Since Emmanuelle Alt has taken over for Carine Roitfeld as editor-in-chief for Vogue Paris issues have been bland and not as provocative. There’s seems to be a lack of direction happening with Alt at the top. Once upon a time I actually thought Alt was the ‘brains’ behind the magazine under Carine. That’s clearly not the case. Alt has proven, with her choices that there’s little be desired from Vogue Paris. Carine was the master at making me pick up the magazine and want more– 8 times out of 10 I would keep Carine’s issues as reference. Now, issues are just issues. Fashion stories are just pictures. The pages are missing the elements that made Vogue Paris my go to magazine for inspiration and awe. Even though the current images are pretty, that’s just what they are. No longer are they challenging, exciting, or interesting. If I want just pretty, I usually turn to American Vogue. In the days where print is reportedly knocking on death’s door, you need to provide the reader with something beyond beautiful pictures of clothes– I can easily get my fix from a quick Google search. Magazines still say a lot about a brand, gives credibility, and a tangible thing revel in. All that said, I need a point view, an aesthetic and I want “it,” whatever “it” may be to contribute to my life in some way. The latest cover (above) featuring Carla Bruni Sarkozy, photogged by Mert & Marcus, is nice but it doesn’t make me want to dive in and see more. It’s just a ‘beauty’ shot. Unfortunately, the only interesting thing about the Carla cover is the Photoshopped color to match the denim shirt. Alt really has to step up her game since Carine’s latest adventure– CR Fashion Book, has sold out globally. Not an easy for a high-priced magazine/book, but it’s a testament to Carine’s reign. Even when Carine Roitfeld did ‘beauty’ covers, they had a point of view with fashion (below). Ultimately, that’s the problem. When Carine walked, so did the point of view. No shade, Alt has huge heels to fill. Perhaps she has a master-plan that has very little to do with styling or making iconic imagery. Could she be gunning to Paris’ version on Anna Wintour? Sure seems likely. When I think of Anna I don’t think about brilliant styling. I think of a queen- smart, methodical, and powerful. How Anna arrived there is something to be studied by science. But can Alt do the same? It might be the only way to shake the Carine out.
