Vogue Turkey chose Julia Restoin-Roitfeld to cover their August issue as photographed by Sebastian Faena. I love their romantic portrayal of Julia here, stunning in black lace and upswept hairdo with the focus on her seductive gaze, she looks glamorous yet secretive. Note also the absence of jewelry and accessories, brava to the stylist. Does anyone know the designer of this beautiful lace dress? I hope we see more of Julia (and this incredible dress) inside the pages...

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Julia Restoin-Roitfeld for Vogue Turkey cover image © 2013 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

CR Fashion Book: A Message From Amma
By Renee Hernandez

Over time the book spine of my first issue of CR Fashion Book has developed a crease marking a spot I cherish. This bookmark opens to a powerful message from Hindu spiritual leader and humanitarian Amma, also known as the “Hugging Saint” — a nickname earned by hugging and bestowing her unconditional love on people from all walks of life. While her official name is Mata Amritanandamayi, she simply goes by Amma, or “mother,” in Malayalam, her native language. Her devotees consider her "as a living incarnation of the divine-mother." What sets CRFB apart from other fashion magazines is its intellectual approach. I don’t know of any other fashion magazine proudly praising the virtues of a new path to inner beauty, do you?

Here are my favorite excerpts from "A Message From Amma, A Spiritual Leader Roadmaps the Path To Inner Beauty." I hope they provide you with the same inspiration and clarity as they do for me.

• “True happiness comes from sharing our possessions. Otherwise, both wealth and knowledge revert to mere ornaments, magnifying our mental burden. We will lack the peace of mind to appreciate what we already have. Our selfish ego will always think, If I give this away, what will be left for me to enjoy? But when we convert a selfish concern into a divine thought — such as, If I enjoy this, will I still have something left over to give? — our inner beauty will surely increase.”
• “In today’s world, people have become very health-conscious. Many of us pursue physical exercise, but most of us neglect to exercise our hearts. Exercise for the heart lies in feeling compassion for the suffering. The beauty of our eyes is not in the eyeliner applied, but in seeing others in a generous light. The beauty of our lips is not in the lipstick, but in speaking kind words. The beauty of our ears is not in the earrings, but in listening patiently to the distressed. The beauty of our hands is not in our golden rings, but in using our hands to perform the right actions.”
• “The foundation of selfless service is unadulterated love. Amma knows that it is not easy to have such a pure, loving mind, because when two people come together, it is two separate worlds that become linked. Love and service are not two — they are inextricably tied to one another, like a flower and its fragrance. True service happens when we understand the hearts of the suffering and serve them. For this, we ought to learn to see ourselves in others, and others in ourselves."

More from CR Fashion Book Issue 1: Rebirth

CR Fashion Book: A Woman's Life
By Renee Hernandez

CR Fashion Book: Elsa
By Bernie Rothschild

CR Fashion Book: High On Rebellion
By Jessica Eritou

CR Fashion Book: Hush Little Baby, Don't You Cry
By Kate Ringo Suzuki

Inside the Pages of CR
By Dara Block

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Photos of Amma-Mata Amritanandamayi by Henry Hopper and Amanda Charchian © 2012 CR Fashion Book.

For her third editorial as Global Fashion Director for Harper's Bazaar, Carine Roitfeld envisioned a diverse world of beautiful women and children in "Singular Beauties." The black background lends drama to each scene as photographed by Karl Lagerfeld. Also collaborating on the work was Stephen Gan, the creative director of the magazine. The models  that Carine selected represent a variety of ages, races, and body types and include Angel Haze, Ashleigh Good, Candice Huffine, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Chiharu Okunugi, China Machado, Chrishell Stubbs, Dakota Fanning, Erika Ervin, Gabourey Sidibe, Grimes, Karen Elson, Kenya Kinski, Liberty Ross, Lily Collins, Lily Donaldson, Linn Arvidsson, Lisa Verberght, Liya Kebede, Ondria Hardin, Scarlett Johansson, Soo Joo Park, Tilda Lindstam, Xiao Wen Ju, and Zoë Kravitz."Singular Beauties" will appear in various September issues of Harper's Bazaar around the world.

For more about "Singular Beauties," view this video from behind the scenes.

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"Carine Roitfeld on the Collections: Singular Beauties" images © 2013 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Diane Von Furstenberg picked quite the team for her Fall/Winter 2013 advertising campaign: Carine Roitfeld styled the images as modeled by Daria Werbowy and photographed by Sebastian Faena. Laird + Partners provided creative oversight for the campaign. Carine amped up the glamour of the classic designs of Diane Von Furstenberg, with the focus on the Sutra bag, a stellar new offering by DVF. As the designer herself sees it, "This campaign, like the collection it represents, is really about getting back to our roots. It is about empowering women to be the rock star and the muse of their own lives." Who better than Carine Roitfeld to embody this image?

View the extensive personal archives of Diane Von Furstenberg via Natalie Joos at Tales of Endearment.

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Advertising images © 2013 Diane Von Furstenberg. All Rights Reserved.

Dear readers, I have it on good authority that today the trailer for Mademoiselle C will be shown on ET Online! The long awaited film about Carine Roitfeld directed by Fabien Constant premieres on 11 September during the closing days of New York Fashion Week. Mademoiselle C is sure to become a touchstone for lovers of Carine, offering two hours of unprecedented access to her life at home, at work, at play…. Be sure to get your first taste of the goodness today on ET Online. I would love to hear your thoughts after viewing the trailer.

UPDATE The trailer for Mademoiselle C is now live!

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Carine Roitfeld Mademoiselle C documentary film stills courtesy of premiere.fr.

As you might imagine, we are counting down the hours until the release of Mademoiselle C, the hotly anticipated documentary about Carine Roitfeld directed by Fabien Constant. Now you can count along, too, thanks to the handy countdown clock in the sidebar. The film premieres in the United States on 11 September and will be issued on DVD on 30 September (order your copy in advance here). While you wait, be sure to view the trailer for Mademoiselle C if you have yet to see it, c'est fabuleux !

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Carine Roitfeld Mademoiselle C documentary film stills © 2013 Fabien Constant and Cohen Media. All Rights Reserved.

According to the Mademoiselle C Countdown Clock, we have just under 28 days left to suffer until the release and today we have the official film poster to help pass the time. I find it interesting that the decision was made to recycle this image of Carine Roitfeld, originally shot by Karl Lagerfeld for Interview Magazine, rather than selecting a still from the film itself. Of course, how would one improve on this timeless image of the exquisite creature that is Mademoiselle C…  And the way she steps out of that C… The tagline compels: "Plongez dans l'universe de Carine Roitfeld la plus iconique des rédactrices de mode," or in English, "Dive into the universe of Carine Roitfeld, the most iconic of fashion editors." Readying my bathing suit and cap, bring it on!

I love reading Carine's thoughts when asked about the film as related to Media Bistro: “Fabien brought up the idea of the project when I was launching my new magazine. I had just left Vogue was starting everything over. I found that period interesting. I said ‘yes’ instinctively, without really thinking about what it meant.” What does she think of director Fabien Constant? “I like his sense of humor and the fact that he doesn’t look at people who work in fashion with a critical eye. He doesn’t judge us. He just blended into the scenery”, but our favorite editor may not be as comfortable with the images themselves: “Pictures can be Photoshopped. It’s harder to do with movies. I’m so used to controlling everything, the hardest part was being shot from a less-than-flattering angle.” La Roitfeld was happy with at least one moment of Mademoiselle C: “When I’m singing in Russian, I’m quite proud of that. I think that I’m singing pretty well and it’s one of the lighter moments in the movie.” Я не могу ждать...

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Carine Roitfeld Mademoiselle C promotional poster and film stills © 2013 Fabien Constant and Cohen Media.

Today's treat: photographs of the Restoin-Roitfeld family on the beach featured recently by ELLE Netherlands, three generations of Roitfelds enjoying a seaside escape at a villa in Parrot Cay. The caption for the candid above reads, "Familiekiek! De Roitfelds on the beach. Doe ons zo'n figuur op Carine's leeftijd…" or in English, "Family snapshot! The Roitfelds on the beach. Give us such a figure at Carine's age…" Ouai s'il vous plaît… I love that Margherita Missoni commented "#iwanttobearoitfeld" on this adorable family photo via Instagram. Grazie bella!

The photos were published originally on Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's Instagram account, she is generous to share this special private time with all of us. She looks amazing in her polka dotted bikini holding Romy, obviously her fight to regain her pre-baby figure is a success. ELLE Netherlands declares in the caption, "De Roitfeldjes hebben de polkadot-trend voor aankomende herfst al omarmd. Sterker nog; ze zwemmen erin." or in English, "The Roitfelds have already embraced the polka dot trend for the upcoming fall. Indeed, they swim in it." Indeed, they do.

It is wonderful to see Julia waterskiing on holiday as well as her daughter, Romy Konjic, just beginning to walk. The shadow cast on the beach by Romy is so sweet, we have yet to see her face but she has made an impression on all of us with simply her silhouette. Bien sûr, being a Roitfeld she is swimming in style...

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Carine Roitfeld, Julia and Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, Christian Restoin, Romy Konjic photos ©2013 Hearst Magazines Netherlands B.V. and via instagram.com/juliarestoin

Throughout the month we will flash back to the August 2004 issue of Vogue Paris under Carine Roitfeld and to start us off, I am delighted to introduce today's guest post by Justine Ariel from common era | DISCREET FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY. Justine deftly examines the editorial "Belle de Nuit" as styled by Emmanuelle Alt and photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for the issue. Thank you kindly for sharing your stylish insights with all of us, Justine!

Vogue Paris August 2004: Belle De Nuit
By Justine Ariel

Indeed, Parisian from head to toe: noir, noir, et noir. The Roitfeld/Alt team begins this editorial with a well-known adage about the Parisian woman: chicly eccentric, she doesn't just dress with the sophistication of night, she is the night. Crowned with a black hat by Miu Miu and draped in a black poncho and black python boots by Chloé, the model (Hannelore Knuts) is literally covered from head to toe by the black night sky. And while the night is reserved for dark and mysterious activities — the python boots may be a nod to that story about the snake and the apple, you know the one I mean? — these clothes are not rebellious or earth-shaking.

Take, for instance, the Chanel ensemble on the fifth page. An allusion to the iconic photo of Coco Chanel herself, with her arm pressed defiantly into her side, Alt suggests that when Parisians find a good thing, they stick to it. Night is also a time for ritual and routine and with this comes contemplation and memories. Hannelore Knuts, who manages to channel Madonna and Chloë Sevigny in the same moment, is the perfect choice for a shoot like this. She reflects the look of the clothes because her look is classic, but changeable, maybe a little boring, but then also unexpected.

And we should really examine the variation these clothes present. You have, on the one hand, the classic Chanel look. Then you have a Fendi art deco, Cleopatra-inspired black and gold dress, a long evening gown by Marc Jacobs, a long diaphanous dress from Lagerfeld, a brown leather Miu Miu jacket, a Givenchy tweed coat... Wait. What happened to the night? After a solid introduction by Chloé on the first page, my eye wants to see more black, only black. And there is something about a brown leather jacket and brown velvet that will always scream autumn afternoon to me. Okay, maybe the Roitfeld/Alt team just wants to keep us on our toes, they want to throw in that chic eccentricity, that unexpected thing. You think Parisians are all about black? Well, what if I wore brown? Uh….

Whether or not consistency is an issue, the crowning and subversive achievement of this editorial is definitely the Ann Demeulemeester ensemble. Leather pants and a chainmail top. While we've grown used to this kind of styling by Emmanuelle Alt (definitely a "classic Alt"), in this editorial it represents the new, the truly different choice. This is one of the only ensembles that isn't styled with a Miu Miu hat which, I should say, is somewhere in between sophisticated 1920s flapper and the bucket hat your grandma wears when she gardens (points for grandma?). And the rock-chic standard of this outfit is so refreshing when, on the previous pages, you have a Marc Jacobs evening gown pinned with a butterfly. Don't get me wrong — I love butterflies, but I love them as beautiful things that sit on flowers, not necessarily popping out of my evening wear.

This is the success of the editorial: the contradiction between classic drapes and modern ideas. The Chanel jacket and pearls versus the Ann Demeulemeester leather and chainmail outfit. Society against rebel. You can see Emmanuelle Alt's preference in the Demeulemeester ensemble: the need to create a new kind of night, not wrapped in Marc Jacobs evening gowns or Louis Vuitton lace, but rough. Metal and leather stripping away old ideas and making way for an era sans chapeau. Just a little bit subversive, but not too much.

These are the tensions of night: to stay safe, cloaked in black, moving mysteriously from one identity to the next, or to be bold and show your "chic eccentricities" like you're ready for battle.

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Vogue Paris editorial images © 2004 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Carine Roitfeld appears in the September issue of the German publication Interview Magazin and I adore this shot of her peeking out from behind fashion, très mignon. Unfortunately I have only a bit of the text from the interview which is roughly rendered in English via Google Translate. (I will take credit for "Edgy Existence," someone please correct me if I am wrong, but this certainly describes CR.)

Nervös Gewesen?

Carine Roitfeld, 58, erklärt, warum sie lieber Beifahrerin ist 

CARINE ROITFELD: Wie war noch mal Ihr Name? 

INTERVIEW: Raha. 

ROITFELD: Raha?! C’est difficult. 

INTERVIEW: Ihren Namen richtig auszusprechen fällt mir aber auch nicht leicht. 

ROITFELD: Carine?! 

INTERVIEW: Nein, ich meinte Ihren…

Edgy Existence?

Carine Roitfeld, 58, explains why she prefers co-driving

CARINE ROITFELD: What was your name again? 

INTERVIEW: Raha. 

ROITFELD: Raha?! C'est difficult. 

INTERVIEW: I pronounce your name correctly, but also not easy. 

ROITFELD: Carine?!

INTERVIEW: No, I meant your...

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Carine Roitfeld photograph © 2013 Interview Magazin. All Rights Reserved.

Carine Roitfeld is unveiling her third issue of CR Fashion Book ever so slowly… our most recent peek is the short film featured on her web site, Totally Head to Toe, by Jordan Backhus as shot by Max von Gumppenberg and Patrick Bienert. Set to the tune of Alison Valentine's “Peanut Butter,” Totally Head to Toe highlights the cast of models that will grace the pages of the Fall/Winter issue of CR Fashion Book.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld enters the frame at 1:52, barely recognizable with her short hair, her eyes ringed in shimmering teal green and her lips coated with a thick brick red. Her Prada outfit is divine, the teal green leather suits her perfectly. Julia is credited as art director of the short film as well according to models.com. I'd love to know, what do you think of this look for Julia?

Totally Head to Toe also stars Lily Donaldson, Xiao Wen Ju, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Hart, Irina Shayk, Nadja Bender, Sasha Luss, Lindsey Wixson, Lakshmi Menon, Soo Joo Park, Ashleigh Good, Candice Swanepoel, Stef Van Der Laan, and Anna Ewers. It looks to be another fascinating issue of CR Fashion Book for sure, I am so looking forward to more…

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Julia Restoin-Roitfeld photographs © 2013 CR Fashion Book. All Rights Reserved.

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CR Fashion Book Issue 3 cover image © 2013 CR Fashion Book. All Rights Reserved.

Vogue Paris August 2004: Madonna
By Dara Block

It is not very common for Vogue Paris to feature a major celebrity on the cover so when the magazine decided to have Madonna on its August 2004 cover I definitely took notice. Leave it to Vogue Paris to make such a smart and intriguing cover image with one of the world's most renowned entertainers. I love that it is a close-up of Madonna with her hair covering her face, rather than an obvious shot of which, we are always used to seeing of The Material Girl. Plus, I love the way those words are written across the cover... it simply says exclusif Madonna dans les yeux, which beautifully translates as... through Madonna's eyes. So much mystery is conveyed and I appreciate that the words correspond so alluringly to the image. This cover truly has Carine Roitfeld incognito-chic written all over it, so with all that said let's take a detailed look inside this brilliant Madonna and Steven Klein collaboration.

The editorial is an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at Madonna's 2004 Re-Invention Tour. In case you do not remember, the Re-Invention Tour was her sixth concert tour to support her ninth studio album entitled American Life. Madonna was inspired to create the tour after taking part in an art installation called X-STaTIc PRO-Cess, directed by photographer Steven Klein. You can actually see many of the images featured in the April 2003 issue of W Magazine. Madonna is photographed in various reincarnations of her many spiritual practices... including a yogi prophet. Madonna truly takes her yoga practice to such an artistic level in this editorial... do check out these photos if you have never seen this W Magazine layout, very inspiring!

I actually saw her Re-Invention Tour back in 2004 and I loved how the concert was divided into five segments..... French Baroque Marie Antoinette Revival, Military Army, Circus Cabaret, and Acoustic and Scottish Tribal. The costumes were exquisitely designed by Arianne Phillips all based on the idea of re-invention and change. Madonna is well-known for her transformations so to see these looks all assembled together was quite the visual treat!

I think it is important to note that around this time the US was sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan and Madonna made sure to get out a political message against George W. Bush. I don't think she wanted to anger her fans, but I think she was more about enlightening and educating her fans about revising our political system. It is clear that this concert was not just about performance, but also about making a social and political change.

Personally, one of my favorite parts of the show was the military segment. There was so much substance with noir military style that I cannot forget and still to this day I stand by her American Life album, even though critics hated it. This was just one of the sections of the show and I loved that we got to see all sides of Madonna.

Now, let's get back to the editorial! I think the opening image is quite epic and I love seeing Madonna in double symmetry. It looks like she is wearing a butterfly lace mask and I can't help but take notice of that look that she is giving to the camera. Once again, we see Madonna in full incognito chic mode, which is definitely the way I like seeing her..... mysteriously glam and ready to turn heads!

Next, we see Madonna dancing up a storm. This is what I love about her, she always knows how to put on a show. I appreciate this moment of her in full dance mode with that head set on. Very few woman can get away with a white tank top, a belt, and fishnet stockings, but I think this photo clearly shows why she is The Queen of Pop.

By far, this is my favorite image from the editorial. Again, we see Madonna in double symmetry, but this time there is a kaleidoscope effect added in. I love that relaxed expression on her face and how she almost looks like a fluttering butterfly. This is a very ethereal image and I like how calming it looks. This photo very much represents the spiritual side of Madonna... one of her best phases.

Following the Madonna butterfly image we get to see a rare moment of Madonna backstage with her son, Rocco. Madonna is wearing a Scottish kilt and I remember her wearing this ensemble in the last part of the show. Only Madonna could make a Scottish kilt look so chic and practical... really such amazing styling on this outfit. I also love all those extra bright colors blended in that background. Steven Klein certainly added a sci-fi element to this sentimental moment between Madonna and her son.

Next, we see a noir moment of Madonna singing on-stage with a guitar and all dressed up in a black bespoke Stella McCartney suit. I remember this portion of the show very well. Madonna spoke to the audience about promoting peace and helping others who are less fortunate, especially in countries like Africa. She also sang a version of John Lennon's "Imagine" to promote her thoughts on living in a world of peace. I liked seeing this side of Madonna.... it felt more real, maybe even a bit melancholy, but I applaud her for always speaking her mind about what she feels the world needs more of.

We next see Madonna in full diva pose. I love the way she looks here in that black bodysuit and the way her dancers are looking up at her. She is by the far the ultimate pop diva and she truly shows that in this photo. When I look at this image I automatically think strike a pose, vogue.... no wonder why she made this cover!

The final image of Madonna is a close up shot of her in full concentration mode during the middle of her concert tour. I love all the dynamic colors that Steven Klein added to this image and it really shows just how innovative Madonna really is. She manages to do it all... performer, artist, mother, thinker, and humanitarian. There is no stop to Madonna and as the years go on I find her more interesting. I love the way Vogue Paris chose to showcase her tour and all the thought and imagination that Madonna and her creative team put into this concert. Steven Klein also added an edgy and seductive mix to this editorial with his sharp eye. I was really happy that I got to see this show in real life and I think this particular issue of Vogue Paris very much enhances the concert experience.

While normally I don't like seeing celebrities on the cover of Vogue Paris I think we can make an exception for Madonna. It's quite lovely to see a Carine Roitfeld version of Madonna on the cover as well as a unique behind-the-scenes look of her Re-Invention Tour. Madonna will always be so far ahead of the game in terms of fashion and style, so it is no surprise why she made the cover of this unforgettable issue. Brava, CR for honoring Madonna in that Vogue Paris way we all know and love!

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Vogue Paris editorial images © 2004 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

The third issue of CR Fashion Book bears the theme I like best thus far — Hope — but the cover gives me very little of it… I infinitely prefer the teaser cover that was shown yesterday to either of the true covers, quelle horreur ! The image of the jeweled mask seen on the teaser is mysterious, alluring, glamorous, and, by virtue of the anonymity of the mask, appealing to every woman. The actual cover images feature Kim Kardashian by Karl Lagerfeld and Riccardo Tisci and Diogo De Castro Gomes, Saville Dorfman, and Emily Ratajkowski by Bruce Weber. Surely it would be a better joke if it were the other way around… I hardly feel this is collectible, I want that bejeweled masked teaser… Carine Roitfeld, please give us Hope...

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CR Fashion Book Issue 3 cover image © 2013 CR Fashion Book. All Rights Reserved.

As we glance back to the August 2004 issue of Vogue Paris, here is my translation from French to English of the editorial written by Carine Roitfeld. How I adore her turn of phrase, so like her images, at once charming and provocative.

"Personne n'a à me dire ce que je dois porter", a coutume de dire Madonna. Sans vouloir offenser la "pop queen", en couverture de ce numéro et dont la série de concerts à Paris s'annonce d'emblée comme l'événement de la rentrée, c'est ce que nous avons décidé de faire ce mois-ci : ne pas vous laisser le choix et vous mettre en présence des total looks les plus marquants de l'automne-hiver. Un Vogue spécial mode donc, doublé d'un supplément défilés (ci-dessus, Dior par John Galliano), imaginé non pas comme une "bible de diktats", mais comme un décapsuleur d'envies. Envies de léopard, de noir fluide, d'une silhouette graphique et de voluptueuses audaces, entre modernité et tradition, symptôme d'une saison "Asie-mutée". La vitalité d'un rythme de lignes franches que l'on retrouve dans l'architecture japonaise, chez ses "fabuleux sorciers" (Shin Takamatsu, Takashi Yamagushi, Tokyo Ito...) dont le travail est un témoignage à l'air libre de la relation essentielle qui existe entre la légèreté et la modernité.

"Nobody has to tell me what to wear," Madonna often says. No offense to the "pop queen" — on the cover of this issue and whose series of concerts in Paris upon being announced were immediately the event of the season — that is exactly what we decided to do this month: give you no choice and put you in the presence of the most striking total looks of the fall-winter styles. A Vogue fashion special therefore, bundled with a supplement to the shows (above, Dior by John Galliano), imagined not as a "Bible of dictates," but as a wish list opener. Cravings for leopard, for fluid black, for a graphic silhouette and for sensuous audacity, between modernity and tradition, a symptom of the "Asia-mutated" season. The vitality of the rhythm of clean lines found in Japanese architecture, with its "fabulous sorcerers" (Shin Takamatsu, Takashi Yamaguchi, Tokyo Ito...) whose work is a testament in the open air to the essential relationship which exists between lightness and modernity.

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Vogue Paris editorial image © 2004 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Vogue Paris August 2004: China Charm
By Jessica Eritou

The childlike, delicate elements to "China Charm" in Vogue Paris provide a tranquil motif throughout the editorial. Shot by Craig McDean and styled by Carine Roitfeld herself, this 2004 editorial features Gemma Ward, one of fashion's most missed models till this day. This was a smart move for Vogue Paris to cast Ward as the model because of her soft, delicate features which complement the shoot effortlessly.

However, the shoot tends to fall flat. There is a fine line between cultural appropriation where instead the art becomes a stereotype but the editorial seems to be quite distant from the title itself. Most of the clothes featured Italian designers like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. The poses are somewhat predictable and short-lived, yet the reader gets a sense of what Carine Roitfeld was trying to embellish with this shoot. Each of the selected garments were beautifully crafted clothes, yet too high of contrast to grasp the details of the garment.

The first shot captures Ward in a very delicate, overly feminine position showcasing her figure. Her jacket features an Asian inspired Mandarin collared top with nothing on underneath. This is paired with a dark, lush, restrictive wiggle skirt. Underneath are patterned leggings with something you might see on a teapot.

The second shot looks more like an advertisement for the Sony camera featured throughout “China Charm.” This is a very stunning, powerful shot of Ward, but the composition of the shot and the placement of the camera is all the reader can grasp.

A great and successful shot features Gemma Ward in the black, shiny, sleeveless full-length ball gown. Convincingly, this shot does not showcase any of the themes in this editorial nor the title of it, yet it is so simple and profound. Ward is used as a model without any connotations, just simply for fashion.

Another highlight in this shoot was of Ward looking stunning in all red, paired with a beautiful T-strap sandal. There is a story behind this shot, this work now has the reader intrigued as to what is going on due to her body language and pose. Her lavender hair is in harmony with her, perhaps, painted on socks, or hosiery. This is complementary with the hue of the red fur cropped cape and the body-con silk dress. Although each garment is the same hue, the textures contrast wonderfully for this shot.

Gemma Ward is featured in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress which artistically combines in every element from the minimalist background she is shot against, to her lavender streaked hair, to the flowers featured on the dress. The Sony camera appears again but used quietly as an accessory and not in the foreground this time. The reader is able to grasp the simplicity and the delicacy of Gemma Ward and the dress with tranquility.

Perhaps the best shot is a close up of Ward in a textured jacket featured a side zipper, holding on to the camera, while she has a simple hair accessory at the top of her crown of hair. There is such a strong emotional sense the viewer can get from this shot. Finally, there is a story to be said. We wonder what is she thinking, why is she positioned that way.

Perhaps simplicity and purity was the goal to this shoot, but overall could have gone much further with more depth to the storyline behind each photograph. Only a select few images grasp the reader's attention as to what is going on in the model's head or the shot itself. The clothing selected is beautiful, but nonetheless I wish Roitfeld and McDean pushed much harder for this editorial. Instead, it leaves a relatively safe feeling, knowing how much more it could have been with their potential.

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Vogue Paris editorial image © 2004 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Dear readers, on the eve of the release of Mademoiselle C., the film documenting the life and the work of Carine Roitfeld, I had the pleasure of asking a few questions of the director, Fabien Constant, and I am delighted to share with you his answers. Also, I took the photograph of Fabien that leads off the interview but most of the others are plucked without permission from Monsieur Constant's Instagram account, I hope he won't mind, the images perfectly illustrate his humorous and laid-back approach to life. Merci mille fois, Fabien, bravo !

Sunset in the city where I was born

Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Which schools did you attend? How did you prepare for the work you do?
I'm from the southwest of France, Périgord, a countryside full of wine and foie gras not far from Bordeaux. I was not supposed to be in Paris and doing films but I was a movie lover from my youngest age so I moved to Paris after my graduation to do some movie studies. And I've been a movie journalist for many years before. I've moved into fashion, too. I've done a few documentaries, mainly as a producer: "Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton" or the tv series "The Day Before." I've also directed a lot of videos and a few of them with Carine such as her Vogue Bal or her vampire party or some Vogue Fashion Night Out documentaries or "The Client," a short doc for W mag.

This film is your first full-length feature but you have worked on other short pieces including "The Client" with Carine Roitfeld. How did you decide that Mademoiselle C was the film you should make? How did you convince Carine Roitfeld to give you such incredible access to her work and her life?
The videos that I have just mentioned have created a kind of a link between Carine and I and a kind of "trust" relationship. Trust in the tone I have, the step back I have, but also the humor or the vision of fashion I can have. And finally trust in tastes. So when I told her I wanted to tell the full story of CR Fashion Book, she just said yes. In two seconds.

Do you consider yourself a fan of Carine Roitfeld? When did you begin to follow her? Do you collect her work, such as Vogue Paris, CR Fashion Book, and Irreverent?
I've never been a collector of anything about Carine except the enormous respect that I have about her work. She has changed fashion in the 90s. She brings dream to the readers and the fashion lovers, through a strong and personal vision. And all her pictures have always a great sense of humour, sometimes in a tiny, tiny detail, but it's always there.

The mustang is thirsty (Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina)

I love the music that you chose to score Mademoiselle C, how did you pick the songs?
I'm obsessed with music so it took me time to find the group as eclectic as I wanted to be. I've always loved the music from The Shoes, their first album was a firework of energy and different styles that I love. And I loved the video clip they did with Jake Gyllenhaal last year for their hit "Time to Dance." So I couldn't be happier when they said yes to me. But I've also worked very hard on some additional music to find the moods and spirits (sometime religious, sometimes funny) I wanted to have.

What are your favorite moments in Mademoiselle C? Did your personal favorites translate into the film? I have read that Carine did not ask to approve your final cut. Did she offer any input as to the direction of the film? Did she advise on the promotional materials?
My favorite moment in the movie is the dance sequence, in her Parisian flat, at 7 a.m. in the morning. This sequence describe the real Carine for me, grace comes with work, beauty doesn't show suffering. And yes I've been the one in charge of every aspect of the moment. Carine saw it first, for sure, but she was not involved in the creative process nor any editing decision. She likes to say that she gave me as much freedom as she expects to have when she is doing her pictures.

Having spent so much time with Carine Roitfeld, perhaps you saw her eat at some point. Would you be comfortable divulging any details about her nutritional choices? Glancing into her refrigerator, what might we see?
As a real French woman Carine really enjoys to eat. That's our secret: enjoy what you eat and you won't get fat. We have been to a crazy Japanese restaurant last night, she had everything from sushi to lamb... and always have a spoon to steal some of your dessert.

Did you ever peek over Carine's shoulder and catch her checking IWTBAR? ;-) Or any favorite sites?
I can tell she has an eye on IWTBAR sometimes, she respects your work. But most of the time her relationship with things about her on the internet comes from the people around her showing her things. As she says, she doesn't Google herself every morning.

Carine Roitfeld, Miranda Kerr, Fabien Constant

I have read that you edited your final cut of Mademoiselle C from 220 hours of footage gleaned while following Carine Roitfeld. What will happen to the unseen 218 hours?
It's gone forever. :) Sad and beautiful in the same times. But you'll have 35 minutes of deleted scenes in the DVDs.

What will you do next?
I'm working on tons of different projects but to be honest the Mademoiselle C world tour, as I like to call it for fun, takes all of my time right now.

Now that the project has concluded, do you miss following Carine?
I do spend a lot of time with her for the promotion. But I can tell that we have a good connection, and a lot of fun together, so we might do something else together in the future. I would love to. But in a very practical way, you can also watch the behind the scene video I've done of her very powerful shoot with Karl Lagerfeld and Riccardo Tisci and the beyond controversial Kim Kardashian. It was a crazy night. Or you can read my interview of JW Anderson in the new CR Fashion Book issue. You see, we are already working together again, just on different platforms.

Fabien Constant, Kanye West, Carine Roitfeld

Who are your role models? Top Ten list of favorite music? Films? Books?
My production company is called TarkovsPop, because I love Tarkovsky, this very talented and demanding Russian director but also Rihanna or Katy Perry. I hate churches. I like to put on the same level a very demanding old film from the French New Wave and an amazingly well done blockbuster as Mission Impossible 4. It's what my world is made of.

What advice do you have for an aspiring film director?
To have no fear and not listen to advices. If you feel you have a story to tell, go for it.

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#pimp #fayedunawaystyle (Delano South Beach, Florida)

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Fabien Contstant photos © 2012 Kellina de Boer and courtesy of instagram.com/fabienconstant and purple.fr

Mesdames et messieurs, it is my pleasure to present the newest member of the team at I Want To Be A Roitfeld — Jascmeen Bush, contributing editor! Jascmeen is a talented fashion writer who will share her humor, her style, and her respect for Carine Roitfeld through these pages. Please join me in warmly welcoming Jascmeen!

Jascmeen Bush
Contributing Editor

Hello all!

I'm Jascmeen, a fashion writer living in Los Angeles. I'm so excited to celebrate Carine with you all, this woman is responsible for turning my multicolored wardrobe into solid black and I'm not afraid to say that after previewing the Mademoiselle C documentary, I toyed with a faux French accent (tried and failed, but this is what Carine does to meeee!)

I hope you all enjoy my posts and come to love my sense of humor. Tuck in that blouse (gently) and zip up your pencil skirts, guys, this is gonna be fun!

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Jascmeen Bush photograph © 2013 Jascmeen Bush. All Rights Reserved

The second annual dinner to benefit the Novak Djokovic Foundation attracted fans of both tennis and fashion and especially radiant among the guests was Julia Restoin Roitfeld in a black lace gown by Peter Dundas for Pucci. Her YSL clutch is the perfect finishing touch to her sexy and elegant look. Speaking of sexy, the new haircut that Vladimir is sporting is très chic, I love this look for him.

Hosted by Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristic at Capitale in Manhattan, the charitable evening amounted to $2.5 million raised by the foundation dedicated to the deprived children of Serbia, the country torn by war in which the world-ranked tennis player grew up. Other supporters seen that evening amidst the tennis-inspired decor were Princess Eugenie of York, John McEnroe, Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova, Molly Sims, Jimmy Connors, Kevin Spacey, Lapo Elkan, Candice Swanepoel, Ricky Gervais, Goldie Hawn, Dree Hemingway, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Olivia Palermo, Joan Smalls, and Donna Karan.

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Julia and Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld photographs © 2013 Condé Nast and Getty Images.

I am thrilled to introduce the latest member of the IWTBAR team — Sarra Salib, contributing editor! You may remember Sarra's passionate essay "Carine Roitfeld: The One and Only," which won the first ever contest hosted on IWTBAR, or her eloquent review of The Little Black Jacket. I look forward to Sarra sharing her thoughts with all of us through these pages, please take a moment to welcome her to the editorial team. 

Sarra Salib
Contributing Editor

Hello to all the amazing readers of IWTB!

My name is Sarra (yes, that’s right, it’s two R’s...), and I was born and raised in Egypt. My family moved to California when I was 11 years old, and I’ve been living the California Dreamin’ ever since. Although I spoke no word of English when I moved here, it came so naturally to me that I now consider it my first language. After finishing high school with valedictorian honors, I journeyed on to UCLA for two years, but decided once and for all to return to the most beauteous San Diego. 

These events have added up to influence me as an individual in ways I cannot express, but the most influential person so far has been Carine Roitfeld. Through her, I discovered the beauty and functionality of minimalism, the true meaning of style, and the fact that fashion should be seen as art and not be taken so seriously sometimes. 

I am so inexplicably thrilled to be part of the team, and I hope to write my best to show my love for everything fashion, Parisian, and Carine! 

All my thanks, and let’s shine on you crazy diamonds!

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Sarra Salib photograph © 2013 Sarra Salib. All Rights Reserved