Monday, August 1, 2011

Say Do You Remember?

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

"How much does it weigh, and how many pages?" is one of the questions asked by a Condé Nast executive, during a boardroom meeting for their September issue of Vogue. Remember the 2007 one, with Sienna Miller on the front cover?

I discovered the infamous edition under my bed two days ago. I don't remember what it was I was originally looking for, but there it was in all its 1000-pages splendour. I'd forgotten how big it was, and the motive behind its magnitude. They were looking to break the record. They broke it and then some. Yes, size does count. Don't let anybody fool you into thinking otherwise.

Having said that, my Livingstonian finding prompted me to re-watch "The September Issue" (2009). I think I appreciated the documentary more this time around, than on my first viewing of it. Then, I was more interested in the business and creative side of the publishing industry. This time, I paid more attention to the mindset, and interactions of the characters.

There are several storylines in this film that resonate with me. For example, Anna Wintour asking photographer Mario Testino, during one of their creative sessions, whether he'd seen Roger Federer play the other day, is completely irrelevant to their task, yet so perfect for the moment.

In addition, Grace Coddington reiteration of what she'd once been told by one of her mentors, that is; "always keep your eyes open, because whatever you see out of the window can inspire you", sums up her modus operandi.

And last but not least, André Leon Talley playing tennis! You need to watch the movie just to behold this comic relief. It's a riot. Although, Talley looks cute in his Louis Vuitton gear and all, and I respect him for the genius that he is: This should be the first and the last time, the word "tennis", and the names "Federer" and "Talley" are mentioned in the same film, let alone in the same sentence, ever again. R.J. Cutler, you listening?

Anyway, back to the Vogue issue. While flicking through the pages of the hard copy, I stumbled on an ad by Nordstrom that I'd forgotten about, and thought I'd share with you. I'm in love with these illustrations. They almost beat the cover.

18 comments:

  1. i was just talking about these illustrations to a friend the other day! they're very unique. btw, how is the september issue as a movie? i've gotten such mixed reviews!

    sara tee.

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  2. Very special and creative illustrations. Pity they are not done these days, and yes, I do remember;-)

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  3. wow these illustrations are amazing!!

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  4. Orange bag is so nice!
    http://cookieswardrobe.blogspot.com/

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  5. I love to re-read my old magazines aswell ^__^
    Just thinking like 'omg that was hot in 2002??' you know :P

    xx

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  6. September Issue is a great documentary. Good references.

    GTBB,
    http://badjoan.com
    http://badjoan.blogspot.com

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  7. Love this post! I definitely have a "Vogue" obsession :) Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog! xo

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  8. I like the illustrations!

    Thanks a lot for your comment! You're welcome! =)

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  9. you are right, they are really good illustrations! great colors...

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  10. I love them all, very unusual style :)
    x

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  11. Thank you for your lovely comment!!
    I looooove the first picture - this outfit is awesome!! :))

    Desislava
    http://truedreamcatcher.blogspot.com

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  12. When u saw my pics do you remebered california?!
    That is amazing!!*

    http://cofashopaholic.blogspot.com/

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  13. Hey. Thank you for your lovely cooment on my blog http://madifonbyfashion.blogspot.com/. I'm glad you did it because I fell in love with your blog :) Consider me your follower :)
    Regarding to this post, "the september issue" is a great movie, I've seen it a few times. my sister watches it over and over. :)
    I'm looking forward for more posts.
    Take care.

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  14. I love these illustrations too...fashion illustration is so cool! Love the September issue also, I have it on dvd, a great insight into the behind the scenes of Vogue. Following you now...come follow me back if you enjoy my blog xx

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  15. Love the dress on 1st photo! Just started following your blog and like its unique charm! Very cool!

    Hope you'll have time to check out mine!
    K.
    http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3008424/poshkay

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  16. I never got a copy of this Vogue eventhough I was very curious to see the final result after seeing the film.

    Love this add, very original

    Thank you for your comment on my blog !
    www.tripsandtreasures.blogspot.com
    new outfit post : my trip to Portugal

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  17. those illustrations are beautiful! it;s the same artist that illustrated The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia, altho i don't remember his/ her name.

    http://frustratedwriterstyle.blogspot.com/

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