Some movies are worth watching just for the fashion. Either the subject is fashion or not, there is a great deal of movies out there which have inspired fashionistas as well as designers.

Documentaries about important figures in the industry or just biopics, or maybe an easy comedy for a Saturday evening, we selected some films that you’ll certainly enjoy if you are more or less into fashion:

1. Coco Before Chanel (2009)

Audrey Tatou portrays the young Chanel, known as Coco, who build her way up from obscure singing in bars to changing the fashion world.

The movie is worth watching for Audrey Tatou’s lovely performance, as well as for taking an example from the courage Chanel had in building an empire from scratch. Her story, debated numerous times is still inspiring young designers today.

2. Coco Chanel (2008)

This movie, although treating the same subject, focuses rather on the business, than on the drama. It portrays the whole life of Coco Chanel, even showing the origin of the famous No 5 and the little black dress. It stars Barbora Bobulova as young Coco and Shirley MacLaine as the designer in later life.

3. Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21ldvFgZCEI

A beautiful biopic, but realised in a different manner is Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, a movie that presents the work of two artists which combine it dramatically with the passion between them.

Although not as good as the first 2 movies about Chanel, the film is still worth watching for newbies.

4. Lagerfeld Confidential (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n22yzBmr5sY[/embed]

If you’re interested how a life of a creative director looks like, then the documentary about Karl Lagerfeld is the thing to watch. The designer is filmed 24 hours a day for 3 years, and somehow he still manages to keep some of the secrets. But assisting at the process of creation is interesting, nonetheless.

5. The Devil wears Prada (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbthtLM5VS4

Set in the fashion world, the movie uses some of the most expensive clothes and accessories from famous designers. But I think that the major fashion change suffered by Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), the role of Meryl Streep, but mostly the environment are the main reasons for seeing this movie. Recommendable mostly to fashion journalists.

6. Atonement (2007)

Although not a film about fashion, Atonement is worth watching for the costumes. If you’re a fan of the glamorous 1930s, you’ll enjoy Keira Knightley’s beautiful green gown, 30s swim suit and the unfinished curls.

7. Nine (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_5_lzags3I

The mistress, the wife, the actress, the mother and the prostitute from Nine are beautifully portrayed through their costumes. The musical parts from the movie are not poor in costumes either.
And Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard are known for their fashion sense, so you won’t regret observing their beautiful gowns and outfits.

8. Confessions of a shopaholic (2009)

Not necessarily a brilliant movie, but rather the light classic comedy romance, Confessions of a shopaholic has one merit: the good fashion sense of the main character. Rebecca Bloomwood may have a lot of debt, but her enormous wardrobe is worth drawing inspiration from.

9. (500) days of summer (2009)

Zooey Deschanel is a fashion icon even in the movies or in real life. The 1940s outfits worn in this show are floral, diafane and not to forget cute and totally wearable.

10. The September issue (2009)

Vogue! Who hasn’t dreamed of going behind the scenes of the famous fashion magazine? This documentary focuses on Anna Wintour and her editorial team as they’re preparing the September issue for fall 2007. If you were wondering what real fashion is all about, then here you can find out.

The selection focuses on movies from the past decade, but we promise to make a top of the classics also. Which other movies would you include?

Featured photo from el javo2009 on Flickr.