Vogue Paris Controversy

Thus far I have avoided voicing my opinion on the latest Vogue Paris controversy: are the images of Lara Stone in the October 2009 issue of Vogue Paris racist? My opinion is absolutely not, what a ridiculous notion. I had thought it best not to add to the controversy but this is a forum for discussing all things Roitfeldesque and so I will open the topic for discussion. I think that LegBaby on Fashion Spot said it best:

"I was really amazed by how this racism thing blew up everywhere. I don't find it racist at all really, but I guess everyone here is a fashion fan so we see editorials in a completely different light. When it comes down to it I wonder if anyone would be complaining half as much if it was a 'high' art thing rather than fashion related—it just seems like with fashion nobody's willing to look for a message or a meaning, it obviously just has to be some kind of horrible, superficial, cold hearted stab at a minority. It doesn't matter that VP is essentially quite a niche magazine for a niche crowd who generally would understand what the editors are trying to go for—if it's fashion it's apparently shallow, and some kind of attempt to brainwash the masses into seeing the world in the warped, materialistic way that the fashion crowd are supposed to see it. I mean, really, people should just think about things before they cry wolf. Rant over, sorry."

What do you think of this editorial?

Vogue Paris editorial image © 2009 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.
Lara Stone in "Lara" editorial for Vogue Paris October 2009 courtesy of diorettescans.blogspot.com

Update on jeudi 22 octobre 2009 by kellina

I think we have missed the point: was Carine Roitfeld's intention in conceiving and styling this editorial racist?

First, I present the definition of racism:

1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

Now, I seek your opinion—was Carine's intention in this editorial racist? Or was it perhaps a whimsical exploration of pigments and she thought that some of the clothes were accented beautifully when a copper tint was rubbed into Lara's skin? Or just as she thought it was wild to dye Lara's hair brown last month for the cover, she then decided to make her skin brown for the November issue. As a brunette, should I be offended by the cover of the September issue? No, this is ridiculous. (Also she reminds me of Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much.)

Who's That Girl?

Here is Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld at the recent Repossi party but he is not posing with Giovanna Battaglia as we've come to expect. In fact, I think this is Kasia Smutniak, the girl he was pictured with at the Armani show back in July. Hmmm, what is going on here? We definitely prefer Giovanna...

Photograph of Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld courtesy of lepetitececile.wordpress.com

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld Interview

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld makes a rare (and very brief) appearance in a video for Vogue Germany during New York Fashion Week in which the reporter interviews people on the street to find out which designers they are wearing. Carine Roitfeld makes an even briefer appearance walking by with Garance Doré but they don't really say much.

Photo still © 2009 Condé Nast

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld In Black Leather

Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in YSL leather bustier at the Boom Boom Room, New York. © 2009 Olivier Zahm.

Carine Roitfeld At Miu Miu

Carine Roitfeld looks so beautiful here viewing the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2010 collection. I love the combination of the organic and metallic against the boardroom pinstripe. What do you think, does this look work?

Carine Roitfeld photograph courtesy of vanessajackman.blogspot.com