Concluding our tribute to the iconic Vogue Paris covers created by Carine Roitfeld, I offer my seven favorites from the epic decade in which she reigned as editor-in-chief. Carine makes everything that she touches special so it was extremely difficult to narrow my selection to such a small number. If only every decision in life were so pleasurable...
Gemma Ward by Mario Testino
February 2005
Brilliant, humorous, and memorable, the cover and editorial "Corps & Lames" (or in English "Body & Blades") represents Carine Roitfeld at the height of her visual genius. Her use of dots, bits of red, and seemingly harmless fashion props throughout the shoot sharply suggest the pain beneath the pleasure...
Charlotte Gainsbourg by Craig McDean
December 2007/January 2008
I love the personal style of Charlotte Gainsbourg, guest editor for the issue, but I admire Carine's decision to style her glamorously for the cover, rather than in the expected bohemian chic. I like the opposites at work here, her expression conveys such innocence and freedom while her makeup, clothing, and posture are all nonchalant glamour. Her signature stamped in purple foil is a sweet touch.
Lara Stone by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
September 2009
Always one to surprise in unexpected visual ways, La Roitfeld conjures up Lara Stone as a brunette. I love the colors of this cover, the old fashioned flair, the pinup styling of her hair, I think this treatment flatters Lara's natural beauty to perfection.
Isabeli Fontana by David Sims
November 2009
The cover and the editorial "Keith Me" pay homage to the visual style of artist Keith Haring, known for painting his subjects themselves in tribal graffiti. I think this provocative expression of pop art may be my very favorite work by Carine, so much thought went in to every nuance and the result is incredible.
Daria Werbowy by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin
February 2010
This cover is so gorgeous it takes my breath away. Carine imagined this and then made it happen for all of us to see, this is her gift and I am so grateful she shares it with us! Notice how the glorious blue of the ocean is reflected in the seductive eyes of Daria Werbowy as well as the crystals on her Prada dress. I don't see any artful message in this one, just purely pretty perfection, j'adore.
Lara Stone by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
October 2010
I believe this iconic cover celebrating the 90th anniversary of Vogue Paris is more evidence of Carine Roitfeld's visual genius: she highlights Lara Stone's best features exquisitely, she alludes to her amazing masked ball to come later that month, and she leaves us with the feeling of mystery, danger, and sex, all with a single black and white image. Carine, I applaud your daring imagination.
Saskia de Brauw by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
March 2011
I think Carine Roitfeld sends a message beautifully by featuring Saskia de Brauw on her last Vogue Paris cover and in the editorial "Coeurs A Corps Perdu." I have read that the cinematic reference is inspired by a series of French soft pornography films titled Emmanuelle; though I have yet to see it for myself, it clearly increases the humor of the piece if this is true. Carine, I shall miss your sexy and witty visual statements in this particular forum.
Vogue Paris cover images © 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.