The September Issue

I've always had a strong passion and interest in the magazine industry, I'd always have piles of them around my room, admiring everything from the celebrities, fashion, editorial and the graphic design. So, watching a documentary film that goes behind the doors of the fashion bible of the world, Vogue, seemed like it would be right up my street. And it was.

Image source

The September 2007 issue of Vogue was the largest issue of a magazine to be ever published, and the documentary follows the production of this issue - that almost weighed five pounds!

The September Issue (R.J. Cutler, 2009) is a documentary capturing a rare insight behind the scenes of the most famous fashion magazine in the world and the team of people who run it.

The main focus of the film was the editor-in-chief behind the world's leading fashion magazine, Anna Wintour. I actually knew very little about this fashion icon so it was interesting to find out more about her and to also watch her and her creative team at work.

I loved watching the process of the creation of the issue. Actually being able to see the photo shoots take place (photography, another great interest of mine) and then the selection process (Grace's reactions to Anna's disapproval of her images were brilliant) to seeing the spreads come together and the decision making between what works and what doesn't. We follow Wintour and her team at photo shoots, re-shoots, staff meetings, her life at home and travelling to and from Europe.

The legendary issue: September 2007 - Image source

The 20 year old friendship/conflict between Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, a fiery redheaded fashion guru and creative director (my new favourite person, she's just brilliant) was pure entertainment. Their disagreements, tiffs and clashing of opinions is hilarious to watch, and it's clear to see just how passionate they are about their work.

I found the film extremely inspiring, even more so seeing such strong and powerful women in essential roles in the highly competitive industry. The Vogue team have larger than life personalities who put every ounce of their heart and soul into the work that they produce, and despite at times it being emotionally draining and exhausting, they really do love their job.

I've always believed that in this industry, the line between your work and your life becomes blurred, with your work becoming your life. This documentary really reinforced this idea to me, and I hope to follow in a similar suit; travelling around the world doing something I love.