Une femme recommends…
The September Issue is now out on DVD. I watched it last night and it is one of the most engaging and fascinating films about the fashion industry I’ve yet seen. I now have a total girlcrush on Grace Coddington. Her vision will blow you away and her strength and humor come through in every scene.
The film moves at a fast clip, but maintains a coherent narrative, and it’s visually stunning. I’m going to have to watch it again, scene by scene with my finger on the pause button just to take in all of the incredible clothes.
One thing I found irritating though, was at the very beginning Anna Wintour says something to the effect of “people who don’t like fashion are just resentful at not being one of the cool people.” Grr. Some people really just don’t care about fashion, the same way some don’t care about sports, and that’s fine. Chacun a son gout and all that. But if you love fashion, or even just have a fleeting interest, I highly recommend The September Issue.
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It’s in my netflix que right now. I can’t wait. Today I get Coco Avant Chanel delivered! I feel like it’s a film festival.
Can’t wait to see this. Just discovered that I still have my copy of that issue.
Someday I’ll get around to it!
I enjoyed this so much. It’s more revealing of Anna Wintour than I expected; the scene where she speaks of what her siblings have achieved, and what she supposes they think of her is worth the price of admission.
Love GC, and find it interesting that her “look” — hair/fashion/makeup — contrasts so sharply with what she creates. Her creative process, as well as the relationship she and AW have, were by far the most fascinating thing about the film for me.
On a related note if I stretch, ha [DENISE STARTED IT!] there’s a site I love that discusses costuming in the movies, and Bright Star is one of the films she’s featured. The blogger often has interviews with (other) industry folks:
http://frocktalk.com
Can’t wait to join Denise and actually SEE Bright Star, especially as I love how Campion’s films always show that she understands the power of clothing to communicate.
I saw this last night too. I was so struck by the nature of the industry and its lack of interest in its endusers.
I’ve seen it twice and love Grace Coddington. She’s a genius and she stands up to Anna Wintour. Respect!
I really want to see this– Wintour makes me laugh with her capacity (compulsion) to alienate everybody, even the most disinterested well-wishers . I think she’s projecting, I’ve never seen her look attractive for all of her designerwear, and yet viewed empirically she has all the prerequisites for popular standards of attractiveness–slender, well groomed, regular features–but she carries such a darkness around her.
Another wonderful fashion film I saw recently is The Last Emperor– a biography of Valentino and his career.It is wonderful.
Oooh, I’m planning the meal, the glass of wine — what a perfect solo evening watching this! so looking forward to it.
It’s definitely on the list!
I found this fascinating, too, and would argue that Anna Wintour herself might be the reason that some people find fashion to be obnoxiously exclusive. “The cool people,” indeed. What grade is she in, anyway? Like you, I came to adore Grace Coddington, and saw that she was the true spirit and genius at Vogue.
On a side note, Bonjour Madame, I found “Coco Avant Chanel” to be terribly disappointing for too many reasons to enumerate here. But “Bright Star” by Jane Campion was wonderful. While ostensibly about John Keats and his muse Fanny (a fashion designer and sewer), there were amazing scenes of stitching and every time she was on screen, I died at what she was wearing. Those dresses! Those hats! You won’t be disappointed.
I also watched it yesterday and was fascinated by the process of putting such an issue together.
Thanks to your recommendation it is now #1 on my Neflix list.
I really need to see this. Anna Wintour amazes me. Quite frankly I have a hard time deciding if she’s a persona or if she’s truly just une vache. I’m guessing the latter.
I enjoyed it. At first I didn’t like Grace Coddington. But then, as her story unraveled (ha ha ha fashion/fabric pun) and I saw her put together the shoots I really admired her.
I have been waiting for this! Like Stephanie..it’s in the Netflicks que!
Never even heard about this. It must be interesting, everyone is commenting so eagerly. Could this possibly be in the North yet?
Hey Vix, thanks for the link to frocktalk and interviews with Janet Patterson and Jane Campion. Enjoy ‘Bright Star’ as soon as you can!
Hello, I LOVED this film and saw it twice at the cinema. I took Anna’s comment to mean a lot of people diss fashion because they are afraid and don’t understand it- I know people like this. Meanwhile Mrs Palin appears to be reading my blog. Really. I love the Ladytron song at the start of the movie “destroy everything”. I always play it on my ipod.xxx
[You’re welcome, Denise! I’m a sucker for process and behind-the-scenes stuff….]
It’s going on my netflix que.
Yes, isn’t Grace Coddington amazing!
ME TOO re Grace. Who wouldn’t love that woman?!?!?! Even my husband loved her. And what a great role model she is. I’m almost tempted to give up make-up. Almost.
I think they should do a spin-off doco on Grace Coddington and her life, I was left wanting to know more about her. Wasn’t Andre Leon-Talley (spelling ?) a disaster though?
I can’t wait to get my copy on Friday! YAY
Hi Deja Pseu
I have just discovered your blog today. Thank you for your intelligent insights.
I agree with your point about Anna Wintour’s comment about people not liking fashion.
It is interesting that her daughter does not wish to follow in her footsteps. The reasons included there being other (more substantial and significant) ways to use one’s intelligence and make a difference in the world.
Have a lovely weekend and look forward to reading more.
SSG xxx