The September Issue movie review

November 9, 8:31 AMEdmonton City Trends ExaminerTaryn Pawlivsky

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Vogue - the most coveted publication in the fashion industry

Google/flickr.com

“I think people are fearful of fashion… I think maybe because it can make a person feel left out of the popular crowd… I mean, just because you would rather put on a pair of designer jeans than pick some up at K-mart…”

So begins the insightful, engaging and often humorous documentary, The September Issue, an inside look at what it takes to produce the bible of the fashion industry: The September issue of Vogue.

The first glance of the racks upon racks of couture and open closets of designer shoes in the back corridors of Vogue’s headquarters is reminiscent of Carrie’s delightful shriek from the Sex and the City episode where, in the very same back offices at Vogue, she spots an authentic pair of Mary Jane’s.

If the film was made in retort to The Devil Wears Prada (as some critics suggest), then it does so wittingly and cleverly. But the audience isn’t naïve by Anna Wintour’s open, and sometimes soft, candor. Everyone knows that in real life, this legendary editor-in-chief is a confident business woman who makes no apologies for saying it like it is.

Grace Coddington (known as affectively as “Gracie” by Wintour), is the powerhouse fashion editor. With her larger than life presence and long tousled hair as fiery as her strong will, the audience gets a rare look at what it takes to produce a shoot that stands out from all the others.

Hilarious footage includes André Leon Talley, Wintour’s faithful assistant, donning a Hermés scarf when learning how to play tennis. Then there's the photographer for Vogue’s cover shoot in his Victorian meeting room with its plush velvet chairs, who responds to Wintour, “Yes, this would be a great room for a party.”

There are poignant moments as well. Wintour’s daughter is shown boldly stating she has no intentions of being part of the publishing world. There’s footage of Gracie in Paris, talking about how she’s a romantic at heart, and not really into moving so quickly forward as the frenzied fashion world demands. Wintours talks openly and respectfully about her father and siblings who have accomplished remarkable things during their lives.

And you’ll enjoy the last photo shoot of the September 2007 issue… Once again, Gracie inspires us with her wit, intelligence and creative eye.

No wonder this flick’s getting four to five stars or popcorn kernels out of five!

Now playing at the Princess Theatre in Edmonton.