CR Fashion Book: Becoming Human

CR Fashion Book: Becoming Human
By Renee Hernandez

It did not surprise me to see actor Michael B. Jordan’s words, "Becoming Human," in the latest issue of CR Fashion Book. Actors such as Anne Hathaway and Kirsten Dunst among others have contributed short stories or essays in past issues.

In the editorial "Lee Daniels Fairy Tale Theater," Oscar winner Lee Daniels gives us a modern reinterpretation of all the classic fairy tales — Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty — starring Joan Smalls as the heroine and, for obvious reasons, Michael B. Jordan as the leading man. My instinct tells me that Carine Roitfeld is on to something by spotlighting him twice in this issue.

I confess, I have been following MBJ for a while now. He won my heart as Vince in Friday Night Lights (my all-time favorite television show), and that high schooler/super hero with telekinetic powers in Chronicle. I have never seen the series The Parenthood but I’ve read that he was great in that as well. Wallace in The Wire. And now the role of a lifetime in Fruitvale Station where his performance as shooting victim Oscar Grant has everyone drawing comparisons to major heavyweight Denzel Washington.

Fruitvale Station is a powerful yet heartbreaking portrayal of the last 24 hours of Grant’s life. You see a love story develop towards all the people he cares about and yet you know what’s going to happen. I think the real power of this film is feeling that constant struggle between good and evil from within... coming to that inevitable fork in the road and trying to make the right decision. That is so real to me. Michael B. Jordan plays this with just the right balance and nuance. Oh man, I was a complete goner. It reminds me of Jordan’s character in Friday Night Lights because I think he also struggled with the same complicated urges.

I loved reading Michael B. Jordan’s process on getting into character. This is my favorite part:

“To make it as real as possible, in each character you have to find a little bit of yourself, and you have to really be vulnerable and raw. You have to be completely honest with yourself in order to give an honest performance.

I always write a journal for my character: where he’s coming from, his fears, his strengths, what he ate that day, the last time he got into an argument, the last time he got whupped, does he get whupped, is he a hard worker, is he a dreamer, is he a pessimist. All of that molds and shapes my character and how he will act and react in certain situations. It’s cool to see characters make a decision, and I always think I just happen to be playing some really amazing characters who have to make some tough choices in the moment and who people, really, really care about.”

I think Carine Roitfeld is telling us that it is time to pay attention to Michael B. Jordan.

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CR Fashion Book editorial images © 2014 CR Fashion Book.

The Roitfelds At Cinema Against AIDS Gala

For the annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala at Cannes, this year Carine Roitfeld chose a silver dress by Saint Laurent while Julia appeared in a black gown by Givenchy. I love that Carine continues her Cannes tradition by wearing her beloved Alaïa lace ups, quelle femme.

See Carine Roitfeld on the red carpet

See Julia Restoin Roitfeld on the red carpet

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Carine Roitfeld and Julia Restoin Roitfeld photographs © 2014 Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

I Want To Be A Roitfeld: Year Five

Today is 16 May, my favorite day of the year — I Want To Be A Roitfeld is five years old today! It is incredible to note that for half of a decade this site has been devoted to the Roitfeld family — Carine, Julia, and Vladimir — what adventures we have had! Best of all, the lily of the valley, or le muguet, is in bloom today, the most glorious herald of spring, the fragrance intoxicates. In case you are not in a position to smell the wondrous lily of the valley yourself, I picked you posies from my garden to celebrate the day.

First, a virtual bouquet for you, dear reader, for you are our raison d'être, without you we write for naught. Merci mille fois especially to those of you that dare to comment and offer your own opinion on our subjects.

Next, a bouquet for my incredible editorial team, Dara Block, Jascmeen Bush, Jessica Eritou, Renee Hernandez, Montse Ocejo, Bernie Rothschild, and Sarra Salib. I am continually inspired by all of you and I wholeheartedly thank each of you for contributing your talents to IWTBAR.

Finally, a special nosegay for my beloved Michael, Sweet Pea, and Walter, for the constant love and encouragement, ich liebe dich.

xx
Kellina

Joyeux anniversaire, ma geai bleue.

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Carine Roitfeld, Julia and Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld photos courtesy of Fashion Spot. Walter photos © 2014 Kellina de Boer.

Paper Dolls: Carine Roitfeld

Paper Dolls: Carine Roitfeld
By SP Medina

Inspired by the style of Carine Roitfeld and Sofia Coppola, SP Medina graciously created these illustrations featured here especially for us as part of her "Paper Dolls" series. I love this photo of the artist in her studio, I hope she will not mind if I include it! Thank you kindly for sharing your talent with all of us, SP! Visit SP Medina Art Gallery to see more of her work.

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Carine Roitfeld illustrations and SP Medina photograph © 2014 SP Medina. All Rights Reserved.

Spring Forward: Carine Roitfeld For Harper's Bazaar

Spring Forward: Carine Roitfeld For Harper's Bazaar
By Jessica Eritou

Carine Roitfeld teamed up with Karl Lagerfeld for the March issue of Harper's Bazaar which will be shown internationally in each of its 29 issues. Well-known models like Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Karolina Kurkova make appearances in this spread showcasing the Spring 2014 collections.

The editorial features energetic and illustrative shots either outside at night or with a brightly colored background. Each of the models has a certain Mod, 1960s makeup or hairstyle which has been a trend for quite some time. What is remarkable, however, is that this is very unlike what we are seeing from New York, Paris, or Milan Fashion Week in 2014. Most of the makeup is very natural, with an emphasis on brows. Roitfeld's editorial for Spring is entirely different.

The prominent pale pink we've seen throughout Fashion Week also appears in the spread, shown on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with her classic cable-knit cashmere sweater and conservative oversized vest, both by Dior.

Karolina Kurkova is posed wearing a minimal black and white school girl style dress, similar to what Hedi Slimane did a few seasons ago for Saint Laurent, but the Ralph Lauren Collection mades the dress more wearable and not so juvenile. Done in a predictable black boot from Louis Vuitton, and accessories by Prada (turban excluded), Carine Roitfeld could have pushed this look a bit further for something not so expected.

The ongoing tuxedo trend with womenswear is ever prominent with the Saint Laurent jumpsuit on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Carine paired the piece flawlessly with an ultra feminine leopard print punk evening bag for an effortless look.

The constant use of turbans and mid-length skirts for the rest of the shoot perhaps predicts what will be in stores for Spring. While some might have an issue with turbans and its culture appropriation, the mid-length skirt will be a hit for sure breaking away from the short dress trend of the last few seasons.

Naomi Campbell in a less-than-exciting printed dress from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci in a dark alley. Although the dress appears to have sequins, it does not show off the way it should as it gets lost in the overall composition of the night sky. Also, it should be noted that this is the only shot in which Campbell is featured.  

In the finale of the shoot, Prada's popular graphic fur coats are shown on a triad of models with playful sport tube socks and sandals.

Overall, it is evident that there is still a fixation on sports and athleticism for Spring 2014. Runway RTW looks can be quite different from editorials, but the overall aesthetic is more relatable from what we have seen on the street, rather than the runway.

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Carine's Edit for Harper's Bazaar images © 2014 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.