The Coats Of Carine Roitfeld
By Dara Block
With winter upon us I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the topic of finding that perfect winter coat. I certainly believe that searching for that ideal jacket is something that both men and women struggle with during the winter season. There really is so much to think about... not only should a coat keep you warm, but it also should be equally as stylish. In addition, it is important to note that shape and fit also play an important factor in looking sharp this time of year. I know those are the two key points I think about when I am hunting for that quintessential jacket. I am always reading fashion magazines, watching films, and looking at blogs to find winter coat inspiration, but lately I was thinking that when it comes to winter style, clearly there is so much to be learned from Carine Roitfeld. Indeed, she looks chic all year round, but I really feel that a stylish winter coat has become her signature. No matter what type of coat she decides to wear her look is always strong, consistent, yet completely herself. She is a true winter coat icon of style... and with that in mind, let's take an in-depth look at some of Carine Roitfeld's greatest coat looks!
This probably has to be one of her Carine Roitfeld's most iconic looks... the shaggy fur coat! Interestingly, whenever I think of Carine Roitfeld this image always appears in my mind. I think what makes this coat so stellar is the way in which it is styled. I so love the way she pairs that shaggy fur coat with those sharp heels and black tights. The styling is edgy, chic, but yet completely subdued... I think it is important to note that part of what makes Carine Roitfeld so unique in terms of style is that she does not overdo it with accessories. Sometimes, accessorize can turn into excessorize and we all know that Carine Roitfeld does not follow that fashion rule. Part of what makes this look so special is that her shaggy coat actually works as the accessory... she firmly knows that it is all about one key piece and not a thousand unnecessary ones, making this such a standout look.
Speaking of fur coats, I remember seeing this image on The Sartorialist blog a couple of years ago. Yet another brilliant example of how to wear fur. Carine Roitfeld looks so stunning in that short leather Rick Owens jacket with fur trim. I think it is so brilliantly styled with that close fitting pencil skirt and those high-heeled snakeskin boots. Naturally, when I look at this photo I think to myself, "How can one look this chic in the rain?"
Not only can Carine Roitfeld rock fur, but she can also work a black waistless coat... such a difficult look to do, but Carine Roitfeld does it with such flair and elegance. Yes, the jacket has volume, but I love how she balances this masculine shape with feminine accents. Her signature black tights and heels make this coat ultra lady-like and refined.
I have also noticed that throughout the years Carine Roitfeld has been seen in various trench coat looks. I believe this is a style that French women do so incredibly well, Carine Roitfeld in particular. She really looks so nonchalant and cool in this trench shape. It looks as if she just tied that knot at her waist and stepped out the door. Plus, I love the added element of those over-the-knee boots. She is a perfect example of effortless chic!
As much as I love a traditional jacket silhouette in the winter, I also love a cape shape! I remember being so inspired by this photo of Carine Roitfeld in a Chloé cape back in 2009. This is a true example of blanket chic! Without a doubt, I most certainly think that a cape can work as a more stylish alternative to the conventional coat. Carine Roitfeld looks so super heroine glam in this photo... not every woman can wear a cape, but if you have the confidence and the attitude... this is a definite look for the winter.
I must say that this brown double-breasted coat from the Prada Fall/Winter 2009 collection has to be one of Carine Roitfeld's greatest coat looks. That silhouette is perfect and I love how it cinches so tight at her waist. This really is the perfect waist-shape. Plus, I love the blending of those brown and black tones... that Prada jacket and those above-the-knee lace up boots work so well together. It really is such an interesting combination that only Carine Roitfeld could get away with. This look is very classic almost 1940s-ish, but modern, as well, with those sci-fi looking boots.
Speaking of sci-fi... who could forget the way Carine Roitfeld looked in this Azzedine Alaïa leather jacket from Fall/Winter 2007? The shape and cut on this jacket is quite spectacular, plus the pleating is quite intricate and beautiful, as well. I remember seeing this in a magazine and the headline read "The Future Arrives From Paris"... I think this title says it all! Leave it to Carine Roitfeld to always think ahead when it comes to winter style. What I admire so much about this Alaïa coat is how futuristic it looks, but also how elegant it is at the same time. Personally, I think that Carine Roitfeld looks like an updated version of Séverine from Luis Buñuel's classic 1967 film Belle de Jour in this photo... if they were to make a modern version of the film, Séverine would definitely be wearing this jacket. I could most certainly see her character walking through the streets of Paris in this fabulous piece.
One of my favorite coats seen on Carine Roitfeld has to be this Rick Owens black wrap leather jacket. I think it is the details of this jacket that make it so incredible. I so love that oversized shawl collar lined in shearling, plus I like how the wrap hugs so tight at her waist. This jacket fits like a glove. It is not only the shape that I admire, but all those little extra Carine Roitfeld finishing touches. Her signature hair and the sleek sunglasses add such an element of incognito chic. She really represents that ideal Rick Owens woman, yet she still stays true to her own sense of style. I think this type of jacket is quite suiting in the winter. Its edgy, dark, yet completely glamorous.
As a sketch artist, I am always inspired by Carine Roitfeld's effortless sense of style... so for fun I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my drawings inspired by many of her amazing winter coat looks.
By observing Carine Roitfeld I have noticed that she is almost always in a coat with a form-fitting shape. I drew this sketch inspired by her amazing Azzedine Alaïa Fall 2007 jacket. Carine Roitfeld not only loves a nice silhouette, but she also likes a utilitarian type of style... so I tried to incorporate the two with this drawing.... it is military blended with a sleek silhouette. I would love to see her attend Fashion Week in Paris in a jacket like this.
As we all know by now, Carine Roitfeld loves to wear fur... so I came up with these two drawings. The first is a waist hugging jacket with fur trim balanced with a dramatic silhouette. I know Carine Roitfeld loves thigh-high boots so I thought I would add some to this jacket... I think long boots are the perfect finishing touch!
The other drawing is a high-waisted jacket with lavish fur trim... very much inspired by the 1965 film Dr. Zhivago, but with a Carine Roitfeld twist. I love the added element of a high-collar. I can just imagine Carine Roitfeld hiding behind this collar with her trademark hair and a pair of chic sunglasses.
The next drawing is a high-collar black waistless coat with puff sleeves. I know Carine Roitfeld likes a masculine shape so I thought this jacket would be suiting to her style. I could imagine her wearing this coat with black tights and some short boots. Part of what makes Carine Roitfeld's style so special is that she really understands how to balance masculinity with femininity.... she could totally embody those exact qualities in this jacket shape!
And finally, I know Carine Roitfeld loves an oversized collar so I thought this coat would look quite proper on her. There is something very incognito-glam about this coat that would totally complement her sense of style. Carine Roitfeld is all about balance and with a huge collar you must make sure that the waist is cinched. I can just picture in my head Carine Roitfeld leaving the Givenchy show in this creation... I will keep my fingers crossed... perhaps, Paris Fashion Week in 2012!
As we can see, Carine Roitfeld's sense of style is quite razor-sharp. She really has such a knack for picking disparate fashion elements and combining them to create a truly unique look. Her style is one part chic, one part rebel, but above all 100 percent effortless. She shines every season, but in winter time when it is difficult to stay warm and remain stylish, she manages to do it so appropriately, well. I think what is so important about her winter style is that she keeps her look uncomplicated and sharp, yet completely sophisticated. Her winter look is all about a nice form-fitted jacket, a pair of black tights, and a sleek pair of boots or heels. I know the next couple of months can be unbearably chilly, but let's leave it to Carine Roitfeld to show us how to be fashion forward and savvy during the winter season. Brava, Carine!!
Fashion illustrations © 2011 Dara Block. Carine Roitfeld photographs courtesy of stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se, The Sartorialist, and Fashion Spot. All Rights Reserved.
jeudi 12 janvier 2012 
