Lesley Manville’s period comedy Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris has been released in theaters, and the genre of “fashion cinema” is back in the popular conversation. The delightful story focuses on the titular protagonist as she gets fascinated with a Dior dress. Her obsession is to such an extent that she decides to go all the way to the world’s fashion capital Paris and revolutionize the future of the House of Dior.
Not only is the movie an engaging watch for fashion aficionados, but it also offers some important insights into the history of Dior and the fashion world in the 1950s. For this reason, good follow-up watches can also include similar movies and documentaries that delve into the origins of some of the biggest luxury fashion brands.
House Of Gucci (2021)
Stream On Prime Video
As is evident from the title, House of Gucci covers the rise and momentary downfall of the titular fashion company in the 1980s. As Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci fall in love and then engage in ambitious conflicts over creative control, House of Gucci sensationalizes the behind-the-scenes scandals that go on in the fashion world.
While Mrs Harris Goes to Paris might not be as melodramatic and shocking as House of Gucci, both movies throw satirical shots at the people in the fashion industry and how larger-than-life their personas can be. Be it Lesley Manville’s titular protagonist or Lady Gaga as Patrizia in House of Gucci, both characters are outsiders making their mark in this judgmental and elite world.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Stream On Netflix
The last of Daniel Day-Lewis movies before his retirement is also one of his finest as he plays a gifted fashion designer who doubles as a manipulative romantic partner. When he finds his muse, dress designer Reynolds Woodcock engages in a toxic relationship that yields unprecedented results. Added to the mix is his sister and assistant Cyril who tries to remove all distractions from the genius’s creative journey.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris wasn’t Lesley Manville’s first tryst with the fashion world as is evident from her Oscar-nominated role as Cyril in Phantom Thread. A contrast from her smiling personality as Mrs. Harris, Cyril is a more tactical and clever character. Her versatility would only delight fans further.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Stream On Starz
Nora Ephron's Julie & Julia incorporates parallel storylines documenting the cooking adventures of renowned cookbook author Julia Child and the modern tale of a woman inspired by her recipes. The role of Julia goes down as one of Meryl Streep’s best performances as she brings a delightful charm to the character.
The smiling charisma of Streep’s Julia is quite comparable to Lesley Manville’s energy in Mrs. Harris. Both characters are aged women who prove that it is never too late to start afresh and follow one’s heart. Be it in the world of cooking or fashion, both Julia and Mrs Harris are passionate about their art and wish to break out of the uptight constraints that limit them.
Dior And I (2014)
Stream On Hulu
One of the best movies about the fashion industry out there, Dior and I covers Raf Simons’ groundbreaking work for Dior. As Simons serves as the company’s new creative director, the efforts of his artisans and designers are brought out along with celebrity appearances from reputed models and actors. All in all, Dior and I proves that a lot of work goes behind some of the most intricate and expensive works of fashion.
If viewers need a more fact-based approach towards the evolution of Christian Dior, Dior and I would make for a satisfying watch after Mrs. Harris goes to Paris.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Stream On Hulu
No list of fashion-centric movies is complete without The Devil Wears Prada. Starring Anne Hathaway as a naïve college graduate and aspiring writer with Meryl Streep as the ruthless editor of her fashion magazine, the 2006 classic deals with themes such as the pretenses of the fashion world, troubled workspace relationships, and the alienation that people can feel in a big city like New York.
As Mrs. Harris travels from London to Paris and feels downgraded by the fashion traditionalist Claudine, Andy also faces judgment from high-headed individuals, such as Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly. But she moves on over these challenges to find her own voice and make her own space in the cutthroat world of fashion.
The Bucket List (2007)
Stream On Netflix
Regardless of age, life is meant to be lived to the fullest. This is the core philosophy of the feel-good 2000s movie The Bucket List, which deals with the journey of two dying old men. With only a few days left for them to kick the bucket, the duo embark on a global tour to fulfill all the things they wished to do.
Lesley Manville’s protagonist follows a similar approach as she sets out to fulfill her fashion dreams regardless of age and lack of experience. Wholesome movies like these prove to be inspiring especially for older viewers.
The Outfit (2022)
Stream On Peacock Premium
A slow-burning drama doubling as a taut period thriller, The Outfit features a renowned British tailor from Saville Row who makes the move to the States after his wife dies. With his customers having mob ties, the patient tailor gets drawn into a larger conspiracy. Needless to say, the movie has no dearth of satisfying shots that show Mark Rylance’s character create magic with his clothes.
After the bubbly energy of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, if viewers need another 2022 period fashion movie with a slower pace, then a movie like The Outfit would be a perfect watch.
Nose (2021)
Stream On Prime Video
Dior might be known for its dresses, but over time, it has also gained a worldwide reputation for its fragrances. The documentary, Nose, delves into this aspect of the company while detailing the work of Francois Demachy, who serves as a perfumer for the House of Dior. As he reveals his fascinating job and the olfactory nuances that go in it, the documentary is a treat for fashion experts as well as amateurs.
The historical context within Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is bound to generate more interest in the history of the fashion company. And Nose offers some much-needed modern updates on the House in this context.
Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Rent On VUDU
A quintessential origin story to both the Chanel brand and its founder Coco Chanel, this French biopic is a must-watch for those who are into fashion history. It documents how Coco Chanel started off as a seamstress and cabaret dancer and then revolutionized the world of fashion when she entered a romantic relationship with a wealthy socialite. Realizing that there is a dire need to replace the same old corsets and hats of Paris haute couture, she then sets out to revolutionize the fashion house.
Just like how Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is bound to drive viewers to research more on Dior, Coco Before Chanel would regenerate interest in the titular brand.
Cruella (2021)
Stream On Disney+
What was supposed to be a villain origin story in Disney’s new “remake” universe also turned out to be a fascinating look at the pretentious aspects of the fashion world. As the titular character in Cruella exacts revenge from her mother’s killer, she also harbors her dreams of being a top fashion designer. This leads her to stints as a boutique employee and then a leading designer herself, all the while exploring the ups and downs of showbiz.
New-age movies like Cruella and Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris are making fashion seem more democratic with their simplistic approach. These simple narratives can feature high-profile trends even for those viewers who don’t know much about fashion.