I've been collecting the hefty September issue of Vogue since I was 16 years old. It's great having this reference to look back at as fashion is cyclical. For me because I love Vogue it was a treat to catch some behind the scenes workings of the September issue. The main motivation behind Wintour's participating in this documentary is probably primarily commercial, as she want's Vogue's circulation to increase. Don't view this with an expectation to gain insight into her character. I found the documentary too short but it's because I loved the subject, for casual viewers unfamiliar with the Septemeber issues it's a good length. So why do I love Vogue's September issue? The trends brought up in September will echo throughout the fashion year and for years after. This magazine marries culture albeit a more high-browed, selective, snobbish, commercial culture with genuine talent and artistry. Plus there are actual articles to read in small font throughout the magazine. It's not just a fluffy magazine full of photo's. Through the documentary the viewer can see that the people running Vogue are ageing. These people also refreshingly wear very little make-up and let their wrinkles show. A lot of the documentary features Grace, who has wild untamed hair, at the beginning I wished she had used product or a straightening iron but Grace is the crone archetype, while young she was beautiful and now at old age is again comfortable in her own skin. The September issues of Vogue under Wintour's leadership are memento's of the current golden age of fashion and design. It's interesting that Wintour is of English origin as her sensibility is so French and conservative. In fact London is one of the cities where fashion begins from the individual and fashion there is chaotic and unique and frankly follows no rules. The world we are familiar with where fashion trends echo throughout every country is ending. The timing of this documentary before the US economic meltdown was lucky, there is no doom and gloom in this documentary. A must see for those interested in fashion.
Review of The September Issue
