There is something breathtaking or bedazzling about watching fabric, clothes, beauty and the catwalk all come to life on the screen. We have had a plethora of films that specifically look at the fashion world and Valentino: The Last Emperor is one of the best. Can I say it's heartwarming? Yes, and fun and gaudy and glamourous and exquisite.

The other new DVD release is The September Issue, R.J. Cutler's documentary focused on the September issue of American Vogue, staring the Editor, Anna Wintour, (commonly referred to as 'Nuclear Wintour') but in which she is all but completely overshadowed by the one and only Grace Coddington, Vogue's Creative Director. It is a great documentary and reveals the art, the imagination and the business that go to make up the fashion world.

There are two DVDs out on Coco Chanel right now. One Coco Avant Chanel is the film that was in cinemas last year staring Audrey Tatou as Coco Chanel but the other is much more interesting. Shirley MacLaine is Coco in Coco Chanel, a television mini series that aired in the States in 2008. She received rave reviews and many nominations for this performance (which hasn't been shown in Australia) and deservedly so. 'She conquered with style' is the tag line and while the clothes are still in the foreground, they are hung on the story of an amazing life wrapped up in suits, pearls and cigarette holders. (Although any collaboration with the Nazis isn't mentioned.)

Then there is Young Victoria and Victor Victoria. Two films so completely different in story and scope but both with clothes and panache front and centre. Emily Blunt stars as the young Queen Victoria and looks resplendently regal in gowns and jewels and hair of the period as she cuts swathes down hallways and across well-kept gardens.

But Julie Andrews steals the show in Victor Victoria, a great singing and dancing film with quite a bit of cross dressing, allowing Andrews to dress up in tails and top hats as she taps away in Paris, earning her money as Victor. Directed by Blake Edwards, it is such a great film and it is lovely to see it back on the shelves. And I just realised that four of the six films I have mentioned all take place in Paris...the beating heart of fashion, folly and faux pas.