The moving image plays an important role in the way we learn about others. Of particular influence are documentaries; because of them, we have a front row seat to the lives of real people, with inspiring stories to tell. In the world of fashion, three documentaries have captured the tales of incredibly inspiring women - women who have sought success and earned their accolades, inspiring countless others along the way.
Mademoiselle C, a documentary about the powerful, inspirational Carine Roitfeld, explores her career as Editor of Vogue Paris as well as the launch of her own fashion book, CR. Roitfeld’s sophisticated style is expressed throughout the film: pencil skirts, low-cut blouses and dark eyebrows. Her Parisian upbringing shows in her style and photography and the effortlessly chic Carine oversees multiple fashion shows and photo-shoots for her magazines finding inspiration in almost everything around her. People think of Carine Roitfeld’s photography as ‘porno-chic’ because of her belief in ‘fashion beyond clothes’ and the ability to be scandalous without tattoos and piercings.
A quote from one of Roitfeld’s assistants describes her best: ‘[Carine] treats everyone around her with the same amount of respect and love […]. She makes everyone feel a little bit special and important and when you do that, people want to do anything for you.’
For young women interested in joining the fashion industry, Carine Roitfeld is an excellent reminder of how hard work and etiquette go a long way in today’s world.
Iris, the documentary covering the life and work of Iris Apfel, is enthralling. As you follow Iris and her husband Carl for a few days, it's hard to take your eyes off of her. Iris is truly a work of art; from her huge, wooden, woven bracelets, to the five or six necklaces around her neck, topped off with her signature black glasses, she's an incredible fashion force.
At 93 years old, Iris’ personality could not shine brighter. What amazed me, and why I’ll always look up to Iris, is her refreshing stance on style. Iris says, ‘If you’re just going to sit there and do the same damn thing [as everyone else] you might as well just jump into the box yourself.’ And when asked about her opinions on other people’s style, she says who is she to judge: ‘It’s better to be happy than to be well dressed.’
In a world where the media is filled with people trying to garner attention, Iris is a breath of fresh air. Her honesty and creativity has made her the fashion icon she is today. She looks at everything differently, doesn’t care what other people think, and does what she feels is art, and that makes her an inspiring woman.
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel is well worth the hour and a half of your time to watch. While more dated than the other documentaries mentioned, Diana Vreeland is an intriguing woman with a unique perspective on life and pursuing a career in fashion.
‘There’s only one very good life and that’s the life you want and you have to make it yourself,’ says Vreeland. Her original point of view, creativity, and demanding personality helped her climb the ranks while for working for Harper Bazaar and eventually, Vogue.
She doesn’t care what other people think and does what she feels is art, and that makes her an inspiring woman.
Diane Von Furstenberg said, ‘[Vreeland] saw things in people before they saw it in themselves.’ She could take someone’s ‘flaws’ and turn them into their trademark. Making someone feel beautiful and important before he or she can see it is why Vreeland was a trendsetter in fashion editorial and what makes her an inspiring woman.
Thanks to the Carine Roitfelds, the Iris Apfels, and the Diana Vreelands of the world, the fashion industry is a beacon for talented and powerful women eager to not only make a difference, but also be the difference. Because of their strength and determination to succeed, we’ll soon have a new generation of fashion icons with inspirational stories to tell.
Meghan Loftus is a freshman at Saint Louis University studying Entrepreneurship within the John Cook School of Business. She plans on merging her passion for philanthropy and her love of fashion into her future career within the fashion industry. Meghan is a big believer in the power of lipstick and the Skinny Vanilla Latte. To see more of Meghan's writing and personal style, visit her blog, Beyond the Boutique.
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