September has long been the most important month in fashion publishing, when magazines traditionally unveil their biggest issues, strongest fashion stories and most high-profile cover stars. Its significance became part of popular culture through the 2009 documentary The September Issue, which followed Anna Wintour and the team at American Vogue as they produced the magazine’s largest issue of the year. In 2026, that tradition continues with a particularly strong group of names already appearing on September covers.
BLACKPINK
Nicole Kidman fronts British Vogue, Rihanna takes the September cover of ELLE, while Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere appear together for American Vogue. Joining that lineup, K-pop superstar Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) takes the cover story of Vogue Korea Magazine‘s September 2026 edition, lensed by fashion photographer Yoon Jiyong. In charge of fashion direction was Sohn Eunyoun, with styling from Genesis Webb at The Only Agency and production by Inyoung Park. Beauty is the work of hair stylist Jang Hyeyeon, makeup artist Lee Myungsun, and manicurist Juan Alvear at Opus Beauty. For the covers Blackpink member is wearing selected looks from Louis Vuitton.
For Lisa, the Vogue Korea appearance also precedes another major September project. Her documentary Always Lalisa, directed by filmmaker Sue Kim, will receive its premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film follows a year in which Lisa steps away from BLACKPINK for a period of independence for the first time since childhood. The documentary examines the pressures surrounding her solo career, acting ambitions, business ventures and personal life as she prepares for an eventual return to the group. Sony Music Vision announced the documentary as an official TIFF selection, with Sue Kim directing and producing alongside Courtney Crockett.
Lisa’s history gives Kim a substantial timeline to explore. Born in Thailand, Lalisa Manobal entered the Korean entertainment industry and later debuted as a member of BLACKPINK. As the only Thai artist signed to YG Entertainment at the time, she established an international career through the group before developing projects under her own name.
Kim follows that development through material covering Lisa’s childhood dance competitions, her K-pop debut and the creation of her own label. The documentary also addresses her ambitions in the Western market and tracks several recent projects as she broadens her work beyond music.
The filmmaker spent a year following Lisa, including during her solo performance at Coachella 2025. The documentary also covers a period in which Lisa entered acting through HBO’s The White Lotus.
Photography © Yoon Jiyong for Vogue Korea.
