Life Lessons Courtesy of Anna Wintour
Fashionists rejoice! Today marks the DVD release of the Vogue documentary, The September Issue, about the making of the magazine’s “style bible” (aka the 2007 September edition) and, perhaps more importantly, the world’s most notorious editrix, Anna Wintour. Being the slightly less than fabulous city Calgary is, we didn’t get the film in theatres until months after it was released (in fact, I think it only started playing here about a month ago) so imagine my happy surprise when I went to the mailbox last week and found a screener waiting for me. While I was already a fan of Wintour’s tough-as-nails demeanour (I intend to be just like her one day), I knew that the film could certainly teach me a thing or two about the crazy business that is fashion magazines. Check out the life lessons I gathered from Ms. Wintour and the Vogue gang after the jump.
Sometimes Daddy Really Does Know Best
It would seem that Anna’s pops, Charles Wintour, was actually responsible for her foray into fashion mags. As young Anna was filling out her college applications she asked her father (the editor or The Evening Standard) what she should put under “career aspirations”. Naturally, Wintour told his daughter that she wanted to be the editor-in-chief of Vogue. Umm…duh?
The Devil Doesn’t Always Wear Prada
I have to say I was expecting to see a revolving wardrobe of outrageously fashion-forward pieces on Wintour in this film, but the lady knows what works for her and sticks to it. She has had the same blunt bangs and bob since she was a teenager, she wears the same necklace throughout half of the film, and she seemingly has a closet filled with variations of the shift dress, a-line skirts, cashmere cardigans and oversized shades. Perhaps not as inspiring as Miranda Priestly’s wardrobe in The Devil Wears Prada, but it makes a strong case for timelessly chic clothing. If it ain’t broke, Wintour’s not going to try and fix it. At least not in her personal wardrobe—the pages of Vogue, however, are a whole other story.
No Need To Apologize For Not Being Warm and Fuzzy
I am not particularly warm, nor fuzzy. So I found it especially amusing when Vogue’s past publisher, Tom Florio, noted that Wintour is not particularly warm to people she does not know (or does not need to know). He explains that Wintour is all about business and that the warm and fuzzy stuff is left to him. The future editor-in-chief in me enjoys that concept deeply.
When You Surround Yourself With The Best, Looking Good Is Easy
In no way am I saying that Wintour is not a force to be reckoned with, but The September Issue has another star in Vogue’s creative director, Grace Coddington (the redhead sitting beside Wintour above). She is an integral part of why Vogue is Vogue and, next to Wintour, I would say that she is responsible for the entire look of the magazine. You can tell right away when Coddington had a hand in producing/styling a photoshoot—her work is just on another level.
Even Sienna Miller Isn’t Beautiful Enough For Vogue On Her Own
It’s absolutely hilarious watching editor after editor commenting on how Sienna Miller’s hair is "not looking its best" and how she refuses to cut it. On top of that, once the cover shots come in, Wintour and the gang start picking on the poor girl's teeth! It’s good to know that the power of “Vogue airbrushing” is indeed a reality and needs to be hauled out in full force even for the big name celebs. Gotta wonder how Miller felt about her constant critique throughout the flick?
Let’s discuss: Have you seen/do you intent to see The September Issue? What did you think of it? Love or hate (or love to hate) any of the Vogue personalities? What did you think of Wintour’s wardrobe? Did you learn any other valuable life lessons from the film? Sound off below!
By: Meghan
Photo Credit: Splashnews
