aherculeanheart

8/10

Spoilers

[spoiler]On the surface The September Issue is a journey through the construction and production of their most important issue of the year; going from clothing selections, image concepts, and photoshoots, along with the inate struggles of putting together the fashion bible. [/spoiler] [spoiler]At the helm of this boat, is Anna Wintour, the magazine's Editor-in-Chief, whose vision is laid out on the glossy magazine pages. Anything that fails to meet her standard is slashed and started anew, everyday going against to clock to have it done in time for release. The woman who holds the most power within the fashion world, who if judge, jury and executioner for anyone working in fashion.[/spoiler] [spoiler]However, the documentary is much more than the creation of a single issue, it's a profile on the two women who make American Vogue the most prolific fashion magazine in the world: Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and Creative Director Grace Coddington. The two women are intertwined within the pages of high fashion. [/spoiler] [spoiler]Throughout the process, Anna and Grace are constantly at odds, each pulling at the fashion pages trying to mold the magazine in their creative image. Grace pushing to add in artistic beauty, photo spreads that tell stories rather than just showcase garments. On the flip side, Anna pulls the magazine to be a cultural icon, putting celebraties on the cover and using subdued intimidation mixed with a icy posture to get what she wants. The film's most intriguing moments are the silent stares and cut words that are really battles between Grace and Anna that speak of a long history bewteen the two women, almost rivals to win the heart and pages of Vogue. [/spoiler] [spoiler]Though that is not to say that Anna is the villain of this story, rather she is the head of the magazine. She navigates the business of fashion to place American Vogue at the helm of fashion, making the magazine (and herself) the single most important opinion in the fashion community, where both designers/fashion houses and buyers/retailers pray and give offerings to the House of Wintout, vying for her favor and approval. This god-like status has been dutifully earned by Wintour's vision of what Vogue could be, her unrelenting attention to detail and constant editing to create a better magazine, along with her business savy, making her a consultant and bridge for designers, consumers and retailers. [/spoiler] [spoiler]On the flipside, Grace is the heart of the magazine. It is her artistic vision that dominates the glossy pages. Former model turned fashion editor, Coddington is unphased by the glitz and glamour of fashion, her singular focus is the art in the stitched textiles and the stories she creates through the images. For Grace the world is her inspiration and the magazine's pages her blank canvases; through each new photoshoot she, via the photographers, garments and models, creates not only images but also stories and art worthy of sharing space with the masters. For this particular September issue, all photo spreads, except for one, are Grace's. Turning garments and fashion into art is all Grace Coddington.[/spoiler] [spoiler]Anna and Grace are the balance that makes American Vogue the leading voice and biggest influence in fashion. While Grace is open, creative and comforting, Anna is restraint, hidding behind glasses or her 60s hair, constantly on edge exerting power. To add to their relationship, it is revealed that Anna and Grace started the same day at the magazine, their careers sharing a starting point and forever interwined. Even their clothing reveal so much contrast bewteen the two: while Grace dresses for comfort, usually sporting muted tones and dark colors, walking in flats or sandals, focusing attention away from her looks and into her work, cause what really warrants attention is her work, Anna is dressed to the toe in designer clothing, full of color and vibrance, constantly attracting attention to her image, and image that projects confidence and power, like a warrior going to battle and intimidating the enemy at first sight. For Anna fashion is her amour and her shield, so you can never get to close to the ice queen. For Grace, fashion is a vehicle for artistic expression, for sharing her inspiration and a place of comfort, she is an open book. [/spoiler] [spoiler]Interestingly, the only time we see a softer Anna is when she is in the company of her daughter, who is a constant companion in Anna's journey within Vogue; her daughter accompanies her to events, she asks for (and values) her opinions on the magazine and is supported by her in her work. The only soft spot for Anna Wintour is her family. [/spoiler] [spoiler]Even the music is a juxtaposition of the two women: on one side you have upbeat, electronic music as a background for runway shows, fashion offices and designer meeting (the world Anna dominates), while on the other you have instrumental pieces that bring longing and melancholy, a serenity and peace as if you are at a gallery taking in the amazing strokes and colors of the canvas (this is world of Grace, the world of art). [/spoiler] [spoiler]Overall, The September issues stars as a behind the scenes looks at the fashion magazine, but ends up as a profile on the two women who make Vogue iconic. [/spoiler]