5 Style Insights From The September Issue

I’m probably (clearly) late in the game, but I wanted to bring a movie to your attention today: The September Issue. Although it came out in 2009, I only got to watching it a couple of days ago- thanks, Netflix! And while I was expecting a clearly staged, well rehearsed fashion movie, I was well surprised.

I think the documentary managed to capture a few very raw glimpses into the fashion magazine industry, and into one of its major players: Vogue. It shines the spotlight on the inner workings of the magazine and on the woman who runs it- and basically the world of fashion- Anna Wintour.

Just as a disclaimer: this article is not meant to be a review of the film- there have been plenty of them, by people far more authorized to write them than myself. It’s merely a way to share with you the 5 style insights from The September Issue that stuck with me even well after finishing the movie:

The September Issue showcases what I love most about fashion.

It sheds a light on the beautiful stories clothes can weave, on the process of creating a certain concept. It brings to our attention both the artistic and the commercial sides of fashion.

But it also shows the parts of this world that don’t resonate with me at all! For example the firm belief that fashion is life, and somehow the center that our universe gravitates around. And I believe Anna Wintour’s daughter summed it up perfectly- “There are other things out there, I think.”

Wow, The Devil Wears Prada was 100% realistic and not a fictional movie!

We see Andy’s struggle to become a part of Runway magazine in the 2006 film- and the same stressful environment seems to transpire from the Vogue HQ. The pressure is on when working at a prestigious fashion magazine! You are expected to look and dress the part, and to pretty much dedicate your life to the company.

Grace Coddington, Vogue’s creative director, is a business woman role model.

She is strong and poised, but still open and even caring in how she treats employees and models.  I also love the vintage inspired, romantic aesthetic that she favors rather than the super sleek, minimalistic current looks. Her Galliano pictorial was food for the soul for me, just embodying everything I love and admire in art and fashion!

A job is a job is a job.

The fashion industry quite resembles any other when it comes to office feuds, intimidating bosses and daily pressing deadlines. Working in fashion may seem (and actually be) more glam than many other places, but at the end of the day, you will run into the same grievances and annoyances as at every single other workplace.

This movie is total style inspiration!

It’s been 8 years since the movie came out, and many of the pieces are still as relevant today as they were then. Also, that pink and gold Chanel suit jacket at the Paris Fashion Week is pure, unadulterated magic.

On the off chance that you haven’t seen this film by now, I really encourage you to.  I think it’s iconic if you are interested in fashion, and quite unbiased in the way it presents this world.

And if you have watched it, let me know what your favorite parts of it were. Did you find it inspiring, interesting, over the top ridiculous? Did you resonate with the characters and concepts? Or do you have some insider experience of your own from the fashion world’s backstage? Spill the beans in the comments section below!

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