The September Issue

The September issue is Vogue's largest and most influential annual publication, setting fashion trends for the upcoming year. The 2007 edition featured in the documentary weighed over four pounds and sold thirteen million copies, making it a pivotal force in the $300-billion global fashion industry. Its significance stems from its ability to dictate styles that consumers and retailers follow for the entire year.

The documentary opens by emphasizing the 'overwhelming buzz' surrounding the September issue release each year.

Director R.J. Cutler secured rare behind-the-scenes access to Anna Wintour and her team at Vogue. The documentary explains that viewers are granted a 'rare insider's view' into the workings of Vogue, something few have ever witnessed. This access allowed the film to capture the editorial process, meetings, and decision-making that typically remains hidden from the public.

Anna Wintour serves as Vogue's editor-in-chief, while Grace Coddington is the Creative Director. Their partnership is described as defining 'an era of fashion' and represents the tension between creator and curator. Coddington brings her unique artistic vision, often clashing with Wintour's final editorial decisions. The documentary highlights their dynamic as the 'captivating tension' that exemplifies the age-old creative struggle between those who design and those who approve.

The documentary shows Anna Wintour's decision-making process as she reviews and accepts or dismisses designs from top fashion houses. This process happens during intense staff meetings and involves collaboration with photographers, models, and writers. Wintour's pivotal role demonstrates her significant influence in shaping which trends and styles will reach millions of readers worldwide.

The 2007 September issue of Vogue marked a historic milestone in publishing. It weighed over four pounds and achieved sales of thirteen million copies, setting a record at the time. This achievement cemented the issue's pivotal role in the $300 billion global fashion industry and demonstrated the magazine's enormous cultural and commercial influence.

The documentary explores the creative tension as a 'timeless struggle between creator and curator.' Coddington, as Creative Director, brings her artistic vision to the magazine, while Wintour as editor-in-chief makes final decisions about what appears in print. This tension is depicted as a fundamental part of the creative process at Vogue, where artistic ideas must balance with commercial and editorial considerations.

The documentary transports viewers into 'the exhilarating chaos of Fashion Week' across Europe, showcasing runway shows and the meticulous work involved in preparing for these global events. Viewers witness the intensity and glamour of Fashion Week as designers, models, and Vogue's team work together to shape the upcoming season's fashion narrative.

The September Issue premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded for excellence in documentary cinematography. The recognition reflected the film's high-quality production and compelling storytelling about the fashion world.

Anna Wintour has served as Vogue's editor-in-chief for over two decades, becoming one of fashion's most powerful and controversial figures. Known for her iconic bob and dark glasses, she controls which designs and trends reach millions of readers globally. Her decisions shape the $300-billion fashion industry and she stands as the gatekeeper determining what fashion the world will embrace each season.

Grace Coddington serves as Vogue's Creative Director, bringing her unique artistic vision to the magazine. She works alongside Anna Wintour to create the visual and narrative direction of each issue. The documentary highlights her role as essential to 'creating a captivating tension' that drives the magazine's creative output, representing the artistic perspective within Vogue's editorial process.

The 2007 September issue featured in the documentary sold thirteen million copies. This record-breaking sales figure demonstrated the enormous reach and influence of Vogue's September publication, making it a critical anchor for the fashion industry's annual calendar.