Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in bringing an 840-page fashion magazine into reality? Well neither had I! But “September Issue” which is currently playing at the Moxie offers a great documentary on how the largest magazine every printed came to life.
The movie follows the tale of Anna Wintour (the basis for “The Devil Wears Prada”) as she guided/coaxed/threatened/told her staff how things are going to be. No question about it! But she doesn’t come off as quite the bitch Meryl Streep played in “Prada”. We follow her in her office, to the fashion runways and to visits with designers – and along the way we learn about her youth growing up in London and the path her father directed for her based on her interest in fashion.
For me, the real star of the show was Grace Coddington who is Vogue’s Creative Director. Grace was a teen-model for vogue in the late 50′s but following a car accident she joined British Vogue as a fashion editor and later switched to American Vogue when Anna hired her. Their respect for each other was evident but Anna clearly has the last word which didn’t always agree with Anna’s opinion – and believe me, she had her opinions!
Tammy was my guide throughout the movie since she obviously knows her fashion and designers while I’m limited to the sale racks at Dillard’s, Loft or TJ Maxx! She did have to explain to me that there are people who actually have couture clothing made especially for them and if they are photographed wearing the item, will then retire it for about 20 years until it’s considered “vintage couture”. I probably have a few things in my closet that may come close to the vintage definition but I’m not sure Gap jeans or MS150 t-shirts are truly vintage!
Next up at the Moxie is “Coco Before Chanel” and Tammy and I are already making plans to see it – without our guys!
Last night was fun! Looking forward to seeing the Coco movie next week. With all these fashion movies you’ll be speaking “fashionese” in no time!
And yes, Grace was a hoot! I loved her and she has an amazing eye for photos. I’d say Vogue and Anna might not be as stylish as they are without Grace.