For my last series, I chose to focus on 3 books that I love to read when I’m looking for inspiration off of the internet, through things like essays, interviews, and various perspectives that provide me with insight on my own depths of creativity.
But I don’t always feel like reading, even if the book is mainly photographs. When I’m feeling low energy, and just need a little spark to get started, is my favorite time to turn to the movie screen. So, grab your popcorn, because here are my…
5 Movies That’ll Inspire You Beyond the Screen!
We Margiela gives us a full look into the luxury house, Maison Margiela. The one hour and 43 minute documentary dives into what makes Margiela so special; revealing the deeper meanings behind various collections, the brand’s history, and overall initiatives. It’s filled with interviews from important figures within the brand and old clips and photographs. The only thing it doesn’t include is insight from Martin Margiela himself (he is quite the mysterious entity, however).
The documentary is hard(er) to find, but I was able to stream it through my university’s online library search.
check out the brand’s website for more information, here
Margiela: In His Own Words
The perfect counter-part to the We Margiela documentary, Margiela: In His Own Words is incredibly informational and includes segments from interviews between the Martin Margiela and the creator of the film. The interviews include Martin Margiela explaining his pieces and collections; the deeper meaning and history behind them.
Martin Margiela has existed as an incredibly mysterious figure in the world of fashion, and no one had ever really heard his voice before this documentary was released. This documentary is groundbreaking, and definitely a must-watch for anyone interested in fashion or art in general.
It’s available to rent online via Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Tubi or the Roku Channel.
My favorite documentary for when I’m needing a spark of inspiration in general; Meet Me In the Bathroom dives into the various new wave/punk rock/rock bands that dominated New York in the 90’s. It features raw footage from concerts that took place in indie New York Bars, interviews (new and old) from band members and industry-relative, significant figures, old video clips, and more.
It covers bands such as the Strokes, the Moldy Peaches, TV on the Radio, LCD Sound System, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I love this documentary not only for its creative cinematic direction, but because the various perspectives motivate me to just get started, and to do what I love, because someone out there will love it.
The documentary is available to rent on Youtube, Prime and AppleTV.
Bill Cunningham: New York
Bill Cunningham: New York pays homage to the life of Bill Cunningham, the previous fashion photographer for the New York Times for almost 60 years before his passing in 2016. The documentary displays Cunningham’s love for real, human authenticity that’s displayed through style– and the lengths he’d go to just to photograph New Yorkers for his column, “On the Street”.
This documentary is a wholesome watch, and seeing Bill Cunningham’s personality and passion for his craft on screen is something that always inspires me to do what I love.
I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone, not just to people specifically interested in fashion. It’s available to stream on Max, Youtube, Prime and AppleTV!
The Andy Warhol Diaries
One of my all-time favorite documentaries/docu-series, the Andy Warhol Diaries, is the fuel I always needed to fire my inspiration. It documents the general pop-culture of New York City during the 70’s and 80’s, bringing bands like the Velvet Underground; Artists like Basquiat; and celebrities like Mick Jagger and Liza Minelli to the forefront. It’s narrated from Warhol’s perspective, with AI generated voice-narrations of diary entries that were spoken/written by Warhol at the time he was alive.
It beautifully reminisces on Warhol’s life, providing in-depth analysis’s on various art pieces; exhibitions; his ups and downs in the public eye; his love life; and gives us background on his upbringing. Everything about this film is so inspirational; from the film’s scoring to Warhol’s art itself.
This six-part docu-series is available only on Netflix.
Jade Anaya 
Leave a comment