Emmanuelle Alt’s 1st Vogue Paris Issue – Review

The fashion industry rattled when word broke out that Vogue Paris’ editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld was leaving the magazine. The instant speculation of who would fill her position went along with the shocking news. Who else could fill Roitfeld’s slick & sexy Alaia stilettos? Well, it turns out that the perfect fit was former Creative Director Emmanuelle Alt, the fashion maven who is known for her Parisian take on Rock and Roll chic.

A few weeks ago, Alt’s very first Vogue Paris cover was released for the month of April 2011. The cover, which features Brasilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen, was striking to many. It was strongly due to the cover’s light and airy styling, a complete departure from the magazine’s well-known display of dripping wet sexual imagery. Bundchen, donning a Dolce & Gabanna Spring 2011 dress, gives off a distinct type of sex appeal. Not the kind of oozing pleather-wrapped sex appeal we usually attribute to the magazine, but it’s a whispering of a subdued Sicilian bella donna appeal.

The cover is great, but it doesn’t sit comfortably within the magazine’s standards; many have criticized Alt for using a dress shown on many (six to be exact) 2011 covers, including Vogue Germany. I do like the Italian romanticism that the cover has, I believe it is very fresh and girly in a positive way. But do I think Vogue Paris when I look at it? Unfortunately, no.

But the cover isn’t always reflective of the importance of a magazine: the inside editorials tell the story of the magazine. I have to say, the Parisian magazine always brings it when it comes to editorials. This issue does not disappoint in any way. Featuring some of my favorite models, some editorials are sexy and sartorially inspiring while others come across as bland & lacking excitement. Here is my Vogue Paris April 2011 Issue Review.

“Eco-Style” featuring Gisele Bundchen. Shot by Inez & Vinoodh

This editorial, which reflects the cover’s laid-back style comes off as very boring & very done. The hippie free-child style is nothing new and definitely does not fit the innovative and sexy aesthetic that is Vogue Paris. Rating: 2/5

“Green Girls” featuring Sasha Pivovarova. Shot by Hans Feuer. Styled by Marie Chaix

Pivovarova’s sharp green tongue is what immediately drew me into this editorial; it’s fun, inviting, and a cool twist for the Parisian magazine. Her intense blue eyes combined with the warrior-like styling makes for some great images. It still carries a hint of the magazine’s sex appeal, but keeps it subdued. Rating: 3/5

“Wanted!” featuring Isabeli Fontana. Shot by David Sims. Styled by Emmanuelle Alt

I am in love with this editorial! If you’re looking for someone who can exude sex appeal, danger, and emotion, Isabeli Fontana is your girl. When she is paired with David Sims, the end result is amazing. I mostly love this editorial because it brings me back to previous Vogue Paris editorials. While the cowboy look isn’t new, Alt’s styling is wild & dirty. The images look like stills from an old Western, which makes the editorial very inviting. Rating: 4/5

“L’heure Pure” featuring Snejana Onopka. Shot by Katja Ralwhes. Styled by Geraldine Saglio

I’ll try not to be biased here; Ms. Onopka has been  in my Top 5 for 6 years now. But she does a stunning job in highlighting the jewelry in this editorial. Vogue Paris sets the bar for amazing jewelry features, and this one does not disappoint. I like that her shocking-blue eyes and the colorful pieces are both the focus for the viewer’s eye; it gives a dimension to the editorial, the viewer has the option of looking at more than one thing. Rating: 3/5

“Coup d’eclat” featuring Magolsia Bela. Shot by Josh Olins.

This is one of the more boring editorials. Magolsia Bela is a great editorial model, but this editorial does not highlight her talents or beauty. The poses are dull, the styling is basic, and the emotion doesn’t feel pure. Rating: 2/5

“Immaculée Séduction” featuring Anja Rubik. Shot by Hans Feurer. Styled by Marie Chaix

Looking past the fact that Anja Rubik is sitting strong on the list of my Top 5 favorite models, I have to say this editorial is the best part of the April 2011 issue. What instantly caught my eye was the 90’s feel of the photography. The monochrome colors, strong amazonian-like poses, and beautifully flattering lighting all bring me back to the glorified Supermodel Era. The white clothing combined with the lucite jewelry bring a freshness to the issue, all while maintaining the intensity the magazine is known for. Rating: 5/5

“Chase-ing Love” featuring ballet dancers Chase Finlay & Laura Love. Shot by Bruce Weber

This is the weakest editorial out of the bunch. The typical beach background, pre-pubescent looking subjects, clothing made out of tulle, and the forced imagery of “young love” all belong in an issue of Teen Vogue, NOT Vogue Paris. Need I say more? Rating: 1/5

Photos Courtesy of: The Fashion Spot via Diorette