Carine Roitfeld presented a lively and inspiring talk tonight with Klaus Biesenbach at the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) as part of the "Creative Leaders" series. Rumor has it that as a result of her first meeting with Monsieur Biesenbach, Carine Roitfeld will be curating a Caravaggio exhibit for the Museum of Modern Art. Special thanks to the amazing Sartorial Girl for sharing her photographs of the magical evening as well as this special video treat...

Carine Roitfeld shares her thoughts on what is next for Balenciaga. 

Big love to Sartorial Girl for the amazing photos and video of Carine Roitfeld © 2012 Sartorial Girl. All Rights Reserved.

Dior and Printemps have collaborated to create a sparkling new advertising campaign for the holiday season as styled by Carine Roitfeld, art directed by Stephen Gan, and photographed by Mario Testino. The campaign stars Carolyn Murphy and Sui He wearing Dior couture with the Printemps flagship store and the Eiffel Tower serving as background. The whimsical window display at Printemps will feature twelve mechanical puppets dressed by the Dior couturiers in the most iconic looks of the house although I am not sure if Carine was involved in this facet of the project.

Paolo de Cesare, Printemps chairman and chief executive officer, is pleased with the results: “It has been one of the most creative collaborations we have done with brands, and I think it’s really setting the standard of what’s possible between brands and a department store. We wanted to do something that could capture this excitement, this energy and also a bit of this unexpected collaboration and moment that we’re bringing together.” Watch for print and outdoor advertising images to appear beginning 15 November.

Dior for Printemps advertising campaign images © 2012 Dior and Printemps. All Rights Reserved.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld illustrations © 2012 Lee Ferguson. All Rights Reserved.

"The Little Black Jacket" opened in Paris last week at the Grand Palais, displaying the elegant black and white portraits that are collected in the book of the same name by Carine Roitfeld and Karl Lagerfeld. Among the chic guests celebrating the launch were Anja Rubik, Laetitia Casta, Daphne Guinness, Haider Ackermann, Charlotte Casiraghi, Maïwenn, Caroline de Maigret, Aymeline Valade, Sigrid Agren, and Theophilus London. After the reception, guests enjoyed a private performance by Frank Ocean at the Mini-Palais. "The Little Black Jacket" exhibit will be open to the public at the Grand Palais from 10 to 25 November.

Carine Roitfeld photographs © 2012 Olivier Borde/Best Image, PacificCoastNews.com, thefrontrowview.com, fashionweekdaily.com, chanel-news.chanel.com, purepeople.com, Getty Images, instagram.com/francistenenbaum, mixbeat.tumblr.com. All Rights Reserved.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld graces the cover of the winter issue of Polish fashion quarterly Viva Fashion and I love the elegant and sophisticated air, the clothing brings out a different side of her. Victor Demarchelier photographed the cover. Inside readers will find an interview with Julia in which I hope she explains the diamond ring that seems to be fixed on her left hand… Are Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic engaged?

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld cover image © 2012 Viva Mode. All Rights Reserved.

I really cannot believe I missed this photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld holding her one-month-old daughter Romy Konjic. The photo was originally captioned "Romy and mommy's first vacation" and it looks as though they may be spending their leisure time in the Hamptons. Julia is tanned and happy, obviously enjoying her vacation as well as motherhood. Romy is six months old today, I hope we see a close up soon...

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Romy Konjic photograph courtesy of glamurama.uol.com.br

In browsing my archives, I noticed a recurring theme: Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and her adorable collection of stuffed animals. She even manages to involve her beau Robert Konjic in the fun, the images of the two of them cuddling with the seal and the squirrel are the cutest. I especially love her childhood Monchichi doll and her fur rabbit which I believe is Marc Jacobs. Now Julia can share her collection of toys with her daughter, Romy, passing down the fun and adding new stuffed and furry favorites…

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld photographs courtesy of theselby.com, i-donline.com, and herculesmagazine.com.

As mentioned previously, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld appears on the cover of Viva! Moda for their winter issue and she grants a charming interview as well. I am pleased to present the interview with Julia now in English for your enjoyment. The original interview was conducted by Sylwia Nasiadko. Special thanks to Kamila Brudzyńska, Sara Marcysiak, and Aleksandra Boćkowska for their kind assistance in preparing this translation from Polish to English.

Viva! Moda: Have you worked with Victor Demarchelier before?
Julia Restoin Roitfeld: I haven’t had a chance to work with him so far, although we met a couple of times. I’m really glad we got to work together this time. But his father, Patrick Demarchelier took photos of me when I was pregnant, it was a gift. I can’t even begin to describe how much it means to me — having pictures of the happiest time in my life taken by such an amazing photographer.

V!M: Both Victor and you have been raised by famous parents. Does it make life easier or it’s more of a challenge?
JRR: I think it’s both. As for me, being my mother’s daughter certainly helped. I’m not going to pretend — if it weren’t for my mother, I probably wouldn’t have an opportunity to meet so many amazing people, to get internships where I got them, I don’t know if Tom Ford would hire me. I think it’s all about the attitude — you can either actually use what you’ve got and by working hard prove what you’re worth or keep going to parties and don’t do much. Both Victor and I chose the first option.

V!M: Why so many different fields of interest?
JRR: I’ve always been interested in art in all of its aspects. I sort of grew up in the catwalk, so the interest in fashion came naturally. At one point I became interested in graphic design and magazine layout, which brought me to photography. As for modeling, it kind of happened by chance — Tom Ford asked me six years ago to be his newest fragrance face. I was twenty six at the time, so really much more than models when they start their careers. Not to mention that I really didn’t have the typical model’s silhouette.

V!M: You just designed a lingerie line.
JRR: Well, for a while I’ve been thinking about what I could design. I decided it would be lingerie, because I love it and buy tons of it, really. I contacted people from Kiki de Montparnasse, because that’s my favorite brand and they said okay. Partially it was a project that was my project all long. I designed the collection’s pieces, found a photographer and a stylist that understood my vision. It was a wonderful feeling.

V!M: Have you always known you wanted to do so many things at the same time?
JRR: No. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted do to with my life. After graduation I got an internship at Baron & Baron, a company creating images for luxury brands. And that was like a revelation to me! Fabien Baron showed me it was possible to do many different things at the same time — he’s an art director in his company, but he’s also a great photographer, designs it all: from sunglasses, toys, to furniture. I remember thinking: Oh my God, what a relief, I don’t have to decide! Life is really too short to be making choices. Than I met more people who can do plenty of things and they do all of those things well. Tom Ford or Karl Lagerfeld for example.

V!M: You’re a mother not long ago. Did motherhood change your treatment of work?
JRR: Motherhood is as hard as it is beautiful. For the first couple of months I didn’t hire a nanny. I would do everything by myself. My boyfriend (model Robert Konjic) helped me with everything. Motherhood changes your attitude towards work. You work more efficiently, because you just have less time for it.

V!M: Is there anything else you’d like to try?
JRR: Acting, maybe. I used to take acting classes and sometimes I think it would be fun to see if I’m any good in it. I don’t think I’d ever just go to a casting. If I ever appear in a movie it will be because someone thinks I’m fit for certain character.

V!M: You were born and raised in Paris, but spent the last ten years in NYC. Why do you prefer living here?
JRR: NYC is more casual, relaxed. I feel like I get more done in a day on this side of the ocean. Everything is easier and less time consuming.

V!M: Differences in fashion?
JRR: In NYC, fashion is about casual day, whereas in Paris it’s all about big galas. It seems like in New York everything is just more comfy. Paris is still so elegant, there’s still elegance you wont find anywhere else. New Yorkers are more courageous when it comes to fashion. In Paris you are watched more closely. If your skirt is too short, women will stare at you. In NYC you can wear whatever you like, and I love it.

V!M: And what is it that you wear with the biggest pleasure?
JRR: Black. Some people can match different patterns, fabrics, styles. I can’t. I grab a black t-shirt out of my closet, black skirt and think, well, great, that’s gonna really go great together! I wear black all the time, all year long. I go for long, hippie style dresses in summer time, when I’m tanned. My typical winter look: short black dress and black leather jacket. I don’t follow trends, but my mood. Sometimes I buy a piece inspired by old movies, sometimes I buy a leather coat. I like Alexander Wang, I’ve never left his store empty-handed. As for evening gowns, I like Valentino. His classic and elegant style makes me look like a princess.

V!M: If you were to pick your favorite accessory?
JRR: I would pick the purse I have with me today. Classic Chanel, perfect size, I can even fit my baby’s bottle in it. Perfect for errands around the city and evening galas. It’s something I can recommend: timeless things like Chanel’s purse that will make you look stylish even if you’re wearing an H&M dress.

V!M: Do you believe in suffering in the name of beauty?
JRR: You have to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, but the truth is comfy clothes usually don’t make you feel good. Sometimes you have to suffer. High heels will always make you look slimmer and more elegant. My mom always says: you never know who you might run into in the street. If something you’re wearing isn’t really comfy, but makes you look great, I guarantee you’ll forget about the little pain you go through.

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Julia Restoin-Roitfeld editorial images © 2012 Viva Mode. All Rights Reserved.

Extra special thanks to Sarra Salib, the winner of our The Little Black Jacket contest, for her review of the book which appears below. If you have not had a chance to see this book in person yet, I definitely recommend you do so, the stark layout and the quality materials support the elegant images perfectly.

Review: The Little Black Jacket
By Sarra Salib

It would be an understatement to claim that a Carine Roitfeld and Karl Lagerfeld collaboration is legendary. Revamping Coco Chanel’s classic design is a challenging task; however, this explosive combination of creative minds had the ability to transform the jacket from its simple yet elegant reality to the most fanciful of fantasies. The result is images that are unabashedly clean and stark, dark and romantic.

Perhaps my favorite element of The Little Black Jacket is the unrestraint of each individual’s personality. From Vladimir’s rather stoic and elusive expression to Akuol De Mabior’s African heritage, each person’s individuality remains intact to the very last image. With Carine’s brilliant styling and Karl’s dramatic photography, the jacket never overpowers the individual’s spirit, but rather becomes a means to illuminate it. This crucial element takes a tongue-in-cheek turn when the Anna Wintour image hits. The signature bob, the jacket propped on the shoulders just so, the austere pose. Description is still provided just in case someone is at a loss as to who this character might be.

The Little Black Jacket’s milky way of model repertoire runs the gamut: actors, models, designers, adults, children, musicians, talk show hosts, men and women alike. Carine and Karl don’t discriminate. They prove that one garment can pass the test of versatility and have the ability to be dressed up or down. They also throw convention out the door. The jacket doesn’t have to be worn just as a jacket. It can be worn as a skirt, as a headpiece, or simply wrapped around your top if you are willing to be daring. Individuality and Freedom. What else could anyone want?

The Little Black Jacket is a classic and is undoubtedly leaving an indelible mark in the fashion world. Its 113 towering images maintain a duplicity of complexity and simplicity that brings modernity to an item that has been around for ages. Bravo Carine and Karl.

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The Little Black Jacket book images © 2012 Chanel. All Rights Reserved.

I am happy to introduce another winning essay from our The Little Black Jacket contest — “Relating To Carine Roitfeld” by Jessica Eritou. She is truly inspired by Carine Roitfeld: she finds the motivation to pursue dreams that she once thought unattainable by emulating Carine's kinder and gentler approach to fashion. Many thanks, Jessica, for sharing your passion!

Relating To Carine Roitfeld
By Jessica Eritou

I find fashion intimidating. It is intimidating from the notion of if you have taste or if you do not — you are born with or without it. Carine Roitfeld helped me ease into the fashion world, making it not such a scary place after all.

When I was much younger, I would look up to older girls in awe of what they would wear and try to emulate it similarly with the hand-me-downs sent from my cousins. Usually they were elasticized denim leggings or crewneck sweaters. I dreamed of the day my Nike tracksuits would be as cool as the girls in the upper grades wearing Club Monaco sweatshirts.

Now I do merchandising at one of Canada's higher end retailers while I am working on my degree to later work in the industry. But at the beginning of this, I thought this was as far as I could get and I would never dream of meeting anyone who is anyone.

Being from Canada, fashion was never considered important or emulated yet I had the urge to be a part of it. Thankfully I could escape with Fashion Television in the afternoons and watch Jeanne Beker go backstage at Gucci to see Tom, or congratulate John at Dior (which I could never relate to), or thank Marc (back in his Coke bottle glasses days) for a great collection. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion world, but it seemed so exclusive and inaccessible. Everything looked to be extravagant and deemed “cold” like Anna Wintour's alleged personality.

Before I could never relate to the cold glares coming from the first row at fashion shows. Fashion to me is not something that you should hide with your emotions. It is an outlet. It is freedom to show your thoughts, ideas, and imagination. I think the giddiest I have been was when I saw Carine at the latest Dior show (being a fan of Raf since I was 16 or so and he was at Jil Sander).

It was not until I discovered Carine Roitfeld that I felt I could be part of the fashion world. Carine's effortless and refined style was relatable to me. I could connect with someone with such a prestigious career who does not look like the catwalks of Galliano-era Dior, or McQueen at McQueen. Her maximal minimalist style was what I found so endearing in the first place. Here is her sweet, genuine, charming, and gracious personality which is still chic and can still do a great job styling and being an editor at Vogue (at the time). In her shoots or her campaigns, I can always connect with her ideas, her impressions, and her overall aesthetic which keeps me motivated to become even better at my current job in merchandising which funds all of my schooling. Because of Carine, I continue my path to apply to graduate studies in fashion in hopes of styling and journalism.

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Carine Roitfeld photograph courtesy of Fashion Spot.

In the editorial "Mosaïques Orientales,” Carine Roitfeld teamed with supermodel Helena Christensen and photographer Friedemann Hauss for the June 1990 issue of ELLE France and it looks a lot like The Night Porter filmed against the backdrop of the cavern of Ali Baba. I love the names that Carine imagined for each of the photos: “La préféré du sultan”... “Shéhérazade 90”... “ Divine”... “Les motifs font impression”... Helena Christensen is radiant amongst a mélange of jewelry and treasured tile as fashion and art blend to form a memorable mosaic against the blue sky.

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Carine Roitfeld for ELLE France © 1990 Condé Nast and courtesy of automne-roi20.livejournal via Fashion Spot.

Today’s treat is a glamorous editorial by Carine Roitfeld from 1991, “Le Pin-up Style” which appeared in the January issue of ELLE France that year. Inspired by the work of legendary pin-up artist Alberto Vargas, Carine arranged models Yasmeen Ghauri, Estelle Lefébure, Angie Everhart, and Beri Smither in classic pin-up poses as Mario Testino captured the fantasy on film. I love the film noir influence, the old-fashioned telephone makes a clever prop and the winged eyeliner with red hot lips and nails is perfection.

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Carine Roitfeld for ELLE France © 1991 Condé Nast and courtesy of kelles via Fashion Spot.

For the November 1992 issue of French Glamour, Carine Roitfeld styled an editorial titled, "Faites l'amour pas la guerre," or in English, "Make love, not war." The spreads feature Helena Christensen and Kate Moss as well as other models that I am unable to identify, please let me know if you can help. Mario Testino shot the images in which our favorite stylist clearly displays her allegiance to military chic. I always love Carine's way with words and her opening line for the editorial is brilliant: "Imbattable sur le front de la mode :  le genre militaire. Version chic ou vraie fripe, l'uniforme a retourné sa veste : il est passé dans le camp du Flower Power." (or in English, "Unbeatable on the fashion front: the military type. A chic version true or thrifted, the uniform has turned his coat: he went into the camp of Flower Power.") My favorite detail is the inscription of "love" and "you" on the eyelids, trés chou.

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French Glamour November 1992 editorial © 1992 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

In August 1993, Carine Roitfeld collaborated with photographer Mario Testino and supermodel Helena Christensen to create one of her most famous editorials for French Glamour, "Au Pérou, chez les Incas," (or in English, "In Peru, home of the Incas"). The shoot pays tribute to the style of Martin Chambi who was renowned for his photographs documenting the provincial society of Peru at the turn of the 20th century. Interestingly, both Testino and Christensen have roots in Peru: Mario was born in the capital city of Lima and Helena's mother is of Peruvian descent.

In another familial connection, Christensen wore a sweater that belonged to Carine's father for one of the shots. As La Roitfeld explains, "My life is mixed with my work, so there’s no weekend, it’s everything mixed — fashion and life. I have a picture of my dad where he is wearing a Peruvian sweater and then we have Helena Christensen wearing the same sweater in a fashion shoot for French Glamour in Peru. Everything is mixed. I think this is charming. It’s something personal."

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French Glamour August 1993 editorial © 1993 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

In 1994, John Galliano was named British Designer of the Year† and he went on to replace Hubert de Givenchy shortly afterwards. Of course Carine Roitfeld recognizes genius when she sees it and she styled the editorial "John Galliano" for the February 1994 issue of French Glamour to celebrate his most recent collection at the time. I applaud the juxtaposition of the pretty and the punk in the editorial which was photographed by Paolo Roversi. In Carine's words, "John Galliano: La Mode Comme un Roman — John Galliano, le plus style et le plus extrémiste des stylistes anglais, pirate les grands mythes de la mode avec une sophistication haute couture. Fidèlement adaptée du dernier défile, l'édifiante histoire de Thérésa, jeune aristocrate chassée de Russie par la révolution." or in English, "John Galliano: Fashion As a Romanesque — John Galliano, the highest and the most extreme style of the British designers, pirate of the great myths of fashion with an haute couture sophistication. Faithfully adapted from the last show, the edifying story of Teresa, a young aristocrat driven by the Russian revolution."

†John Galliano also won British Designer of the Year in 1987 and 1995.

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French Glamour February 1994 editorial © 1994 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Before ruling the roost at Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld was employed as a freelance stylist with the magazine, creating memorable work such as this editorial from the February 1995 issue, “Ma Poulette Quel Style!” (or in English, "My little hen, what style!”). The little hen in question is Meghan Douglas; with brilliant red hair the color of a cock’s comb, I can see how Carine was inspired. Julien d'Ys did a masterful job of styling her hair and Stéphane Marais was impeccable with her makeup while Mario Testino worked his magic behind the lens. Carine describes the story we see: “John Galliano pratique la mode sans forcément se soucier de son aspect pratique. Il propose un rêve ambulant : l'égérie en pied-de-poule, la déesse en piqué blanc. Une nouvelle façon d'être sublime.” or in English, “John Galliano practices fashion without necessarily worrying about its practicality. He offers a walking dream: the muse in houndstooth, the goddess in white piqué. A new way to be sublime.” Carine Roitfeld knows what we want every time — a new way to be sublime. Rooster chic? I say cock-a-doodle-do.

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Vogue Paris editorial © 1995 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Visionaire devoted their eighteenth issue to fashion in 1996 and the 2,500 copies of the numbered limited edition sold out within three weeks of publication. Packaged in a monogrammed leather portfolio created especially for the magazine by Louis Vuitton, Visionaire 18 included the work of many of the fashion world's most innovative and influential designers and image-makers. Of course Carine Roitfeld was involved, she and Mario Testino contributed the two shots of Mary Jo Peace seen here. Among the other visionaries featured were Nan Goldin, Juergen Teller, Terry Richardson, Craig McDean, Alexi Tan, Nathaniel Goldberg, Luis Sanchis, Miles Aldridge, Ellen von Unwerth, and Christophe Rihet; visit the gallery for more stunning images from Visionaire 18.

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Visionaire editorial images © 1996 Visionaire Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Carine Roitfeld joined forces with Mario Testino to create “H.R.H. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” for The Face and she talks about the inspiration behind this editorial: “When I see this English girl, I thought ‘She looks like Princess Anne.’ It’s a bit sad, because when we did this story, Diana was still alive; now it’s a bit trickier but at the time, we were thinking ‘Diana, Fergie — now it’s Anne’s time!’” It is actually a bit spooky, or bizarrely prescient… This “heartfelt tribute to the Princess Royal” by Roitfeld and Testino was published in July 1997, as were Testino’s portraits of Diana for Vanity Fair, widely considered the turning point of his career. Princess Diana passed away on 31 August 1997. Eery, I know. I love the stylist’s choices for the shoot, the clothing and accessories are brilliant, particularly the use of her own royal sash, vive Queen Carine.

1. White hand-painted t-shirt by APC; black trousers by Vivienne Westwood; pearl necklace by Dary’s; crocodile handbag from Parisian flea market.
2. Pink sleeveless chiffon blouse and check shirt by Martine Sitbon; diamond tiara, £2.5 million, by Real Jewelry By Gianni Versace; red sash stylist’s own.
3. White chiffon shirt, black and white dogtooth trousers and beaded necklace by Christian Dior Haute Couture.
4. White cotton shirt by Polo Sport; red check split skirt by Eric Bergere; pearl necklace by Dary’s.
5. Dress and shoes by Helmut Lang; feather headdress by Philip Treacy for W< crocodile bag from Parisian flea market.
6. Red shirt by Equipment; multicolored scarf by Yves Saint Laurent; riding hat by WH Gidden.

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The Face editorial images © 1997 The Face. All Rights Reserved.

Mode/Sport: Vogue Paris November 2004
By Dara Block

I don't know about you, but I am still in denial that Carine Roitfeld has even left Vogue Paris. For some odd reason, every month, when I skim through the pages of Vogue Paris magazine I still look for one of Carine Roitfeld's amazingly chic, yet highly personal, editor's notes. Yes, I know she is now on to new and other interesting projects like CR Fashion Book, but I like to think that she is still subconsciously contributing to the magazine. Recently, I started to think about some of her most memorable and iconic issues of Vogue Paris. Naturally, there are so many to discuss, but if there was one that has left a huge impact on my personal style it would have to be the November 2004 issue dedicated to sportswear. What I appreciate so much about this particular issue was the way in which Carine Roitfeld was able to take such glamorous looks and transform them into so many athletic inspired fashion spreads. She totally brought new meaning to the term "sporty-chic." So, with all that in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to take a glimpse inside this unforgettable and groundbreaking issue!

First of all, let's just take a moment to examine this gorgeous cover. The striking image was photographed by Mario Testino and featured Kate Moss looking extra sporty-chic in a Nike sports bra and shorts mixed in with a green Gucci fur coat for some added glamour. It’s quite obvious that Carine Roitfeld styled this cover and I so love how she placed that Gucci fur over her Nike ensemble… very high fashion, but yet still very athletic-looking. Only Carine Roitfeld could style this look together so cool and nonchalantly!

Carine Roitfeld also dedicates a page in the issue to photographer Mario Testino. After all, he helped Carine out with many of the stunning athletic inspired editorials in this issue. It’s quite obvious that Mario Testino and Carine Roitfeld work so well together and I love how beautifully he executed her sportswear vision in this issue. I also think it’s quite cool how she featured a photo of Mario Testino, himself, playing tennis… if you look closely you can see him in action on the court. Those impromptu photos go so perfectly with the whole sportswear theme.

Next up is Carine Roitfeld's iconic editor's note. In it, she talks about how inspired she was by Olympic athletes, their bodies, and how they move within space. She also shared how delighted she was to have Mario Testino take part in this issue especially because he was able to turn all her athletic ideas into a reality. I so love the montage of sporty inspired images she has put together. Nobody can put together and style an editor's note quite like Carine Roitfeld.

Following the editor's note comes “Ski Fantaisies” which is a beautiful montage of ski-wear mixed in with the season's hottest winter looks. Since this issue came out in November of 2004, the timing was perfect to showcase some winter-chic inspired looks with a Carine Roitfeld sensibility. I so love how she reminisced back to some retro ski-looks, but also mixed it up with Polaroid images of the current season's winter looks by Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli, and The Gap to display how the winter ski look can be both glamorous but yet, very easy to wear, as well!

After “Ski Fantaisies” comes “Agenda,” in which Vogue Paris takes an inside look at designer Stella McCartney's collaboration with the Adidas label. I so appreciate how the magazine showcases some sporty looks from Stella McCartney's Fall/Winter 2004 collection and relates it to her line for Adidas. There are definitely some sporty-chic connections and its quite amazing to see how sportswear has transformed into such a high-fashion concept… brilliantly conveyed!

Next comes “Flashback” which features a photograph of supermodel Veruschka taken in 1968, by Franco Rubartelli. It’s obvious what a great inspiration this winter ski photo was to Carine Roitfeld and to the Vogue Paris team for this issue. What is not to love about this image… the styling is impeccable with that turtleneck and all those extra added winter accessories. This is truly the Vogue Paris way of going skiing in 1968 and for today, as well!

Following the “Flashback” photograph comes “Mode/Sport” an astounding collaboration between Mario Testino and Carine Roitfeld showcasing how sportswear and athletic style has changed the way both men and women dress in their everyday lives. The concept is quite simple, but yet very forward-thinking in terms of style!

First comes “Hors-Piste”in which Carine Roitfeld takes various winter ski looks and translates them for the modern-day woman. One of my favorite looks featured in the editorial was this sleeping bag coat by Maison Martin Margiela. I love how cool, comfortable, and cutting edge this model looks in her coat. It is as if she just got out of bed and perhaps even wore her bed spread and just decided to go skiing. On a side note, H&M is now selling a new version of the very same Margiela sleeping bag coat. I actually just purchased it and I must say I use this Mario Testino image as my total style inspiration.

There are also some extra amazing photos in this ski editorial featuring stylish ski masks and even some other sleeping bag coat looks from designer Norma Kamali, as well.

Next comes “Classe de Neige,” which takes an in-depth look at the sporty-chic ski-look and how it has influenced ready to wear winter style throughout the years. I so love the montage of paparazzi images. The photos range from Jackie O. and Renee Zellweger to Princess Diana… showing off their best winter ski attire! With all these pics you clearly can see how ski style has inspired many fashion designers and stylists.

Following “Classe de Neige” comes “Figures Libres,” which features supermodel Kate Moss in some of the season's hottest sporty looks. This is my favorite editorial in the entire issue because all the looks featured are so effortless and easy to copy. In addition, Carine Roitfeld beautifully depicts how sporty fashion can be both stylish, but also very affordable, as well. By far, this is one of the most relatable layouts. I constantly use these images as inspiration when I go to the gym to work out!

Next comes “Fatale do Brazil” which showcases more sporty-chic looks from designers like Calvin Klein and John Galliano to the more affordable Nike label. I so love all the body motions captured in these images. It’s got a very stylish cardio-barre look, mixed in with a noir sensibility. This is certainly the way the Vogue Paris woman likes to works out!

After comes “GoldGirl.”This is a stunning editorial featuring many gold inspired looks on supermodel Hana Soukupova. It’s quite obvious that Carine Roitfeld had many inspirations for this editorial. Her influences range from Marilyn Monroe, The Bee Gees, David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, to even the hip-hop style of Run-DMC. I think if you study the style in this layout you can totally see all that combined. Hana Soukupova looks completely elegant, but yet still rock n' roll with a touch of hip-hop. Only Carine Roitfeld could manage to blend all these elements together so elegantly!

The next brilliant editorial is entitled “Jeux Interdits” which features interesting ingenues like Joanna Preiss and Elettra Rossellini in 2004's hottest athletic-inspired ensembles. Personally, I love seeing Elettra Rossellini as David Bowie in Christian Dior. She looks very sporty-chic with a total John Galliano edge.

The last layout features model and actress Elizabeth Hurley in various black dresses by designers like Helmut Lang and Balenciaga. What I love most about these images is that Elizabeth Hurley is looking so glamorous and chic while she is working out. Only Carine Roitfeld would envision something like this. I so appreciate the humor of this editorial. Carine Roitfeld brilliantly conveys with this layout how one should always look their best even when working out on a treadmill.

As we can see, Carine Roitfeld has completely transformed the idea of sportswear with this November 2004 issue. I so appreciate all the athletic themed looks featured… Mario Testino captured Carine Roitfeld's vision so perfectly. I must admit that whenever I look through certain magazines and see their depictions of sportswear I find myself uninspired and bored, but with this particular issue you can truly see sporty individuality at its finest… so many fashion possibilities to choose from, making it a total Vogue Paris classic. Carine Roitfeld clearly shows how both men and women can be both casual-cool in their sportswear, but yet completely sophisticated at the same time.. something I don't think that many people realize can go together so easily.

Brava to Carine Roitfeld for showing Americans and the rest of the world how sporty-chic is properly done. Indeed, this is one of her most memorable issues! On that note, I think it’s time to put on my Nike bodysuit and fur coat and head to the gym, see you there!

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

Just in time for the holiday season, Christian Dior has revamped their "Grand Bal" beauty collection with glamorous limited editions; best of all, Carine Roitfeld continues to style the advertising campaigns for the house. The stunning images feature Daria Strokous as shot by Steven Meisel, be sure to view the campaign video for more glamour...

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