In a world where fashion often feels synonymous with excess and fleeting trends, a new movement is quietly, yet powerfully, reshaping the industry. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it's the lifeline for the future of fashion. From the glittering catwalks of haute couture to the grassroots efforts of eco-conscious designers, the battle for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry is unfolding. And what better way to witness this transformative shift than through the lens of a documentary? These films dive deep into the heart of high fashion, revealing the untold stories of innovation, responsibility, and change.

In this post, we’ve handpicked 16 brilliant documentaries that shine a spotlight on the intricate relationship between style and sustainability. Whether you’re an avid fashionista, an eco-warrior, or simply curious about how the industry is evolving, these powerful films will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to rethink what fashion can — and should — be.

Fashion Documentaries That Celebrate Iconic Industry Figures

The Gospel According to Andre (2017)

Filmmaker Kate Novack takes us on a journey through the incredible life and career of fashion journalist André Leon Talley. From his childhood in the segregated South to his ground-breaking, trailblazing contributions at Women's Wear Daily, W, and Vogue, this film celebrates his unforgettable impact on the fashion world.

(Photo Courtesy of The Gate) 

Invisible Beauty (2023)

Fashion trailblazer Bethann Hardison reflects on her incredible journey as a pioneering Black model, agent, and activist who helped shape the fashion industry in powerful ways. Her contributions continue to inspire change and push boundaries.

(Photo Courtesy of Variety) 

Donyale Luna: Supermodel (2023)

Donyale Luna, recognised as the first Black supermodel, broke barriers with her trailblazing career. In 1966, she made history as the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue, gracing the British edition.

(Photo Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)

The Evolution of Street Style and High Fashion

Fresh Dressed (2015)

This documentary takes a closer look at how urban fashion evolved, from its beginnings on cotton plantations to becoming a major influence in corporate America. It’s a fascinating journey of culture, creativity, and style that’s shaped the world today.

(Photo Courtesy of Amazon) 

The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion (2019)

Misa Hylton and April Walker, two Black visionaries, have made a profound impact on culture, revolutionising runway fashion and turning hip-hop style into a global phenomenon. Their creativity and influence continue to shape the way fashion is seen and celebrated worldwide.

(Photo Courtesy of WNYCSTUDIOS) 

Rebellion and Counter-culture's Influence on Fashion

Brandy Hellville and The Cult of Fast Fashion (2024)

Behind Brandy Melville’s picture-perfect Instagram vibe, there’s a darker side — a toxic work culture that’s sadly all too familiar in fast fashion. Discrimination based on race, sex, and body size runs deep, showing a stark contrast to the brand’s shiny image.

(Photo Courtesy of Nokillmag) 

Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (2018)

Since sparking the punk movement alongside her ex-partner and Sex Pistols' manager Malcolm McLaren, Dame Vivienne Westwood has spent over 40 years reshaping British fashion and creating some of the most iconic looks of modern times. Through a mix of archival footage and revealing interviews, this portrait delves into Vivienne's fascinating network of collaborators, tracing her journey from her childhood in postwar Derbyshire to the runways of Paris and Milan.

(Photo Courtesy of Vanity Fair) 

 
Sustainability and Ethical Fashion on Film

Fashion Reimagined (2022)

Amy Powney, the designer behind the cult label Mother of Pearl, is making waves in London’s fashion scene with a focus on sustainability. After winning the prestigious Vogue award for Best Young Designer, she sets out to create a collection called No Frills, using the prize money to source eco-friendly materials around the world. "Fashion Reimagined" follows Amy's journey as she challenges the industry's environmental impact and proves that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

(Photo Courtesy of Into film) 

Fashionscapes: A Circular Economy (2021)

The "Fashionscapes" documentary challenges the fashion industry to rethink its approach to circularity and break free from the harmful take-make-waste model. Directors Andrew Morgan and Eco-Age founder Livia Firth uncover how the industry's focus on circularity often masks greenwashing, with big corporations using the concept as a marketing tool while neglecting the environmental and human costs. Their investigation reveals the industry's failure to address the people behind the supply chains when discussing sustainability and its impact.

(Photo Courtesy of BBC)

Made In Africa (2020)

Sarah Diouf, a multi-talented designer, entrepreneur, and editor, adds filmmaker to her resume with Made In Africa, a documentary about her affordable luxury brand, Tongoro. The film explores Diouf’s vision of ethical fashion as a driving force for social and economic change across Africa, capturing key moments like showcasing at Lagos Fashion Week, opening a production studio in Dakar, and dressing Beyoncé.

 

(Photo Courtesy of Nataal)

Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries on High Fashion

The September Issue (2009)

R.J. Cutler’s documentary The September Issue offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Anna Wintour, the legendary editor of Vogue, as she crafts the magazine’s crucial September 2007 issue. Weighing in at a record 840 pages, it’s not only the largest but also the most significant, showcasing the season’s autumn fashions in a rapidly changing industry. With her trademark bob and dark glasses, Wintour comes across as a steadfast and visionary leader, whose deep understanding of what readers crave drives her meticulous supervision of every detail.

(Photo Courtesy of Flicks) 

Film Noirs (2020)

This five-part series showcases new collections from designers around the world and is produced by Equator Productions, a Black-owned creative studio based in New York. Presented by IN THE BLK, a collective of Black creatives in the fashion industry, the series aims to expand spaces for Black designers while celebrating their global impact.

(Photo Courtesy of Vogue)

Fashion Fair: The Beauty of Blackness (2022)

This documentary features insightful interviews with renowned experts, models, makeup artists, performers, and other influential figures, including iconic model Pat Cleveland, celebrated makeup artist and Fashion Fair’s creative director Sam Fine, and Kelly Rowland. These individuals, who have witnessed the evolution of beauty standards for people of colour, are not only celebrating but also actively redefining what beauty means today.

(Photo Courtesy of AdWeek)  

Iris (2014)

Filmmaker Albert Maysles honours the lively spirit of Iris Apfel, a quick-witted interior designer and fashion icon in her 90s. Known for her bold, eclectic style, she’s always been a passionate advocate for individuality in fashion. This tribute captures her vibrant personality and lasting impact on the world of design.

(Photo Courtesy of Flip Screened)

The Super Models (2023)

The upcoming four-part docu-series takes an in-depth look at the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, focusing on how this iconic quartet disrupted the fashion world. Their collective impact transformed the industry's views on what a model should be, shifting from perfectly-formed blank canvases to bona fide celebrities who dominated both the runway and popular culture.

(Photo Courtesy of Salon) 

The Reality of Fast Fashion’s Impact

The True Cost (2015)

The True Cost is a powerful documentary that takes us on a global journey to uncover the hidden realities behind the clothes we wear. From the runways to the factories, it reveals how the fashion industry’s pursuit of cheaper clothing comes at a huge cost to both people and the planet. With insights from top influencers like Stella McCartney and Livia Firth, this eye-opening film asks us to reflect on who truly pays the price for our fashion choices.

(Photo Courtesy of the Guardian) 

The Future of Fashion – What’s Next?

As the fashion industry evolves, these documentaries prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. The fight against fast fashion’s impact is gaining momentum, with designers, activists, and consumers pushing for change.

The more we educate ourselves and demand ethical alternatives, the more the industry will shift towards transparency, circularity, and responsible production.

What are your favorite fashion documentaries? Drop your recommendations in the comments! Want more ethical fashion insights? Follow ADJOAA on Instagram for updates!

About The Author: Eva Jean Johnson is a creative intern at ADJOAA, with a focus on textiles and interior design. Eva is a student based out of Chicago in the US, where she helps the team source and write content that reflect ADJOAA’s values of ethical and sustainable sourcing.