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The September Issue Taught Lauren Santo Domingo Things She Never Knew About Her Employer

Last night, socialites were still talking about Wednesday night’s September Issue premiere. Specifically about the film’s heroine, Anna Wintour. Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo said the film was illuminating even for Vogue staffers. “I was really surprised at the amount of access. I just assumed it would be chopped up and edited and repackaged, but it was really insider and behind-the-scenes,” she told us at the party to celebrate the opening. “There were even things I’m not privy to or I’m not aware of — things that go on in the art department, in the photo room. I’ve never been in any of those meetings.” So what’s it like to work for Wintour? “It’s like you see — you know what she likes. There’s a certain standard you’re expected to live up to and if you’re not up to par, she’ll let you know. You’ll take it very personal and then you’ll be professional and move on. There’s very rarely a gray area. It’s really nice to work in black or white.” Model Elettra Wiedemann called Wintour a feminist hero. “She’s been doing this for so long, surrounded by men,” she said. “There’s absolutely a feminist aspect to her. I think a lot of the attacks against her are misogynist. Men in business are totally cutthroat and nobody says bad things about them for it.” Vogue contributing editor Kathryn Neale Shaffer said that if she didn’t work at Vogue already, she’d want to after seeing the film. “I felt very proud to work there, I really did,” she said. “And I was glad to see some of the smaller characters at Vogue get screen time — like the photocopy guy, who is everyone’s favorite. Well, that’s not his official title.” Alexa Chung, who works not for Vogue but for MTV, called Wintour “amazing,” but isn’t sure she’d want to work for her. “I’m fine with my job, thanks.”

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The September Issue Taught Lauren Santo Domingo Things She Never Knew About Her Employer