In fashion, the September issues are the most awaited, voluminous, and richest in content compared to other issues of the year. The September issue of Vogue or any other fashion magazines isn’t just another publication, it’s an event.
In a time when print media faces significant challenges, the September issue remains a staple of the industry. While many readers now consume fashion content online, the September issue continues to hold its ground as a must-have physical object, a collector’s item that embodies the glamour and allure of the fashion world. Despite I do not buy each issue every month, I personally love to collect September Issues of different fashion publications.
Moreover, the competition between magazines ensures that each year, the September issues continue to push boundaries. Whether it’s through groundbreaking covers, innovative editorial content, or showcasing the most sought-after designers, each magazine strives to outdo the other, knowing that the eyes of the fashion world are watching.
But what makes it so important?
Why do fashion magazines pour so much effort, creativity, and resources into this particular month? And how does the competition among the leading fashion publications fuel the excitement?
September is the most important month of the editorial calendar in the fashion industry. Each September issue is planned, studied, and prepared months ahead, from 9-12 months before up to 3 days before the printing day. From Vogue to Glamour and Cosmopolitan, all the fashion magazines compete to have the best cover and the issue with the highest number of pages.
Understanding the significance of the September issue and the fall season is crucial for anyone aspiring to work in fashion. This knowledge goes beyond simply appreciating the glamorous side of the industry, it’s about grasping the strategic importance of timing, consumer behavior, and market trends. The September issue represents a concentrate of creative and commercial strategies. For those aiming to enter the fashion industry, being attuned to these dynamics is essential. It demonstrates an awareness of the industry’s rhythm and a readiness to contribute to its most pivotal moments. Moreover, understanding the September issue’s role in shaping trends, driving sales, and influencing the cultural narrative equips aspiring fashion professionals with the insights needed to thrive in this competitive, fast-paced industry. So whether you aspire to work in design, marketing, editorial, or retail, recognizing the weight of the September issue can be a stepping stone to success in fashion.
Why is the September issue so important?
Back-to-School and Work Shopping
September is like a new beginning. It marks the end of the summer.
In the fashion world, September is even more important than the new year in January. Indeed, as we transition from summer to fall, we need a new wardrobe. And so, September represents the big shopping momentum. That’s why September issues are synonymous with shopping and have a focus on fashion. Fall is indeed the biggest season when it comes to retail. It creates a natural demand for new clothing, whether it’s back-to-school outfits for students or updated work wardrobes for professionals. Unlike the more casual styles associated with summer, fall often sees consumers investing in more substantial and versatile pieces, like coats, boots, and knitwear, which typically come at higher price points.
Thanks to September issues, we can learn about the fall/winter trends and latest product releases, and receive recommendations from magazines on what to buy and how to style our looks this season.Â
The largest September Issue
You may have noticed that September issues are the most voluminous of all – 700 to 900+ pages being the norm. The fashion industry gets the highest attention during this month and fashion brands and publishing companies know this and thus want to provide the reader the best content possible to promote their products. This is why September issues include many advertising pages, which largely contribute to the financial health state of print fashion magazines.
in September 2012, American Vogue broke the record by releasing a 916-page issue, including 658 of advertising.
The Battle of the Covers
One of the most exciting aspects of the September issue is the competition between magazines to land the best cover. The cover is not just a photograph, it’s a statement. It sets the tone for the entire issue and often reflects broader cultural conversations.
Magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vanity Fair go all out to secure the most coveted celebrities, models, and photographers. The selection process is intense, with editors vying to create the most memorable, talked-about cover of the year.
Vogue, particularly under the stewardship of Anna Wintour, has become synonymous with the September issue. The 2009 documentary “The September Issue” even offered a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this influential edition, solidifying its mythic status.
The competition doesn’t just stop at securing the biggest names. The artistic direction, styling, and themes of the covers are meticulously curated to resonate with readers and reflect the cultural zeitgeist. For instance, in recent years, diversity and representation have become central themes, with magazines featuring a broader range of voices and faces that better represent the world of fashion today.
Iconic Vogue September Issue Covers
As the industry’s leading publication, Vogue has released multiple iconic covers through the years, including the September ones.
The first September issue of Vogue
Vogue was founded in December 1982, and the magazine released its first September issue the following year.
Although Naomi Cambell wasn’t the first supermodel to ever grace the cover of Vogue, she was the first one when it came to the American edition’s September 1989 issue.
In 2017, Vogue celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special edition released in September. The magazine commissioned four covers for this issue, all featuring Jennifer Lawrence.
In American Vogue’s September 2018 issue, Tyler Mitchell became the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover. A first in the magazine’s 126-year history.
September issues are usually focused on fashion. However, for September 2019, Edward Enninful wanted to shake things up, focusing instead on trailblazing female changemakers – from activists to artists, prime ministers to climate change campaigners who are making a difference in the world. Meghan Markle, HRH The Duchess of Sussex guest-edited this landmark issue with Edward Enninful. The cover has been photographed by Peter Lindbergh – his first for the magazine since September 1992.
For the first time in September 2020, Vogue Italia did 100 printed covers under the theme “100 Covers, 100 People, 100 Stories.”
For September 2023, American and British Vogue brought on the cover the iconic four supermodels – Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista, – photographed by Rafael Pavarotti and styled by Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue. The last time they appeared together was on the cover of British Vogue back in January 1990, along with Tatjana Patitz, who passed away in January 2023. So this cover couldn’t be more iconic and memorable.
Finally, the latest September 2024 issue is absolutely stunning! Blake Lively is the cover star of this month, photographed by Baz Luhrmann.
The September Issue Documentary
If you are interested in understanding how the September issues are created, we recommend you to watch the documentary “The September Issue” in which Anna Wintour shows the behind-the-scenes of the creation of the September issue of Vogue US.
What’s your favorite September issue of all time? Share with us in the comments and follow us on Instagram!
