La Maison
La Maison is a ten-part French TV epic that takes viewers inside the cutthroat world of Parisian couture. Set against the backdrop of two duelling atelier families, this series masterfully intertwines the beauty of haute couture with the messy and intense family rivalries behind the scenes. With a sumptuous portrayal of the Paris fashion world, La Maison is a lavish period drama that channels the grandeur of historic French fashion houses. An absolute must-watch for fans of period pieces and those intrigued by the legacy of French fashion. Available on Apple TV+ from 20 September.
Hooked? Revisit These Sartorially Focused Films & TV Shows For A Fashion Fix
From cult classics to modern masterpieces, these fashion-focused TV shows and films delve deep into the style world, capturing the complexity, creativity, and cut-throat competition that often defines it. Here's a roundup of iconic fashion-centric shows and films that have made a lasting impact on screen.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Arguably one of the most iconic fashion films of all time, The Devil Wears Prada offers a sharp, witty glimpse into the world of high fashion publishing. Starring Meryl Streep as the indomitable and ice-cold Miranda Priestly (inspired by real-life Vogue editor Anna Wintour), and Anne Hathaway as her naïve assistant, the film follows the inner workings of a prestigious fashion magazine. It’s a fun yet biting exploration of the toxic perfectionism, ruthless ambition, and personal sacrifices often required to thrive in the upper echelons of the fashion industry. The film remains a cultural touchstone for its quotable lines, iconic fashion moments, and satirical take on the industry’s obsession with beauty and success. Watch it on Disney+.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is a haunting exploration of the obsessive world of 1950s haute couture. Set in post-war London, it follows the story of Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), a renowned dressmaker whose meticulous craft and controlling nature dominate both his work and relationships. When Alma, a strong-willed woman, enters his life, the two embark on a deeply complicated and intense relationship that mirrors his volatile creative process. The film offers a beautifully rendered look into the intersection of art, fashion, and control, while revealing the emotional toll of genius-level craftsmanship. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
The New Look
Released in February of this year on Apple TV+, this drama takes viewers into the world of haute couture during WWII, focusing on the rivalry between iconic designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Starring Ben Mendelsohn as Dior and Juliette Binoche as Chanel, the show offers a stylish and historically rich look at the birth of modern fashion. Watch it on Apple TV+.
House of Eliott (1991-1994)
Looking for a dose of nostalgia? The early nineties brought us the much-beloved House of Eliott, whose drama centres on two sisters, Bea and Evie Eliott, and their rise from financial ruin to establishing a prestigious fashion house in 1920s London. The show offers a period-perfect look into the world of early 20th-century fashion, showcasing both the beauty and challenges of the industry as the sisters build their brand from scratch. Their journey is filled with personal struggles, professional rivalries, and triumph. A must-watch for fans of period pieces and vintage fashion. Watch it on ITVx.
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
While not solely focused on fashion, Gossip Girl helped shape the style of a generation. The show follows the lives of New York City’s elite teenager, whose wardrobe choices – from Serena van der Woodsen’s boho-chic looks to Blair Waldorf’s polished preppy style – are helped turn this show into as much of a fashion bible as a glossy magazine. What made it interesting, though, was the fact that it didn’t just display high-end fashion; it dissected the relationship between clothing, identity, and status in one of the most glamorous cities in the world. Watch it on iPlayer.
Sex and the City (1998-2004)
It’s impossible to talk about fashion on screen without mentioning Sex and the City. The show follows the lives of four women navigating love, friendship, and careers in New York City, with fashion as a major narrative thread. The show’s costume designer, Patricia Field, turned the characters into style icons. Carrie Bradshaw’s boldly eclectic fashion sense became synonymous with the show itself, with Sex and the City showcasing how fashion can be an extension of one’s personality and creativity. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Cruella (2021)
If you missed the live-action origin story of 101 Dalmatians' infamous villain, Cruella de Vil, as a fiercely talented fashion designer, you must correct that oversight immediately. Set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, it stars Emma Stone as a rebellious young woman determined to leave her mark on the fashion world. As she rises to fame under the name Cruella, her rivalry with the aristocratic fashion legend Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson) intensifies. Visually stunning, it’s packed with arresting fashion moments worthy of the most inventive couture shows. The music, too, is sensational. Watch it on Disney+.
Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)
This documentary offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani. Valentino: The Last Emperor follows the designer in the lead-up to his retirement, showcasing his lavish lifestyle, the intricate workings of his couture business, and his complex relationship with long-time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. It’s an intimate, emotionally charged film that captures the passion, artistry, and eventual end of an era in the fashion world. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Halston (2021)
This Netflix miniseries tells the turbulent story of Roy Halston Frowick, the American designer who revolutionised 1970s fashion with his minimalist yet glamorous designs. Starring Ewan McGregor in the titular role, the series explores his meteoric rise to fame, the business deals that compromised his brand, and the personal excesses that led to his eventual downfall. Expect an intoxicating mix of fashion history, the hedonism of the Studio 54 era, and the cut-throat realities of the fashion business. It’s a fascinating portrait of a man who defined an era but struggled to retain control of his own legacy. Watch it on Netflix.
