, having owning a few pieces in my closet but had a new found love to Margiela’s creativity and craftmanship.

Remarkably, Margiela maintained this veil of anonymity for two decades, a testament to his unwavering commitment to letting his work speak volumes. In a world inundated with self-promotion and celebrity culture, his silent rebellion was nothing short of revolutionary—a testament to the power of authenticity and creative integrity.

Each collection served as a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation. From guerrilla-style fashion shows in unconventional venues to meticulously orchestrated spectacles, every aspect was filled with his distinct creative ethos.

Following his monumental Spring/Summer 2009 showcase, Margiela bid adieu to the fashion world, leaving an indelible mark on the industry he had so profoundly influenced. Though his departure left a void, his legacy endures, an eternal testament to the transformative power of artistry and innovation.

Martin Margiela Tabi Boots 1989

For those yearning to unravel the enigma of Maison Margiela’s founder, “Martin Margiela: In His Own Words” offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain—an intimate portrait of a creative luminary whose influence reverberates throughout the fashion landscape.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube

The Gospel According to Andre

Andre Leon Talley—this name resonates far beyond the confines of the fashion world and I was yearning to learn more about him. A distinguished fashion journalist, historian, and ardent fashion aficionado, Talley’s influence is undeniable. His documentary, The Gospel According to Andre, offers an intimate glimpse into his extraordinary life, captivating me to the point that I subsequently acquired his memoir, The Chiffon Trenches.

Talley epitomized the realization of dreams, emerging from the segregated South to navigate spaces that once seemed unimaginable for someone of his background. His journey was not merely one of personal ambition but a testament to resilience in an era where a Black man without familial connections had to wield knowledge and skill as his greatest assets. Talley infiltrated the Parisian fashion scene, transcending the role of an outsider to earn acceptance in a world that often resisted diversity. His extensive studies of French culture and fashion equipped him with a profound understanding, granting him the respect he so rightfully deserved.

Hailing from humble beginnings, Talley was destined for greatness. His tenure at Vogue, particularly under the guidance of the legendary Diana Vreeland, was pivotal in his transformation. Vreeland not only introduced him to the intricacies of the fashion industry but also recognized his potential when few others would. Following this, Talley contributed to notable publications such as Andy Warhol’s Interview, Women’s Wear Daily, W Magazine, and Ebony, ultimately solidifying his legacy at Vogue. Initially appointed as the fashion news director, he shattered barriers to become the first African American male creative director, a groundbreaking achievement that reverberated throughout the industry. As an African American women in fashion, watching Andre seamlessly navigate these exclusive and intimate fashion space with ease provided me with confidence in my own craft.

Talley’s exuberant personality and infectious spirit drew people to him, while his insightful opinions made him a beloved figure. The Gospel According to Andre is not just a documentary; it’s an inspiring narrative that encourages us all to pursue our dreams, no matter how ambitious or humble they may be.

Where to watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV

Westwood Punk. Icon. Activist.

Lastly but certainly not least we have a true icon and a lifelong student of creativity, Vivienne Westwood, who was an artist in every sense of the word. I have long been a fan of Vivienne’s work both on and off the runway and was very excited to gain an insight look into her personal life. Her approach to fashion design was as unconventional as the woman herself—eschewing traditional pattern-making in favor of sculpting directly on the body. She shaped, refined, and perfected each silhouette with an instinctive, hands-on method that gave her garments their distinctive, dynamic fit.

Vivienne Westwood the brand and Vivienne Westwood the woman were one and the same. A young rebel with a cause, she channeled her political and social convictions into her designs, using fashion as both an artistic expression and a form of protest. From the moment she put punk on the map—fusing anarchic energy with avant-garde tailoring—Westwood established herself as a force unlike any other. Her signature defiance was evident in everything from her gravity-defying hairstyles to her subversive collections, all of which became the foundation of a legacy that continues to shape fashion today.

But Westwood was more than just a provocateur. She was an activist, deeply committed to environmental and social causes. Despite helming a globally recognized brand, she remained fiercely engaged, speaking at rallies and advocating for climate action. She saw fashion as more than just aesthetics—it was a responsibility. She believed in conscious consumption and urged the industry, as well as consumers, to rethink their impact on the planet.

For those who admire her work and ethos, the documentary Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist offers an intimate look into her world. A must-watch, it captures the essence of a woman who not only revolutionized fashion but also challenged us to think, act, and dress with intention.

Vivienne Westwood passed away in December 2022 and her legacy will live on forever.

Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, YouTube TV, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Of course, these are just a few of the documentaries I’ve recently watched, but there are still many more on my must-see list. Below, I’ve rounded up a selection of films that offer a compelling glimpse into the world of haute couture, visionary designers, and the ever-evolving industry we love.

Have you watched any of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and any recommendations you have for must-watch fashion documentaries and films.

Must-Watch Fashion Documentaries:

• Dior and I
• The First Monday in May
• The September Issue
• McQueen
• Dries
• House of Cardin
• Halston
• Very Ralph
• Helmut Newton: The Bad and The Beautiful
• High & Low – John Galliano