We can hardly wait for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” to hit the big screen. Because fashion has always been a part of movies. To shorten the wait for the most eagerly awaited sequel, we have put together the best films that deal with fashion.
The Devil Wears Prada (David Frankel, 2006)
If only one movie had to be on this list, it would probably be this one. The one and only Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep), the ice-cold editor-in-chief, her somewhat conniving assistant Emily (Emily Blunt) and the new, massively overworked assistant Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) paradoxically made everyone dream of working at a fashion magazine in 2006, harassment of the editor-in-chief or not. After all, it’s the best job in the world. “The Devil Wears Prada” has left its mark on generations, caused the rumor mill around Anna Wintour to boil and, despite exaggeration, made it clear: The fashion industry and print magazines will always be in.
House of Gucci (Ridley Scott, 2021)
If your own family history is wilder than any crime thriller, then you have to make it into a movie. Lady Gaga shines as Patrizia Reggiani, who married her way into the Gucci clan out of nowhere. Everything that happens next is dramatic. But that’s exactly how it has to be, otherwise it wouldn’t be Gucci. The English with an artificial Italian accent? Questionable. The looks, the cast, the storyline? Iconic.
The Neon Demon (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2016)
Nicolas Winding Refn is often accused of his bizarre work “The Neon Demon” having far too little substance and being too provocative. But when it comes to the tough and superficial modeling business, nothing fits better than paying more attention to the aesthetics than the story. As you would expect from the Danish director, everything becomes a bit weird and creepy, but this is balanced out thanks to the aesthetic staging.
Prêt-à-Porter (Robert Altman, 1994)
Naked models, a fashion week with dogs, a murder or just an accident and a reporter racing through Paris: Robert Altman’s comedy turns the otherwise quite serious world of fashion into a real cinematic pleasure. Even though several storylines run in parallel, fashion is never neglected and also plays a leading role.
B.A.P.S (Robert Townsend, 1997)
Arguably the most iconic film critic of all time, Roger Ebert, said of this movie, “Absolutely atrocious, a movie so off the wall that I wonder why anyone would want to be a part of it.” What a judgment. From a fashion perspective, there are many great looks to marvel at, while the protagonists try to make a lot of money quickly. That’s enough for an entertaining movie night.
Sex and the City (Darren Star, 1998 – 2004)
The fact is: series peaked in the early 2000s. Nothing comes close to Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) racing through New York in her way-too-high heels in search of love, success or the next designer piece. This series is also the source of what is probably the very best quote that fashion lovers can use to justify all their impulse purchases: “I like my money where I can see it – hanging in my closet”.
Gossip Girl (Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, 2007 – 2012)
Anyone who loves fashion and pop culture, especially that of the early noughties and tens, cannot avoid “Gossip Girl”. The series about the spoiled New York Upper East Side kids shaped a generation. Why 16-year-olds have a wardrobe full of designer dresses despite wearing a school uniform? And why a family with a gorgeous brick loft is considered poor and pitiable? Who the hell knows. The seven seasons are a must for all fashion-conscious series junkies.
Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2017)
Is it okay for someone to become a designer’s muse, collaborator and lover? Of course not. Otherwise you wouldn’t have any good material for a movie. With “Phantom Thread”, director Paul Thomas Anderson takes us to London in the 1950s, where a jealousy drama with great costume design takes place.
Zoolander (Ben Stiller, 2001)
Ben Stiller plays top male model Zoolander, Owen Wilson his rival Hansel. That alone sounds absurd enough to get us in front of the TV. What keeps us glued to the screen for 90 minutes? The absolutely legendary and exaggerated looks that poke a little fun at the fashion industry. But somehow not, because we would hang a silver suit like this in our closet.
Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)
“Clueless” is a timeless coming-of-age movie that is very much of its time. In the form of great looks, of course. I wonder how many of us were subconsciously inspired by the outfits of the cheeky teenage girls? The yellow plaid ensemble that suits Alicia Silverstone so well is one of the most memorable movie outfits. Equally iconic: the exclamation “Ugh, as if!” and Alicia Silverstone herself.
Marc by Sofia (Sofia Coppola, 2026)
Between fictional fashion escapades, a little reality is allowed. Sofia Coppola accompanied Marc Jacobs every step of the way for three months for an intimate documentary. The result is a portrait that brings viewers closer to the American designer’s vision.
The Dressmaker (Jocelyn Moorhouse, 2015)
A talented dressmaker returns to her remote Australian home village. There she makes clothes for local residents, enjoys prestige and at the same time is confronted with tragic incidents from her past. Fashion is not only beautiful to look at here, but also functions as a means of exposing power structures.
