Carine Roitfeld will step down at the end of January, leaving to pursue personal projects
It was nothing but shock when Carine Roitfeld announced in December that she would be standing down as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris, supposedly to work on personal projects.
What an effect that would have on the magazine industry. For 10 years Roitfeld held her own at the Conde Nast publication, still favouring to use models on the front covers as opposed to film stars, unlike many other world renowned fashion magazines. She created and styled many risqué fashion shoots that have proven to create an impression, such as the pregnant lady smoking, whilst wearing high end designer clothing, of course. It was in fact Lily Donaldson wearing a prosthetic bump, but it still managed to cause disruption amongst readers and commentators of the magazine.
By working with such talented teams, I can start to work on developing the incredible potential that Vogue Paris has
The 56 year-old has graced many pages of best dressed and during Fashion Week's pops up on some many different fashion blogging sites, its hard to keep up with her, or her wardrobe. Before Vogue Paris, Roitfeld first started in the industry as a model, after being scouted on the street by a British photographer's assistant.
She later went to work as a writer and stylist for French Elle, then turning to freelance work. She managed to firmly root her feet in the fashion terrain after working as a consultant and muse for Tom Ford at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent for six years.
If one thing is for certain is that leaving the magazine will not let the Parisian fall into the abyss and never be heard from again, she will continue to set the world alight with her intense stare from those smoky, smouldering eyes.
Since the resignation in December, many people have liked to suggest who they hoped, or believed would take over the coveted position. Front-runner on many people's lists, was in fact the woman who was awarded the job.
Xavier Romatet, President of Conde Nast France released a statement giving reason as to why he chose Alt for the coveted position: “Vogue Paris is in great form and I wanted to hand over the editor-in-chief role to someone who can continue the integrity of the editorial while bringing a breath of fresh air.”
Romatet added: “Emmanuelle has all the personal and professional qualities required to continue to make Vogue Paris the world leader in the fashion magazine industry. I have total confidence in her. Emmanuelle Alt will from now on be wholly devoted exclusively to her new role.”
Alt will begin her new role on February 1, working closely with deputy editor, Olivier Lalanne, who's editorial remit has been recently extended to the men's targeted, Vogue Hommes International.
Upon appointment Alt said: “It is such an honour for me but also a great pleasure to land at the helm of Vogue Paris, a magazine which I know very well. By working with such talented teams, I can start to work on developing the incredible potential that Vogue Paris has.”
For 10 years Alt worked under Roitfeld as the magazines fashion director, previously working at French Elle and freelancing for several French women's magazines. In 1993, she was appointed as fashion editor for '20 ans', moving to 'Mixte' in 1998. She is still represented by Art Partner as a freelance fashion stylist.
Whether or not she will keep this title, as moves into some pretty big ankle boots to fill, only time will tell.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Carine Roitfeld