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HBO Documentary Film: IN VOGUE: THE EDITOR’S EYE

by Jef Dinsmore
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Doc-logo2Overview: This documentary takes a look at some of the world’s most influential fashion images as conceived In-_vogueby Vogue magazine’s iconic fashion editors. Drawing on Vogue’s exceptional archives, the film features behind-the-scenes interviews with editors who have contributed to the magazine’s legacy, including current editor in chief Anna Wintour; fashion editors such as Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman, Polly Allen Mellen, Camilla Nickerson, Phyllis Posnick and Babs Simpson; celebrated Vogue subjects Nicole Kidman and Sarah Jessica Parker; industry icons such as Hamish Bowles; and fashion designers Alber Elbaz, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang (herself a former Vogue fashion editor), all of whom share their experiences collaborating with top photographers and image-makers of the day. Here is the trailer.

 

Expectations: This documentary coincides with the 120th anniversary of Vogue magazine and in those years I think I have picked up the magazine less than a dozen times yet, I do know what it is. Face it, my fashion sense consists of muscle shirts and going barefoot half the year and L. L. Bean and flannel the rest. I don’t know squat about high fashion or the magazines about it.vogue_pic

So, why am I about to watch IN VOGUE: THE EDITOR’S EYE? The truth be told I feel obligated. I have been doing my own style of documentary reviews for HBOWatch all year and I felt that I could not miss this one regardless of my minor interest. There is also the simple reason that I am always willing to be educated. But what can this film show me? First, I am looking for the imagery. This work is to document the styles shown in the magazine in all their high gloss fashion. I am hoping that they are rich, intriguing, invoking and unique. I also expect to understand what drives the fashion photographer and editors to capture on film the various stylized looks that have graced the magazine. I think those expectations can be easily met and I might just find it all entertaining.

gaga_vogueGut Reaction: Okay, for me an hour was enough. At times I just looked at the photos and started shutting out the voices. In fact, I didn’t know any of the talking heads except Vera Wang; somehow I have heard of her. There was the expected cool imagery but not enough of it. The one feature I did like, however, was the timeline that took us through all 120 years of fashion and the mag. It was interesting to get a glimpse of the first publication and its use of illustration, the first photograph used in print, the first color photo used in the pages and the changing magazine through the decades.

But, I still don’t get the business. I understand that cultural attitudes are reflected in the styles we wear but, the fashion industry still seems excessive to me. I wish IN VOGUE: would have given me a better understanding of the necessity for high fashion. I realize that, like anything, it needs chronicled if it exists but I was left blank on the ‘why’ of it all.

 

In Conclusion: What I got out of it was a bit of history and the evidence of a passion that these editors have for their craft which is even difficult for them to describe. I am quite sure, however, that those people interested in paging through Vogue, those interested in fashion and/or photography can go away from this film with a lot more satisfaction than I did. For those who understand it was a good piece celebrating the magazine and the people who shaped it.

Did anyone else catch IN VOGUE: THE EDITOR’S EYE? Let us know what you thought of it.

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13 comments

Rosario November 10, 2013 - 1:20 pm

The “why of it all” is for entertainment..they conjure up excessive fantasies so women would buy magazines.. and publishers would make sales.simple pimple if they only chronicled the normal everyday fashion..that would be a catalog not a magazine

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Jef Dinsmore May 5, 2013 - 7:22 pm

For those dying to know – 06.04.13 is the premiere date for this documentary to DVD.

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eve May 5, 2013 - 5:08 pm

I love it. When is the DVD coming out?

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Chris Morvant February 5, 2013 - 4:20 pm

I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for the DVD.

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Todd January 1, 2013 - 3:15 pm

Is there anyway i can watch this in the UK?

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Adam December 22, 2012 - 1:03 pm

I live in the UK and am dying to see this documentary. I adored The September Issue and have watched it dozens of times. Will this be coming out on DVD or is there a way I can see it?

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NP December 9, 2012 - 11:06 pm

Will it be repeated?

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Jef Dinsmore December 10, 2012 - 3:19 pm

Yes, it airs December 12, 18, 19, 21, 24 & 28 across the HBO channels and at various times. You can also watch it on HBOGo.
You can get an exact schedule by going to the IN VOGUE: home page on HBO.com and select the ‘Schedule’ button. I’d list them here but the site won’t copy-n-paste. Come back and tell us what you think!

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Mike Weber December 9, 2012 - 10:10 pm

Loved it…..

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Jef Dinsmore December 10, 2012 - 3:19 pm

Good! I knew it was meant for someone to appreciate.

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m. diana brown December 28, 2012 - 2:11 pm

Are you all going to put it on DVD?

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Jef Dinsmore December 28, 2012 - 9:49 pm

It will surely come out on DVD, but it has not done so yet. There is a companion book that came out with the documentary. It can be purchased at major retailers.
I am sure it has all the glossy pics represented in the film between its pages and more.

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Martin S December 29, 2012 - 5:23 am

Any time frame with releasing the DVD? A month, two, half a year? I’m dying to see it

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