Fall Fashion in Vogue

Get in Vogue and celebrate the iconic fashion publication’s 125th anniversary. Check out issues of the magazine from the Library’s collection. Through their biographies meet some of the individuals who have made the magazine what it is today.

The September issue celebrates the 125th Anniversary. Clocking in at an impressive 916 pages, this issue is the biggest the magazine has ever produced. While it currently does not circulate (as soon as the October issue arrives it will be able to go out). Patrons can sit and enjoy the wonderful layouts and incredible fashion advertisements.

The documentary, The September Issue (2009) tracks the behind the scenes prep work, the blood, sweat, and tears that go into producing Vogue’s largest annual issue. While Wintour is the “star”, her Creative Director, Grace Coddington takes a central role and is one of the few people who will stand up to Wintour. For those who think fashion is effortless, watch this and see the work it truly entails.

Anna Wintour, editrix of Vogue, came to the public’s attention as the inspiration for Miranda Priestly, the editor in The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. In the novel Miranda terrorizes her staff with her wicked and cutting remarks and cows young intern Andi Sachs into stylish submission.

Anna Wintour may have come to the public’s attention through The Devil Wears Prada. She has been at the helm of one of the most prestigious fashion publications for over 20 years. Her sharp tongue, and less than pleasant personality are well documented in Front Row: Anna Wintour: The Cool Life and Hot Times of Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief by Jerry Oppenheimer. While critics are less than thrilled with the gossipy tone, the book paints an interesting portrati of a woman who is willing to use everything at her disposal to get what she wants. Wintour may not be someone you want to sit down and chat with, but her influence can make or break a designer.

Besides Wintour, two of Vogue’s major contributors, Grace Coddington, Creative Director, and Andre Leon Talley, Editor at Large have books of their own.

Grace Coddington’s memoir (to be published in November) entitled Grace, it tracks her rise as a young model in the 1960s. She quit modeling and put herself behind the camera as Fashion Editor for British Vogue. In 1988 she joined American Vogue bringing her unique vision to new audiences. Coddington’s own pen and ink illustrations are sprinkled throughout the book.

Andre Leon Talley, A.L.T.: A Memoir was inspired by two women, one his grandmother Bennie Frances Davis, and Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue, who became his professional mentor. Starting from his origins as a young African American man growing up in the segregated South. The book follows his rise into the upper echelons of fashion. Talley always remembers his roots and pays tribute to the women who made him who he is today. Some would say Talley is a contradiction, he is well grounded by his upbringing, but equally at home front row and center at the Fashion shows.

Vogue is and continues to be a major factor in the fashion world. Join us at the Library in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of this influential publication!