THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE
A compelling, fashion-focused look at Vogue’s creative process.
Should You Watch It?
If you follow fashion, The September Issue is a compelling look at the creative process behind Vogue’s September 2007 issue. The camera diligently follows staff members as they present clothing lines, photos and ideas to Publisher Anna Wintour, revealing how much work goes into creating the magazine.
The documentary also offers beautiful photo shoots and an insightful look at the ups and downs of the fashion industry. Wintour’s strong opinions and frequent rejections give the process tension, while viewers who do not follow fashion may feel that the movie lingers too long.
There is brief foul language, but otherwise little objectionable content. Teens and adults who enjoy fashion should take the trip; families with younger children should use their own discernment.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThis documentary goes behind the scenes of Vogue as Publisher Anna Wintour and her staff create the magazine’s September 2007 issue. The film follows the selection of fashion trends, art direction, clothing lines, photographs and ideas, including a glamorous cover shoot with supermodel Sienna Miller in Rome and other shoots in Paris.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is an interesting, well-observed documentary with a specific audience. The camera crew diligently follows Vogue’s creative process, making it fascinating to see what goes into producing a major fashion magazine.
The interviews focus on Anna Wintour, while the staff presentations and rejected ideas provide an engaging view of the work. The Paris photo shoots are truly beautiful. However, the film goes on a bit too long for viewers who do not follow fashion, keeping it from being more broadly compelling.
The Worldview
The film presents a light humanist worldview centered on successful people in the fashion industry. It focuses on creativity, professional achievement, beauty and the demanding process of producing a major magazine, but makes no mention of God.
That emphasis on diligent work can connect with a biblical understanding of vocation and excellence. Yet the documentary leaves success and fashion within a human-centered frame rather than placing them under God’s authority. The film invites viewers to admire creative labor, but does not explore what gives beauty, worth or achievement their ultimate meaning.
Scripture encourages faithful work while directing it beyond human approval: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Light humanist worldview of successful people in fashion industry with no mention of God; one “f” word obscenity and six profanities; no violence; no sexual content; female cleavage in one shot; no alcohol; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The documentary follows people using creativity and hard work to produce a magazine. How can you pursue excellence without making success your identity?
Colossians 3:23–24 · Matthew 6:33Anna Wintour’s staff presents ideas that are sometimes rejected. How should Christians respond when their work is criticized or does not receive approval?
Proverbs 15:31–32 · Galatians 1:10The film focuses on beauty and fashion but does not mention God. Where do you see beauty in creation, and how can it point beyond itself?
Psalm 19:1 · James 1:17What is the difference between appreciating creative work and placing too much value on appearance or professional success?
1 Samuel 16:7 · 1 Timothy 6:6–8The Final Word
For teenagers and adults who follow fashion, The September Issue offers a fascinating, insightful look at the demanding work behind Vogue. Its brief language and limited content concerns call for discernment, especially with younger viewers. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP — TEENS AND ADULTS.
