The September Issue- Documentary Film Review
Profile of Vogue’s Editor Famously Depicted in The Devil Wears Prada
Sep 10, 2009
While The September Issue is a must-see for fashionistas, this doc will also prove insightful to anyone who has been perplexed or intimidated by the aesthetic and grandiose world of high fashion.
The verite-style documentary undertakes the challenge of revealing the true nature of Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. The filmmakers do so by observing how she and her staff assembles of the voluminous 2007 September issue of the fashion magazine. This top-selling edition will impact the billion dollar fashion industry by defining the new Fall styles and promoting the clothing and accessory lines of the featured haute couture designers.
The Pope of High Fashion
Incredible to behold are the scenes where renowned couture designers hold their breath and hang on the Vogue editor’s every critique as she reviews their new collections. Such is her absolute influence in the fashion industry that Wintour is regarded as “the most powerful woman in the U.S”.
Her weighing responsibilities and hectic work pace as a busy business executive creates an air of inaccessibility. This perception as well as her Victorian-style upbringing has led to common references to her as the Ice Woman or Pope of High Fashion.
As the decisiveness taste-maker approves or rejects items for themed fashion story shoots, or their subsequent photography, we are introduced to her talented creative director, Grace Coddington. Duly revered for her styling genius, Coddington will defend, and other times sulk, when Wintour discards any one of her photographed masterpieces from the proposed Fall issue.
Coddington’s described personal history, before and with Wintour, is almost as fascinating as watching her in action, coordinating artful shoots on set with major fashion photographers. The talented visionary even brings the documentary’s own cameraman out behind from his camera and into a re-shoot.
Fashion Is About Looking Forward
Evidence of Wintour’s reverence for her authority in the fashion industry is reflected in the establishment of a special fund designed to support emerging American fashion designers. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund enables the selected recipient to successfully build their business.
In 2007, Thakoon Panichgul was the new American designer to receive the award as well as a commission to re-invent the “big, white shirt” for Gap’s new sportswear line. As a result of Wintour’s mentorship and his own talent, Thakoon’s ultimate success was honored via a cover page on the venerable trade publication Women’s Wear Daily.
It would easily be assumed that Wintour could have orchestrated this documentary, or skewed its viewpoint to her advantage. Perhaps, with her intent would be to counteract the effect that the widely-viewed, fictionalized film The Devil Wears Prada had on her reputation. However, prior to production, director R.J. Cutler asserted the final cut of the film, which Wintour readily respected.
The Cast and Crew of The September Issue
“The September Issue” features Anna Wintour (Vogue Editor in Chief), Grace Coddington (Vogue Creative Director), Thakoon Panichgul (American Fashion Designer) and Andre Leon Tally (Vogue Editor-At-Large).
Directed by R.J. Cutler (A Perfect Candidate, American High). Cinematography by Bob Richman. Edited by Azin Samari. Produced by Eliza Hindmarch and Sadia Shepard. Executive producer is Molly Thompson. U.S. distribution by Roadside Attractions.
(Running Time: 88 min)
(Rated: PG; for Brief Strong Language.)
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