The September Issue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Anna Wintour decides which clothes are cool, and a very large magazine is born.

🍿 The September Issue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Behind the Scenes at Vogue

The documentary offers an inside look at the making of Vogue’s September 2007 issue, which was the largest issue ever published at the time. It follows Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief, and her team as they navigate the pressures of creating this influential fashion bible. The film highlights the various stages of production, from fashion week runway shows to photo shoots and editorial meetings.

The Dynamic Between Wintour and Coddington

A central theme of the film is the complex and creative relationship between Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, Vogue’s Creative Director. They often clash over creative decisions, representing the tension between the business and artistic sides of the fashion industry. Coddington’s passionate and artistic vision provides a counterpoint to Wintour’s more pragmatic and powerful influence.

Fashion Week and Design Decisions

The movie captures Anna Wintour attending fashion week in various cities, showcasing her discerning eye and influence on designers. Her opinions can make or break a designer’s career. The film reveals the work of the entire team as they deliberate on layouts, photography, and content, showing the collaborative and high-pressure environment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Anna Wintour (Self): The influential and enigmatic editor-in-chief of Vogue, known for her discerning eye and control over the fashion world.
• Grace Coddington (Self): Vogue’s creative director who provides a passionate and artistic counterbalance to Wintour’s pragmatic vision.
• André Leon Talley (Self): A flamboyant and experienced editor-at-large at Vogue, known for his extravagant style and knowledge of fashion.
• Hamish Bowles (Self): Vogue’s European editor-at-large is an authority on fashion history, bringing a unique perspective to the magazine.
• Oscar de la Renta (Self): A celebrated fashion designer who seeks validation and approval from Vogue and its key figures.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Anna Wintour: “I think what I often see is that people are frightened of fashion and that because it scares them or it makes them feel insecure, they put it down.” – Wintour expresses her frustration with those who dismiss fashion as frivolous, explaining that it often stems from their own insecurities.
• Anna Wintour: “Just because you like to put on a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress… instead of something basic from K-Mart it doesn’t mean that you’re a dumb person.” – Anna Wintour defends those who enjoy fashion, saying that wearing nice clothes doesn’t mean someone is unintelligent.
• Grace Coddington: “Everybody’s not perfect in this world. It’s enough the models are perfect.” – Grace Coddington states her intention to leave a picture of a Vogue staff member unedited, arguing that everyday people shouldn’t be held to the same standards as models.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $3,820,067
• Worldwide Gross: $6,442,300

💥 The September Issue Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the world of Vogue! Seeing the creative process unfold was fascinating. I found myself rooting for Grace Coddington, her passion is infectious. While Anna Wintour remains an enigma, this film offers a glimpse into her world that I found surprisingly engaging. I now have a newfound respect for the hard work and dedication that goes into creating such an iconic magazine.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fashion enthusiasts”
  • “Documentary lovers”
  • “Aspiring editors and designers”
  • “Those interested in business and creativity”
  • “Anyone curious about the world of Vogue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Occasional strong language”
  • “Depictions of high-pressure work environments”
  • “Discussions of body image and beauty standards”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A fascinating look behind the scenes of Vogue, showcasing the immense effort and artistry involved in creating a single issue. Anna Wintour’s enigmatic persona is explored, while Grace Coddington’s creativity shines through, offering a compelling contrast.
• Los Angeles Times: “This documentary offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of fashion, with Anna Wintour as its central figure. The film is engaging but also reveals the pressures and compromises required to maintain Vogue’s influence.
• RogerEbert.com: “Though it may not delve deep into Wintour’s psyche, ‘The September Issue’ is a captivating look at the creative process behind Vogue, featuring the battle of wills between Wintour and Coddington.

Audience Reactions

The dynamic between Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington was captivating.: Viewers appreciated the insight into the creative process and the complexities of the fashion world.

Grace Coddington’s passion and artistry were a highlight for many.: Many viewers found Coddington’s dedication inspiring and authentic.

Overall Consensus: A captivating documentary that offers a glimpse into the world of high fashion, highlighting the creative process and the dynamic personalities behind Vogue magazine.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film received unprecedented access to Anna Wintour and her team at Vogue, offering a rare glimpse into the creation of the September issue, traditionally the most important and largest issue of the year.”
• “R.J. Cutler, the director, initially intended to focus primarily on Anna Wintour, but found the dynamic between Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington to be much more compelling, shifting the focus of the film.”
• “The September 2007 issue of Vogue, which the documentary chronicles, weighed nearly five pounds and was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published at the time.”
• “Anna Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer, makes a brief appearance in the film, offering a counterpoint to her mother’s intense dedication to the fashion world and expressing her own disinterest in it.”

🖥️ How to Watch The September Issue?

The September Issue is available to rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The September Issue, you might like these similar films:

• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): A fictionalized, comedic take on the world of high fashion and a powerful magazine editor, inspired by Anna Wintour.
• Bill Cunningham New York (2010): A documentary about the iconic New York Times fashion photographer, offering another perspective on the fashion world and its personalities.
• Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013): Another documentary exploring the history and influence of a fashion institution, focusing on the legendary department store Bergdorf Goodman.
• Dries (2017): A documentary offering an intimate portrait of fashion designer Dries Van Noten, providing insight into the creative process of a major fashion figure.

🛒 The September Issue Related Products

• Vogue: The Covers: A stunning compilation showcasing the most iconic Vogue covers throughout history, a must-have for fashion enthusiasts.
• The Devil Wears Prada [Blu-ray]: Inspired by the same world, this fictionalized account offers a different, humorous perspective on the fashion industry.
• Fashion Design Sketchbook: Unleash your inner designer with this premium sketchbook, perfect for capturing your fashion ideas and creating your own designs.
• Anna Wintour: The Biography: An in-depth biography exploring the life and career of Anna Wintour, offering insights into her influence and legacy.

🎧 Soundtrack

The September Issue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Destroy Everything You Touch” – performed by Ladytron
• “The Rip” – performed by Portishead
• “Angus Prime” – performed by Ratatat

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tiffany & Co. — “Some Style is Legendary” Documentary

Ever wondered what it’s like for Grace Coddington to work on a brand campaign *outside* of Vogue? This short doc gives you a sneak peek into her collaboration with Tiffany & Co. – it’s fascinating to see her creative process in a different context!

The Duchess Of Sussex: Behind The Scenes Of The September Issue | British Vogue

Remember how crazy the September issue process seemed in the movie? Check out this behind-the-scenes video of Meghan Markle guest-editing British Vogue’s September issue – it’s a totally different vibe but still super interesting!

September Issue Birchbox Unboxing | LeighAnnSays

If you enjoyed ‘The September Issue’ movie, you might find this Birchbox unboxing amusing! The youtuber makes a comparison between the subscription box and Vogue’s iconic September issue. It’s a fun, lighthearted take that is very entertaining to watch!

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