3 Must-Watch Menswear Documentaries

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Sometimes, it’s easy to forget about the story of the clothes you wear everyday – their history and heritage, or perhaps even the people who designed and made them. But over the past few years (coinciding with the rise of the menswear industry as a whole) a handful of quality documentaries have been produced that will ensure you never look at your suit, shoes or jumper in the same way ever again.

As entertaining as they are illuminating, here are three we think are worth adding to your Netflix queue.

Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer

Possibly the nicest man in fashion, this official Paul Smith documentary hones in on a unique point in the designer’s life – a success for many years with over 400 stores around the world, the film captures Smith on the cusp of a creative renaissance, which has gone on to define his eponymous brand for a new generation.

It’s an inspirational portrait of style over fashion, and the rise of a humble, down-to-earth lad from Nottingham to becoming one of the world’s most important designers, transforming how millions of men dress along the way.

Whether you’re a fan of his label or not, the insight into the way Smith approaches his work is fascinating and unlike many designers behind such a huge brand, he’s still very much hands on, directing everything from the styling of models to the prints utilized each season.

“You can find inspiration in everything. If you can’t then you’re not looking properly,” he says. We couldn’t agree more.

Available at Amazon.

Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer Trailer

Ozwald Boateng: A Man’s Story

While the tagline – ‘the coolest man on earth’ – is up for debate, there’s no denying the irrepressible Ozwald Boateng’s effect on British menswear.

Known for his masterful marriage of modern colors and traditional construction techniques, Boateng revitalized Savile Row tailoring during the 1990s, bringing a fresh new energy to what was widely considered a stuffy and stuck in its ways institution.

This documentary takes place over the course of a decade and is a true rags-to-riches tale – following Boateng as he faces ruin at the end of the nineties to his triumphant rise over the past decade.

There’s also a wealth of ‘best dressed list’ regulars who cement Boateng’s credentials by praising his work – it’s not often you can say you watched a film that features Daniel Day-Lewis, Jamie Foxx and Prince Charles, but this is it.

Available at Amazon and on iTunes 

Ozwald Boateng: A Man’s Story Trailer

Bill Cunningham New York

While perhaps not as menswear-focused as the two aforementioned documentaries, this hugely entertaining flick is a must-watch for anyone who can lose hours browsing through street style shots and has ever wondered where the phenomenon stemmed from.

The godfather of street style, Bill Cunningham is an elusive photographer known firstly for his trademark blue coat but more importantly for providing the New York Times with decades of style inspiration via his legendary ‘On the Street’ and ‘Evening Hours’ columns.

This classy documentary goes inside the reclusive legend’s house and shows how much influence a seemingly quiet, unassuming man has had on the entire global fashion industry. The 99 percent Rotten Tomatoes score alone should be enough to persuade you to watch it!

Available at Amazon and on iTunes 

Bill Cunningham New York Trailer

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