The September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine weighed nearly five pounds and was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published.

The September Issue, directed and produced by R.J. Cutler, premieres August 28th, 2009.

The films tells the story of legendary Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and the team of editors that create the magazine that rules the world of fashion.

From New York to London, critics are raving. While the documentary successfully captures what it takes to put such a mammoth media project together, many critics are surprised that the film doesn’t focus on the business strategy or the day-to-day decisions that are required to produce a leading industry publication. The documentary reportedly focuses on Anna Wintour (who remains just as much of an enigma as ever) and creative director Grace Coddington. The film reveals Coddington as the power behind the throne, and ultimately Anna.

My Thoughts: This documentary stands in stark contrast to the fashion journalism of today. The Sept. 2007 issue of Vogue represented a high point in fashion journalism during the golden age of consumerism. If a woman wanted Louboutin shoes, she could and should have them.

Now, when “recessionista” fashion is chic and digital media – blogs, videos, podcasts, Twitter  -  have forever changed the way people consume news, it’s going to be very interesting to see how fashion journalism has adapted (or not adapted) to these new mediums.

Fashion brands, retailers and publications are concerned with the future of fashion; I hope the film sheds some insight into how publishing houses and journalists are leveraging new media marketing strategies to syndicate their content, increase online readership and drive web traffic.

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