CheekyChicago

Hey Cheeky girls! If you like movies and you like fashion, I have two fabulous rental recommendations for you to enjoy on the next rainy day.

The September Issue

“I’m very driven by what I do. I am certainly very competitive. I like people who represent the best at what they do, and if that turns you into a perfectionist than maybe I am.”
- Anna Wintour

I’m sure most of you have seen the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, and if you have, you know that the story is about naive character Annie becoming assistant to the intimidating and ruthless character Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of a fictional Runway magazine. What you may not know is that The Devil Wears Prada was inspired by author Lauren Weisberger’s actual experience working as assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.

The September Issue is a documentary that offers a real glimpse into the daily life of Ms. Wintour and the whirlwind that is Vogue magazine. Vogue’s September issue effects the $300 billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication, as it predicts what designers and trends will be significant in the upcoming year. Anna Wintour has been editor-in-chief at the magazine for over twenty years and her opinion alone impacts what’s relevant in fashion, making her practically as iconic as the magazine itself.

It’s been a while since a movie has flown by faster for me as I was glued to the screen from start to finish, and at a concise 90 minutes, this movie doesn’t drag.  From the runway shows to the editorial shoots, I was mesmerized by the fashion and amazed that one woman truly rules the fashion world.  Only downside of this movie: afterwards, I was dying to go shopping!

Coco Before Chanel

”In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

What fashion savvy girl isn’t in love with Chanel? The tweed boucle jackets, the pearls, the quilted handbags, the camellia adorned accessories, sigh…..  But do you know about the woman that inspired these famed trends?  Coco before Chanel is the story of a woman who created a fashion empire. Hard to believe when you learn that she grew up in France, an orphan with little education and no money.  Coco’s feisty personality, natural elegance, talent and vision enabled her to create a successful business during a time when women had few freedoms, let alone their own company.

Audrey Tautou is luminous in her role as Coco.  It was easy to forget that she was  acting. I also had no idea what a warrior Coco was and I absolutely loved seeing where the brand’s signature designs originated.  I highly suggest getting a few of your girls together, perhaps a bottle of wine, and enjoying this fascinating flick!