Vogue Paris – June/July ’11: Magazine Review (NSFW)

The fashion industry never comes without controversy, and Vogue Paris’s June/July issue does just that. Emmanuelle Alt’s third issue as Editor-In-Chief gave many readers (including myself) flashbacks to the heydays of the “Supermodel Era.” Shot by the power duo Mert & Marcus, the Vogue Paris cover paints model Isabeli Fontana as a mini-Linda Evangelista.

While many fashion magazines pay homage to various supermodels, this particular cover stuck out the most. Not because it is the most memorable, but because it is a direct copy of the legendary Steven Meisel’s cover shoot with Linda Evangelista almost 22 years ago. Even though I am not a fan of obvious editorial replicas, I have to admit that I absolutely LOVE this cover!

Isabeli Fontana’s eyes are stunningly piercing, the Lanvin dress suits her curves, and the signature color saturation is impeccable. Luckily, the editorials within are just as strong as the cover. It’s time for the review!

1. Canicule featuring Isabeli Fontana, shot by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

This editorial shows all the reasons why Isabeli Fontana is one of the top models in the game, and also why she’s one of my favorite models of all time. The way she slants her eyes, positions her body, and models the clothing is simply perfection. I love the hot “Cuban Summer Nights” vibe this editorial gives off. I also love the vibrant color saturation that the photography duo is famous for; it elevates the editorial and makes it feel luxurious and dramatic.

Even though I adore this editorial, I do have to take into consideration that this editorial is a direct copy of Steven Meisel’s editorial for Vogue Italia February 1989, featuring the legendary Linda Evangelista. From the clothing, the make-up, the lighting, and intense poses, the Vogue Paris spread completely replicates the direction of the aforementioned editorial. Fashion is known for plagiarism and copywriting (which is accepted by many), but to do it so blatantly is a bit shocking. Nevertheless, I love the Vogue Paris editorial. It is beautiful, sexy, and captivating. Rating: 5/5

*See snippets of Meisel’s Vogue Italia spread below, and compare as you wish*