This weekend I got to go to the Full Frame Film Festival in Durham and saw the documentary, The September Issue. Here's a synopsis:
Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine for twenty years, is the most powerful and polarizing figure in fashion. Hidden behind her trademark bob and sunglasses, she has never allowed anyone to scrutinize the inner workings of her magazine. Until now. With unprecedented access, filmmaker R.J. Cutler’s new film The September Issue does for fashion what he did for politics in The War Room, taking the viewer inside a world they only think they know. Every August a record-breaking number of people can’t wait to get their hands on the September issue of Vogue. The 2007 issue was and remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication. At the eye of this annual fashion hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Wintour and Grace Coddington, incomparable Creative Director and fashion genius. Through them, we see close-up the delicate creative chemistry it takes to remain at the top of the ever-changing fashion field.
I loved the film. Having worked at a magazine over a decade ago, I loved that some of the magazine industry hasn't changed much. Technology has made a difference though and that was great to see too. I also thoroughly enjoy fashion, so of course, I thought it was great. I LOVED the interaction between Grace and Anna. I think Grace was such a star in the film. Grace was there at the viewing and it was wonderful to see her reaction to the film too. Really a fun night. I got to go with my good friend Israel who used to work at the festival. We went to dinner first with some of his friends and had a great intellectual conversation (which I rarely get to have as a full-time mom). I look forward to going again next year!
