Houston Press
Fashion On Demand: Five Fashion-y Things to Watch on HBO Right Now
By Christina Uticone Thu., Aug. 28 2014 at 7:00 AM
Other than the insane Simpsons marathon on FXX, there is practically nothing to watch on television at the moment. (Sportsball doesn’t count–it’s always on.) Sure, we’re muddling along with new episodes of Project Runway on Thursday nights, but beyond that we’re talking about a wasteland of reality shows and syndicated re-runs.
For those of us who are #soblessed with HBO On Demand, the menu offers some relief. From Vogue to Marilyn Monroe to a little-watched HBO series, here are five fashion-centric gems to keep you occupied.
In Vogue (2012)
If someone offered you 90 minutes to pick the brain of some of the most famous names at Vogue, wouldn’t you jump at the chance? Now you needn’t worry about jumping, or the joint damage it could cause. Sit back, relax, and spend time with Hamish Bowles, Grace Coddington, and Anna Wintour–plus designers and A-list celebs like Nicole Kidman–via this 90-minute HBO documentary.
About Face (2012)
Watch some of the most famous faces in fashion–Christie Brinkley, Jerry Hall, Christy Turlington, Paulina Prizkova, et al.–as they discuss the fashion industry at large, the definition of “beauty,” and how one defines (and redefines) the concept as one ages.
It’s great to actually hear from models, and–if you’re over 30–it’s hard to resist this particular set. About Face comes in at a very digestible 75 minutes, so no big time investment there. It’s like the Vogue age issue, but with more gossip.
How to Make it in America (2010-11)
This little show never found traction at HBO, and was cancelled after two seasons, but episodes can be accessed On Demand–and they should be. A quirky, strange little 30-minute comedy, How to Make it in America follows friends Ben and Cam as they try to hustle their way to success in the New York City fashion scene. And who can resist anything with Luis Guzmán?
Love, Marilyn (2012)
Spend two hours getting to know one of the greatest style icons of the twentieth century. Some of your favorite stars today read from Marilyn’s diaries, poems, and letters; the readings are cut with archival footage, and we hear from Monroe’s contemporaries as a result (as well as from Marilyn herself). Look for Lauren Bacall, Truman Capote, and Gloria Steinem in the archival footage; modern celebs who participated include Zoe Saldana, Glen Close, Viola Davis, and Evan Rachel Wood.
Casting By (2012)
So not quite fashion, perhaps, but a fascinating glimpse into the world of movie casting. We meet Marion Dougherty, whose casting choices launched mega-careers like Dustin Hoffman, Bette Midler, and Gene Hackman. In addition to Midler, we hear from stars like Diane Lane, John Travolta, and Glen Close–all style icons, so let’s give it up for Ms. Dougherty. Good eye, sister.
