Carine Roitfeld For Miss Dior

The house of Dior has released the first of their new advertising images as styled by Carine Roitfeld starring Mila Kunis in her second campaign for the company. The glamorous black-and-white ads promote the Miss Dior Autumn 2012 handbag collection and were photographed by Mario Sorrenti in Los Angeles at the locations of his choice. With her chic black ensemble, her bouffant hair, and her Miss Dior bag at her side, Kunis definitely has the aura of a Hollywood starlet circa 1950s with a hint of the eternally chic Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis for good measure. The attentive throng of paparazzi adds to the ambience of the images.

Kunis had this to say about her decision to front the campaign: "I've always been tentative about the idea, but this was an easy decision. Why not be a part of a fashion house that I look up to? The truth about Dior is that it makes you feel special and I would never want to be a part of a brand that didn't make me feel good... I'm honestly just learning about fashion... In my daily life, I don't wear the most feminine pieces. But I love to feel feminine when I'm on the red carpet. I find that Dior is an incredibly grounded house. I always thought what Dior does is so sophisticated, feminine and beautiful... They made me feel incredibly comfortable. I can't say it was the hardest thing to do." Dior plans to release more material from the campaign next week including a short film and behind-the-scenes footage.

Miss Dior advertising campaign images © 2012 Christian Dior. All Rights Reserved.

Discovering Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld

The Italian magazine Panorama published an intriguing interview with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld in which he candidly discusses his family, his life in New York, and his relationship with art. Grazie mille to Francesca Berti for her translation of the interview from Italian to English for more of us to enjoy.

Vladimir Roitfeld — Discovering new talent never goes out of fashion
Discover Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, 28 years old, son of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris

He never laughs, even at the request of the photographer, but then he betrays a certain insecurity when he asks: “Did you expect a bigger office?” The office in question is that of Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, 28 years old, son of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris and queen bee of fashion, and of the creative Christian Restoin. An apartment, yes, but on the Upper East Side of New York, the city in which he has lived for four years to discover artistic talents and promote them.

In his English there is no trace of the accent of his mother tongue, French. He attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he studied film and worked for two years as an assistant producer. “But I was disappointed by that world when I understood that everything was moving just for money.” Vladimir and the Italian socialite and stylist Giovanna Battaglia as a couple represent the new generation of frequently photographed offspring (their first kiss, in 2009, made the rounds of fashion blogs around the world). Vladimir drinks American coffee without sugar in a paper cup sitting at a glass desk on which he has only a Mac laptop, a box of Kleenex, and some art magazines. When he speaks he keeps his fingers crossed, as if there he would find the concentration. And the image of being a bit cold that he wants to portray of himself is betrayed by a spontaneous kindness.

The best tip that has been given to you by your family?
Every day I hear my father on the telephone and he repeats to me as a mantra: you have to work hard to succeed.

You were born already lucky.
My father says this also: with the right friendships you may have a free pass to arrive first, but if you make a mistake you will never have a second opportunity.

Why did you choose art and not fashion?
If you grow up in a environment, in the end you know it so well that you can have two reactions: keep on living in it or take other paths. I chose the second way.

Do you get on well with your mother?
Today, yes, but it has not always been so. I was a bit rebellious, then I understood that it is important to listen to those who have more experience. Maybe we have the same character, so I speak more with my father.

The choice that changed your life?
Coming to live in New York. Here things happen that don’t happen elsewhere. In Europe, art is for an elite that does not take seriously the young art dealer, no matter the effort you make. Here, if you put it into play, you can make it. And, believe me, my family is not involved.

What do you like most about your job?
The relationship of confidence with the artist. If I believe in the project, I give my all for him. Money is the last thing.

An idealist…
No, believe me, I am practical. In London, if you enter a gallery and you have little money, they do not consider you. And they are wrong. I want to bring art to more possible houses, also to those of young people with less money but that appreciate it. If I cared only about money, I would choose other ways. But, well, you don’t know how beautiful it is to come back home at night.

Translation from Italian to English by Francesca Berti

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld photograph © 2012 Arnoldo Mondadori Editore Spa. All Rights Reserved.

The Evening Dresses Of Carine Roitfeld

The Evening Dresses Of Carine Roitfeld
By Dara Block

For some women, finding that perfect evening dress can be quite a challenge, but for Carine Roitfeld that has never been an issue. It is always interesting to watch and observe her audacious sense of style! Whether day casual or fancy at night, there truly is so much to be learned from her. Throughout the years, I have frequently noticed that Carine Roitfeld's trademark look has always been about high-heels, high-waisted jackets, close-fitting skirts, and of course black stockings. She definitely has created her own personal style, which is key to looking sleek and stylish when dressing up. With all that said, I thought it would be exciting to look back at some of Carine's greatest and most memorable red carpet evening looks. And also just for fun, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my own evening gown illustrations inspired by Carine Roitfeld herself!

Let's start with this stunning black Givenchy gown by Riccardo Tisci that she recently wore to the 2012 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS event in May. I so love how form-fitted this black gown is to her figure. She looks completely elegant, yet cutting-edge, too and I love the added extra element of those long diamond earrings. They are the perfect complement to this standout black dress. This is an excellent example of how diamond jewelry should be worn.... as an accessory not an excessory!

Carine Roitfeld also shined in May of this year at the Met Gala in another amazing Givenchy Haute Couture black ensemble. I so love the looseness of this jacket-dress paired with those heels and how she reveals just the right amount of leg. She definitely exudes sensuality in this outfit, but still remains completely elegant and chic.

Back in 2011, Carine Roitfeld showed up at the Victoria's Secret Fashion show in this black velvet cocktail dress with cropped blazer. I feel like this is a signature Carine Roitfeld look that I never get tired of looking at. The cut and fit of this dress is quite impeccable and I love how confident and comfortable she looks in this ensemble. She proves that it is not just about the clothes, but about the attitude as well!

Carine Roitfeld also dazzled in this sheer feathered embroidered Givenchy couture evening gown at the amfAR Fashion Week 2011 kick off party. As much as I love seeing Carine Roitfeld in a dramatic black gown, I also love it when she brightens her look with a pale tone. I think she looks quite angelic in this frock. I so loved how this Givenchy looked on the runway and the way Carine Roitfeld interpreted it into her own sense of style... she certainly has a brilliant way of wearing couture.

In addition, Carine Roitfeld looked stunning in this long black evening gown with provocative sheer inserts for the Gucci Rue Royale re-opening party in 2011 during the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week! She definitely knows how to spice up a black dress. The sheer inserts certainly leave more to the imagination and I so admire how she can always remain sexy yet demure at the same time.

Speaking of sex appeal, who could forget Carine Roitfeld back in 2010 when she arrived to the Ralph Lauren dinner to celebrate the opening of his store in Paris? ...In case you need to be refreshed, she totally turned heads in this lovely lace overlay bodysuit, with matching black cape and laced up boots! Whether you love or hate this look, you have to respect Carine Roitfeld for taking such a fashion risk with this risqué ensemble. Personally, I think she looks quite edgy and I always love it when she combines glamour with a little goth-edge. This was such an unforgettable look!

Going back to May of 2010, Carine Roitfeld "wowed" everyone in this floor length black evening gown with leopard bodice print at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit. I have always admired the way Carine could easily incorporate leopard and make it look so chic. She also amazed everyone back in 2009, in yet another leopard ensemble at the Dolce & Gabbana party. I so love the way she worked that one shoulder leopard print by D&G! I see so many women who attempt to wear leopard and they always make it look trashy by wearing it from head to toe. Carine Roitfeld knows that with leopard it is all about balance and mixing it with something solid like a black tone... these two looks prove that! There really is much to be learned from observing these pics on how to properly wear leopard.... Brava!

One of my all time favorite Carine Roitfeld gowns has to be this white asymmetrical Emilio Pucci dress that she wore in 2009 to the amfAR gala. I just love the overall Grecian quality and all that exquisite draping. Plus, those open toed black Alaïa heels are the perfect finishing touch... She certainly looks like a goddess! What I admire most about this dress is that you would actually never think that it is a Pucci creation, but I love how Carine Roitfeld can always manage to surprise us with her daring yet sophisticated dress choices!

If there is one Carine Roitfeld evening look that I am always continually inspired by it would have to be this asymmetrical black dress with matching blazer, stockings, and heels that she wore to an art event sponsored by Chanel in 2008. What I admire about this look is that it is a great example of personal style. It doesn't look as if she was dressed by a fashion label, but by herself... the way a true fashionista dresses! She looks glamorous, dark and edgy, with that blazer over her shoulders. Plus, I love that extra added punk element with that chain necklace... a very noir, mysterious, but yet sophisticated look!

Finally, I end my list with this Dolce & Gabbana dress that Carine Roitfeld wore back in 2007 during the Cannes Film Festival. I love how the dress is both sheer and corseted, but also embellished with design... a signature Dolce & Gabbana look. Personally, what I appreciate most about this frock is how Carine Roitfeld chose to pair it with red heels. Carine knows that accents are key to looking sharp. Sometimes, it is the right accessory like a shoe, a belt, or a piece of jewelry that is needed to make a look complete! This Dolce & Gabbana dress is really about personal style... which is what Carine Roitfeld does best!

With all that style analysis, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my illustrations very much inspired by her amazing evening style... let's take a look!

I know Carine Roitfeld loves a long dramatic skirt so I thought this would look quite chic on her with a form-fitted jacket. She could definitely add a little goth-glamour to it with a pair of gloves... I would so love too see her at an event with an ensemble like this... very high-fashion, yet classic, as well!

In keeping with the long and dramatic theme, I thought this sleek black dress with open back would look quite suiting on her. I know Carine Roitfeld occasionally likes to add accessories so I thought maybe she could add a flowy scarf to the dress to make it a little more nonchalant and cutting edge... almost like how she styled that stunning black dress she wore to the Gucci party in 2011.

As we all know, Carine Roitfeld loves to wear black stockings so I thought this black dress with pouf sleeves would look amazing on her. Yes, it is very covered up, but I like how dramatic and sexy it is with those black tights and super high-heels... I could certainly see Carine Roitfeld sporting this look at an event.

Next, I thought this sleek and form-fitting black dress would look so striking on her. I so love how proportioned it is on the waist and how it is balanced with those pouf sleeves. This dress is elegant, sharp, and very body-conscious... it takes a lot of confidence to wear something like this, but Carine Roitfeld could easily do it. I would so love to see her wear this dress during September Fashion Week.

My next sketch is very much inspired by her Emilio Pucci one shoulder dress that she wore back in 2009 at Cannes. I am really into drapery, especially when it is done in a classic manner and I thought this asymmetrical black gown would look amazing on her. I would so love to see her wear this next year to the amfAR Gala in Cannes!

I also thought this asymmetrical blue dress would look appropriate on her. Occasionally, Carine Roitfeld likes to astound us with something unconventional so I thought this bright blue color would look great on her. I was also thinking instead of wearing high heels she should go for some super high black boots! Perhaps she should also sport a pair of short-black gloves for a more fashion-forward feeling... I like a little audacious glamour and I think this look is a perfect example of that!

I always like the idea of mixing sporty with sexy so I thought this puffy vest look with belt and knee length skirt would look quite chic on her. I know Carine Roitfeld loves the idea of sporty-chic so I tried to blend those two concepts together. The outfit was very much inspired by her brilliantly styled Vogue Paris November 2004 issue. I thought for a more glamourous feeling I would add some full-length gloves and a pair of stilettos... just to balance the look. I could definitely see her wearing this type of outfit during Fashion Week.

My last sketch is a little bit inspired by her Givenchy look she wore this May to the Met Gala. I know Carine Roitfeld loves a sleek and nicely fitted blazer so I thought this could work on her figure. I was also thinking a long dramatic skirt would make for an interesting balance. Perhaps to next year's Met Gala she could wear a look like this on the red carpet.

In closing, as we can all see, Carine Roitfeld's evening style is quite on point. Her signature sexy goth-look is distinct, steady, but yet completely all her own. She is certainly not someone pieced together by a designer or a magazine... making her a total icon of night-time glamour. It is so interesting how she consistently remains sleek, innovative, but still classic in her dress choices. Personally, if I ever find myself confused about what to wear in the evening I always look to Carine Roitfeld for inspiration. No matter what kind of style you have there certainly is something to be learned from studying her way of dressing. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what evening gowns she will be wearing in the future. Hope you took some style notes, I know I did!

Fashion illustrations © 2012 Dara Block. Carine Roitfeld photographs courtesy of Fashion Spot. All Rights Reserved.

Carine Roitfeld At Valentino

Carine Roitfeld photographs courtesy of zimbio.com

Carine Roitfeld At Jean Paul Gaultier

Carine Roitfeld photographs courtesy of zimbio.com, purepeople.com