For most of us, the semester has just begun, bringing about that easy time of year when homework assignments are short, exams are still far away, and free time is (comparably) abundant. But with winter temps keeping most of us indoors, it can be all too easy to waste your weekends watching reality show reruns – boring!

We’ve covered our top 5 favorite fashion books in the past, but fashion-related movies can be just as inspiring and brain-stimulating as their paper counterparts. So turn off that Kardashian marathon (please!), grab some popcorn, and indulge in some much more satisfying screen time.

In no particular order, here are our top 5 must-see documentaries about the fashion industry.

Table of Contents

1. Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham New York is a charming, touching and funny chronicle of fashion’s first street style photographer.

Cunningham has been a photographer for The New York Times for over thirty years, photographing celebrities, socialites, and most importantly, the people of his beloved city. Rain, snow or shine, he is on the corner of 57th street every morning, ready to shoot stylish citizens.

I have to admit that I purchased tickets for my entire family to see Bill Cunningham New York a month before it came out in theaters, and none of us were disappointed. It includes interviews with everyone from Anna Wintour to the people Cunningham photographs in their elaborate ensembles, all gushing about their love for him. The best part? Cunningham comes across as a genuinely good person. The film probes for a deeper look into his life, questioning his reclusive existence. If you aren’t a Bill Cunningham groupie like me, I promise you will become one once you watch the movie.