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The August issue of Vogue Paris looks to be brilliant according to their site… "'London is just two hours away, yet London and Paris are worlds apart. From Victorian terraces to futuristic architecture; a multicultural mix and an adored royal family, you can't fail to be struck by the city's unique mix of British reserve and English eccentricity, nourished by the centuries of tradition that anchor this island people,' writes Emmanuelle Alt, Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, in her August 2013 editorial. Our London special is fronted by Daria Werbowy playing punk-aristo shot by David Sims, in a Ralph Lauren officer jacket paired simply with a nose ring... On newsstands July 19."

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Vogue Paris: Les Feux De La Nuit
By Yuka Ryou

Yes, I can feel the strong fire from these monochrome photos titled "Les Feux de la Nuit," or in English, “The Fire of the Night.” The fire will be burning for long hours silently at midnight of the summer. Mario Sorrenti makes a woman a woman. It doesn’t matter that she is naked or she is putting on gorgeous makeup. What I want to say is, Mario Sorrenti must know the truth of women’s beauty. More than us who are women. In these photos, the skin of Joan Smalls is like velvet. The skin and eyes are shining more than diamonds. Her hands, arms, neck look like a sculpture. And her body line is very voluptuous. When I first looked at these images, I was puzzled. Because I felt like I peeped into her secret adventure. Maybe my feeling was admiration for her strong allure, not dislike of asexual scenes.

In the real fashion scenes, women are wearing so many beautiful items, and we are enjoying it. But it may sometimes be too healthy. In the innermost feeling, we may want to become like her. And then, the most beautiful item is one's own body and heart. Of course I don’t have such a perfect body. But I want to have the heart which has confidence in being a woman. If these photos were in color, I wouldn't have such a strong emotion. Probably it was too impressive and it was difficult for me to imagine the inside. Vogue Paris showed me a sensual woman with true beauty.

More from Vogue Paris June/July 2013

Vogue Paris: Ondes Sensuelles
By Heather Dunhill

Vogue Paris Translation: Le Point De Vue De Vogue June/July 2013
By Kellina de Boer

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Emmanuelle Alt proves with her August issue of Vogue Paris that she is savvy on the streets of London, from the gangster chic of "Camden Road" to a Dickensian twist through the "East End" to the glorious wit of her own "God Save the Queen," brava Emmanuelle! Featuring Britain's brightest from Vivienne Westwood to Kate Moss to Georgia May Jagger, dare I say the London issue is bloody brilliant…

Deux heures seulement pour atteindre Londres, pourtant l'exotisme est garanti. Entre maisons victoriennes et architecture futuriste, entre foule multiculturelle et famille royale adulée, la capitale britannique nous tape dans l'œil par un mélange unique de réserve et d'excentricité, nourri de siècles de traditions bien ancrées et du sentiment de son insularité.

Mais Londres et l'avant-garde sont d'abord des mots qui vont très bien ensemble, pour paraphraser les Beatles. Pas étonnant que la scène anglaise ait toujours bousculé les tabous, piétiné les usages, mis à mal les préjugés. Ce numéro de Vogue invite à rencontrer une poignée de ses représentants les plus flamboyants. Vivenne Westwood, reine de l'underground devenue prêtresse éco-activiste et icône de la mode, le décorateur et antiquaire Christopher Gibbs, légende discrète du tout-Londres des Swinging Sixties, Birdy et King Krule, moins de 20 ans au compteur et déjà des milliers d'albums vendus, ou encore la top Edie Campbell, aux yeux myosotis, l'une de ces beautés de porcelaine comme l'Angleterre en a le secret, à instar de Kate Moss, la plus british des brindilles, cette fois photographiée par David Bailey, blondeur en tête.

Sans oublier les hits de la saison, évidemment : mi-punk mi-aristo quand ils sont vus par Inez & Vinoodh, allure East End, à la manière d'Oliver Twist, et inspiration clubbing dans l'objectif de David Sims, ou prenant l'air à Brighton beach avec Gilles Bensimon. Un concentré de charme anglais...

Only two hours to reach London, yet exoticism is guaranteed. Among Victorian houses and futuristic architecture, among multicultural crowds and the revered royal family, the British capital slaps us in the eye with a unique blend of reserve and eccentricity, nourished by centuries of entrenched traditions and the sense of insularity.

But London and avant-garde are the first words that go together well, to paraphrase the Beatles. No wonder the English stage has always broken taboos, trampled customs, undermined prejudice. This issue of Vogue prompted meetings with a handful of the most flamboyant representatives. Vivenne Westwood, queen of the underground has become eco-activist priestess and fashion icon, the decorator and antiquarian Christopher Gibbs, discrete legend of London in the Swinging Sixties, Birdy and King Krule, less than 20 years on the clock and already thousands of albums sold, or the top Edie Campbell, the forget-me-not eyes, one of the porcelain beauties that England has the secret to as with Kate Moss, the most British of twigs, this time photographed by David Bailey, blondness in mind.

Not forgetting the hits of the season, obviously: half-punk half-aristo when seen by Inez & Vinoodh, East End allure, in the manner of Oliver Twist, and inspiration clubbing with the aim of David Sims, or taking in the air at Brighton beach with Gilles Bensimon. A concentration of English charm...

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Review: Vogue Paris August 2013 Issue
By Heather Dunhill

Daria Werbowy could start another French revolution in that irresistible Ralph Lauren Collection officer’s jacket on the August cover of Vogue Paris. I mean, really. Mille félicitations to photographer David Sims; it’s a stunning, show-stopping cover for certain. Loving Daria’s side-swept, sea-salted, cool girl cropped mane and the barely there makeup that all of us could easily recreate. And, the nose ring — that has got to be a first for VP or any high-style tome for that matter. It’s chic, it’s punk, and the fashion editors are strongly signaling that it’s here and not just a reason to throw a party at The Met.

Dedicated as the London Special, this issue is not only the definitive magazine for the Anglomaniac, it also serves as a primer on the birthplace of the punk subculture. And, you can’t do modern anti-establishment style without acknowledging the past and those who led the way. All the references are inside this issue from "Rendez-vous" (page 61) to fishnet stockings in "C’est Vogue" (page 82) to Post Punk makeup in "Beauté" (page 97). You can also get a dose of the "Chelsea Girl" and the brooding "East End" gamine.

But, whatever you do — do not miss the piece on the high priestess of irreverent British fashion: Vivienne Westwood. Without question, she has left an indelible mark on the map of dark glamour. If you haven’t gotten the August issue of Vogue Paris yet — you simply must. It is the prototype for future fashion page-turners. Every mark hit. Every punk tee crossed.

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Vogue Paris: Brighton Beach
By Richard James

An omnipresent theme consistent throughout Emmanuelle Alt's reign at Vogue Paris is the wearability factor speaking volumes to the consumer and the story "Brighton Beach" is no different.

In its context is a somewhat gothic undertone with a sombre atmosphere, a leaping Karmen Pedaru in a white atmosphere of her own elegance is all that is needed to translate the clothes to reality.

Picking up the issue and in an instant of seeing Karmen's story I felt the lyrics of The Steve Miller Band song "Abracadabra" echo — "Silk and satin, leather and lace, black panties with an angel's face."

The level of intimacy and its simplicity felt like a mini-series of portraits of one girl's emotions — The anger, the joy, the tranquility, and so forth really gave another depth to the story.

From her continuous presence in Vogue Paris I can't help but feel Karmen is in desperate urgency to grace the cover of our dear bible… just a thought to leave you all on.

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From the Vogue Paris web site…

Grunge fever takes over Vogue Paris this fall, as the September issue sees Mert & Marcus snap 100 essential looks packed with all the inspiration you'll need to pull of this wild child insouciant style revived on the Fall/Winter 2013–2014 runways.

"Whenever music and fashion meet, sparks are sure to fly and grunge is no exception. Born in Seattle in the mid-Eighties with its 'dirty' riffs, raw compositions and angst-ridden refrains, grunge created noisy fashion feedback which echoed on the Fall/Winter 2013-2014 runways. This month, Vogue Paris devotes an entire issue to the movement" writes Vogue Paris Editor-in-Chief Emmanuelle Alt in her editorial for the September 2013 issue, which sees Saskia de Brauw on the cover sporting a super short platinum blond crop in Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. With her unique brand of beauty that's as engaging as it is androgynous, with the help of fellow models Sky Ferreira and Suvi Koponen, Saskia perfectly embodies the inimitable grunge style propelled into the spotlight by Curt Kobain and Courtney Love that we saw reborn on the runway at the Fall/Winter 2013-2014 shows. Behind the lens this issue, are fashion photography duo Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott who bring grunge fever to life in an editorial where fishnet tights, checked shirts and biker boots reign supreme. The fusion of different artistic spheres doesn't end with fashion and music, read about Michael Douglas' gripping portrayal of the Las Vegas legend Liberace and the story of French writer Delphine de Vigan's first steps towards film directing with her début movie. And in the supplement this month, you'll find everything you need to know about this year's Vogue Fashion Night on September 17.

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Vogue Paris: Camden Road
By Heather Dunhill

In the "Camden Road" editorial of Vogue Paris August 2013, model Amanda Murphy and stylist Marie Chaix prove that attitude is still the de rigueur of the day — goth, punk, and a bit of American rapper co-exist in the underground world of the district of Camden.

But, don’t be too sure that you know who this working-class-girl-with-a-chip-on-her-shoulder is. She knows her history is based in the London punk scene but she’s made it her own. She now belongs to the modern alternative culture scene.

As always, fashion stands for something — it’s an expression of who you are. And this vibrant girl, if you can call her that to her face, is hinting that she can take all of her seedy inner-city street cred uptown with her high-class schoolgirl trench, Lanvin Love necklace, and brilliant wooly fur bomber. She’ll get to where she’s going, one way or the other. With or without your approval, the latter preferred.

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Vogue Paris: Vagues à l'âme (Waves To The Soul)
Special Bathing Suit Supplement
By Kamila Brudzynska

Summer issues never have been my favorite ones. Year after year I see very similar photo shoots, stylizations, ideas. There is always a sea or an ocean, a beach, a girl with the perfect brown suntan and I noticed that for some time there are also military clothes, often mixed with swimsuits. Voilà! Summer photo shoot is done!

When I look at this June/July issue of Vogue Paris I see that editorials were done in two styles. First, where they are typical photos, just like I said before with military clothes, sun, great suntan, etc. Nothing new. And second, where “Chic athletique” and “Les feux de la nuit” are different. They are sensual, elegant, sexy, and classy.

“Vagues à l'âme” connects these two things. The part with Edita Vilkeviciute is the familiar summer editorial — Géraldine Saglio didn’t show anything new in stylizations, at least for me. The fragment with Isabeli Fontana in my opinion is the elegant and classy one but also there is the blue water and the wonderful beach….

The photo shoot with Edita focused my sight more on the background — beautiful landscapes — but also on the model’s hypnotizing eyes. Outfits? Yes, of course, they are right there. Nothing moved me or even aroused my interest. And I have to say that I love military style, it’s one of my favorites trends so all the more reason I would like to see something new.

Gilles Bensimon caught Isabeli in a more eye-catching way. There is more simplicity, more charm, and a little less obviousness. Maybe it’s my huge weakness for black-and-white classic with subtle colorful accessories but these stylizations are better for me. Especially, I love the photo where except for the black swim suit, Isabeli is wearing an awesome Kenzo jacket and the coconut and Tag Heuer watch are the perfect additions.

More from Vogue Paris June/July 2013

Vogue Paris: Les Feux De La Nuit
By Yuka Ryou

Vogue Paris: Ondes Sensuelles
By Heather Dunhill

Vogue Paris Translation: Le Point De Vue De Vogue June/July 2013
By Kellina de Boer

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Betty Catroux: Rebel In Pants
By Bernie Rothschild

The recent news that France had abolished its law of 213 years whereby women in Paris cannot wear pants made me think of Betty Catroux and Emmanuelle Alt. Both women are barely seen in skirts and are renowned for their love of masculine style clothes. The law banning pants for women, which originated in the late 18th century during the French Revolution, was barbaric and sexist, women could actually be arrested if seen wearing pants in the French capital. Some find women in pants to be a bit rebellious. The pantsuit, which is the femme version of the male tuxedo, was first worn in the 1920s but became widely known in the 1930s thanks to Coco Chanel; as worn by Marlene Dietrich it became her signature style. Though highly controversial, the pantsuit is chic and helped to empower the women of the 20th century. The pantsuit had a hiatus during the 14940s and the 50s, but regained popularity in the 1960s due to André Courrèges and the famous Le Smoking of Yves Saint Laurent, despite the era becoming synonymous with the free spirited youthquake, it still was very inappropriate to wear by women. On one memorable occasion, the pantsuit caused a sensation in La Côte Basque in New York where the socialite and regular YSL client and friend Nan Kempner was denied access to the restaurant because she was wearing pants. So what she did was, she took off her pants and just wore the jacket as a tunic. For sure she didn't dare to open her legs, so risqué and chic at the same time. In the September 1975 issue of Vogue Paris, Helmut Newton captured the iconic YSL Le Smoking in the street of Paris where the model was holding a cigarette in a total homme look (that made the Marlene Dietrich style soft and feminine) which took two nights to make. The following night where a nude model was standing to model Vibeke Knudsen that somehow screams lesbianism. The image is one of the most influential fashion photographs of all time and made the Le Smoking one of the most important trends of the century.

The iconic Le Smoking suit was popularized and inspired by Betty Catroux, the muse and close friend of Yves Saint Laurent. Unlike another muse of Monsieur Saint Laurent, Loulou de la Falaise who is known for her flamboyant and feminine style, Betty is known for her minimal and almost hedonistic masculine fashion sense with her signature blonde poker straight hair that made her the fashion icon that she is. Betty was destined to be YSL's muse, her birth name was actually Betty Saint which is similar to the surname of Yves minus the Laurent. Like many other fashion icons, she was born into a rich bourgeoisie upbringing. Her mother was a Brazilian with Italian origin and a Irish father. Before she became affiliated with Yves Saint Laurent, Betty used to model for another French fashion designer, Coco Chanel, and she is also a friend of Karl Lagerfeld. Though she doesn't have any French in her veins, it doesn't stop her from being one of the most influential Parisian women, thanks partly to her association with Yves Saint Laurent. Betty's wedding to the French interior designer Francois Catroux also epitomized her personal style. Instead of wearing a traditional wedding dress, Betty Catroux wore a Pierre Cardin fur and boots influenced by the youthquake fashion of the 60s — how cool was that? The bond that she shared with Yves Saint Laurent was not just intimate love but they also continued to inspire each other creatively. Betty to Yves was like Audrey Hepburn to Hubert de Givenchy, Marie-Amélie Sauvé to Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, Carine Roitfeld to Tom Ford during his time at Gucci and YSL Rive Gauche. Yves fondly called Betty his twin sister because of their striking similarities both physically and in attitude. Together with the late Loulou de la Falaise and Catherine Deneuve, their relationship with Monsieur Saint Laurent was not just business but it has has some personal intimacy. It was Loulou who brought out the colorful and the femininity in Yves and it was Betty who brought out his dark side, just like an Angel and a Devil. Their devotion to each other was admirable in the fashion world. It was the three of them who were at the side of Mr. Saint Laurent during his last hours.

Though her fashion sense is strictly masculine and hard, Betty Catroux is a hall of fame member of the best dressed list. Betty has watched many designers take the helm at Maison Saint Laurent (Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati, Hedi Slimane) and all have based collections on her trademark style that symbolizes the eroticism of French androgynous style. Tom Ford dedicated his debut collection for YSL during spring 2001 which was largely based on her iconic style and the recent debut collection of YSL protégée Hedi Slimane was hugely inspired by Madame Catroux. Her presence is such a huge influence to the world of fashion that it affects other designers like Jean Paul Gaultier. Another women who I cited that is inspired by the androgyny of Betty Catroux is Emmanuelle Alt. These two have a mysterious allure about them and prove that French women can be fabulous in pants and by not putting too much effort into the appearance still look chic and elegant in her own way. Their style is the alternative to the French women that are identified with the grandiosity of couture style. Betty Catroux symbolizes the modern Parisian women, pants and all.

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Betty Catroux, Emmanuelle Alt, et al photographs courtesy of Condé Nast and Fashion Spot.

Les quelques fois où mode et musique se rencontrent, leur fusion fait des étincelles. Le grunge ne fait pas exception. Cette lame de fond née à Seattle au milieu des années 80 avec ses riffs ‹‹boueux››, ses arrangements bruts et ses refrains angoissés a produit un larsen vestimentaire dont l'écho frappe de plein fouet cette rentrée 2013. Vogue lui consacre tout un numéro.

Il faut dire que le folklore stylistique porté à l'incandescence par Kurt Cobain et Courtney Love, couple impérial du grunge s'il en est, allié à la liberté décomplexée que leur allure crachait à la face du monde, est un éternel geyser.

Spécimens vintage, mélanges audacieux, superpositions frondeuses, culte de l'aspect ‹‹vécu›› des choses, doigt d'honneur au politiquement correct, la mode grunge est un manifeste de vérité que notre époque tourmentée redécouvre et adore.

Au dernier Festival de Cannes, Michael Douglas, méconnaissable en perruque laquée, bardé de kilomètres de strass et de soies, a littéralement crevé l'écran et ressuscité, en passant, une mascotte légendaire de Vegas, Liberace. Le destin étoilé et carbonisé de ce pianiste dont le look aurait fait passer la Castafiore pour un modèle de discrétion a inspiré l'écrivain Simon Liberati. Encore une histoire de mode et de musique. Délirante celle-là. La vérité du grunge versus l'étoffe de l'illusion.

On the few occasions that fashion and music meet, their fusion makes sparks. Grunge is no exception. This groundswell was born in Seattle in the mid-80s with its "muddy" riffs, its rough arrangements, and its anguished refrains which have produced a style feedback whose echo is hitting this fall 2013. Vogue devotes an entire issue to it.

One must say that stylistically folk was worn to incandescence by Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, the grunge imperial couple if ever there was, together with the uninhibited freedom that their look spits in the face of the world, is an eternal geyser.

Vintage specimens, audacious mixtures, rebellious overlays, the cult of the look of "experiencing" things, giving the finger to political correctness, grunge fashion is an obvious truth that our tormented time rediscovers and loves.

At the Cannes Film Festival, Michael Douglas, unrecognizable in a lacquered wig, encased in kilometers of rhinestones and silk, has literally burst the screen and risen again, through a legendary mascot of Vegas, Liberace. The starry destiny and burnout of the pianist whose style would have reduced the Castafiore to a model of discretion has inspired writer Simon Liberati. Again the story of fashion and music. This one delusional. The truth of grunge versus the stuff of illusion.

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From the Vogue Paris web site…

Avalanche de carats, de robes du soir, d'envies renversantes... cette édition se démarque par son goût affirmé pour le luxe extrême, immortalisé par Mario Testino sous le soleil de la Riviera. En kiosque le 25 septembre prochain.

"Le luxe est un mot hautement inflammable. Dangereux à manipuler, surtout en couverture d'un magazine par les temps qui courent. Et pourtant... Environnement naturel de Vogue, son terrain de jeux de prédilection, le luxe n'a jamais autant fait rêver", écrit Emmanuelle Alt, rédactrice en chef de Vogue Paris, dans l'édito de ce numéro d'octobre 2013. Cap sur Monaco, la perle de la Riviera française où viennent s'amarrer au fil de l'année les plus beaux bateaux de la Méditerranée. C'est d'ailleurs à bord de l'un de ces mastodontes des mers que la sculpturale Edita Vilkeviciute prend la pose avec allure, photographiée par Mario Testino pour sa toute première couverture de Vogue. La belle lituanienne dévoile son corps de rêve face au soleil brûlant du Rocher, laissant les rayons de l'astre caresser les carats ou le précieux cuir qui l'habille. "Dans la vie, il n'y a pas que l'argent, il y a aussi les fourrures et les bijoux", disait Elizabeth Taylor. Un conseil que suivent assidûment les filles en vogue, poussant le vice jusqu'à allier les deux dans une série joaillerie flirtant avec l'essence même du désir. Le luxe ne se conjugue pas uniquement au futur, il se comprend également au présent à travers un état des lieux précis du secteur aujourd'hui et un focus sur la discrète Phoebe Philo, aiguisant son sens de l'épure et du haut-de-gamme chez Céline depuis 2008. L'or se décline également en version étoilée, avec l'héroïne du film triplement palmé à Cannes, Adèle Exarchopoulos. Ce mois d'octobre n'en oublie pas les charmantes têtes blondes et brunes pour autant et met en lumière à travers ce supplément enfant ces gamins de Paris qui, nichés dans leur cardigan d'hiver, font revivre l'éternelle figure du gavroche d'antan.

This month the pages of Vogue Paris drip with diamonds, evening dresses and desire. With a cover shot by Mario Testino under the Riviera sunshine, the October 2013 edition is dedicated to all things decadent. On newsstands September 25.

"Luxury is a highly flammable term. These days, putting it on the cover of a magazine is playing with fire. And yet, it's Vogue’s natural habitat, it’s oldest haunt and luxury has never been so inspiring" writes Emmanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, in her editorial for the October 2013 edition. Destination: Monaco, the jewel in the golden crown of sandy beaches that is the French Riviera, where the most beautiful boats on the Mediterranean ocean dock throughout the year. On the cover this month is Edita Vilkeviciute who strikes a pose against the turquoise sea for her very first Vogue cover shot by Mario Testino. The lithe Lithuanian model shows off an enviable figure under the Riviera sunshine which dances on her diamonds and bounces off the black leather of her luxe look [by Balmain, bien sûr]. As Elizabeth Taylor once said: “'Life isn't just about money, there is also fur and jewelry.” The motto of stylish women the world over, this phrase is at the heart of the October 2013 issue which boldly brings together these two ultimate symbols of opulence for a jewelry editorial which flirts with the very essence of desire. This October, luxury isn’t just a dream of things to come, but firmly a thing of the present as the magazine takes a frank look at today's industry and presents a feature on Phoebe Philo, the designer who has been sharpening her interpretation of high-end at Céline since 2008. We have silver-screen gold in the form of actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, three time winner at the Cannes Film Festival. And not forgetting the little gems at the heart of this month’s children special supplement on Paris’ youngest generation, who, snuggled up in their winter sweaters, call to mind the newsboys of yesteryear.

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Emmanuelle Alt: Model Bridesmaid
By Kamila Brudzynska

A few weeks ago Malgosia Bela married Jean-Yves Le Fur who is known as a French businessman, a publisher, and a founder of Numero magazine. The wedding ceremony took place near Positano, Italy. Among the more than 100 guests were Kate Moss with her husband Jamie Hince, Beth Ditto, Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott, Olivier Zahm (who took all the photos and posted them on purple.fr), and Emmanuelle Alt with her husband Franck Durand. According to Polish media, Emmanuelle was part of the wedding party, serving as a bridesmaid to Malgosia for her special day. Malgosia's white wedding dress was designed by Azzedine Alaïa and acquired via Rare Vintage. The day after the wedding the happy couple and their guests cruised on the sea. Congratulations to Malgosia and Jean-Yves!

Malgosia Bela and Jean-Yves Le Fur

Kate Moss and Beth DittoJean-Yves Le Fur and Malgosia BelaFranck Durand and Emmanuelle AltKate Moss and Marcus PiggottMert Alas, Marcus Piggott, and a friend

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In September 2007, the Vogue Paris team chose Arches National Park in Utah as the setting for the editorial "Automne Indien" which starred model Daria Werbowy as styled by Emmanuelle Alt and photographed by Inez and Vinoodh. One of our loyal readers, Paul Kolyer, had a unique vantage point for the shoot and he kindly agreed to share his experience with all of us. Thank you for being a wonderful tour guide, Paul!

Vogue Paris On Location: Arches National Park
By Paul Kolyer

When I lived in NYC I loved all my treks to different newsstands and magazine shops where I could get my fashion fix from the latest domestic and international style bibles! When Carine Roitfeld took over Vogue Paris, my addiction to print went into overdrive, I ran each month to get the latest issue! From the first, the creative team behind this masterpiece of style intrigued me and I wanted to see more of them and analyze their style, real women in real life never looked so great! I fell in love with Emmanuelle Alt's personal style and editorials. I saw a living muse, style icon in the making!

I have since moved with my partner to Moab, Utah, and now subscribe to Vogue Paris. Far from any kiosk, I was on pins and needles waiting for my first issue in the mail — the December/January issue — to arrive and was blown away by the Catherine Deneuve cover, remember that one? Vogue Paris continued to arrive each month and I felt connected in my small way to Carine, Emmanuelle, and all the cool girls!

I was settled into my life here in Moab, far from the fashion fray, and I remember reading about Tom Ford's ranch and home in New Mexico near Santa Fe and felt that the fashion folk do love the Southwest, Joan Juliet Buck is in Santa Fe, she was replaced by Carine, thank god! Arizona has always attracted fashion photographers to Monument Valley especially, remember Diana Vreeland's iconic editorial for Harper's Bazaar?

Moab is famous for films and commercials made here. John Wayne spent time here during the filming of the famous western Stagecoach, and Thelma and Louise "drove off" Dead Horse Point, a stunning National Park, just southwest of Moab. Moab sits next to Arches National Park also, on the Colorado River. Mission Impossible 2, Austin Powers 3, 127 Hours, The Lone Ranger, and many more boast scenes filmed here. Residents of Moab would see Woody Harrelson, Harrison Ford, Wim Wenders, Dave Matthews, but my celebrity encounter was with Daryl Hannah! She was in one of my favorite films, Blade Runner. Blade Runner is historically influential to fashion and cinema style, if you haven't seen it, you need to! Daryl Hannah was also in one of the most memorable Helmut Newton editorials in American Vogue that had a strong impact on me. It outraged readers, something I never understood, I thought she looked amazing and loved the photos which were a summer bathing suit story in Malibu involving infidelity and a crying baby next to Daryl who had other things on her mind.

The summer of '07 at work here I almost fainted when I saw Inez van Lamsweerde in what appeared to be a thin white Rick Owens tee filled with holes like cigarette burns. She looked just like her photos and my disbelief was ended when I saw her credit card confirmed it was her. My mind was racing, what was she doing here? Passing through, on holiday, or an assignment, or perhaps she and Vinoodh were adding to their portfolio of amazing work? Moab is a must-see for any photographer with its blue skies, endless vast canyons, red rocks, and wild river carved valleys of an alien and unspoiled beauty! Months later I found out the reason for their trip and I had Emmanuelle Alt to thank! I knew she was genius! The September issue of Vogue Paris had the stunning editorial with Daria Werbowy photographed at Arches National Park. Emmanuelle Alt was here and she put Southeastern Utah on the fashion map!

Looking at the images I see Daria, a brooding muse with pinyon branch below Balanced Rock, stretching back in front of Turret Arch, all bewitching fur, and leaping in Gaultier with The Three Gossips watching behind. My favorite is Daria jumping in Balmain metallic leather and Diesel blanket chic. One can see the La Sal Mountains in the background about 50 miles south. All of these locations are stops on a tour through the park that visitors can hike. Daria looks amazing in Boho Luxe/Southwestern inspired cool with elaborate and rich fabrics all styled with the hand of a master fashion pro! The landscape is a timeless paradise of pinyon, sky, and rock setting off Daria's beauty and the clothes in the strong light and limitless vistas.

Enjoy gorgeous views of Arches National Park in this video focusing on its geological wonders such as the famous natural arches that occur throughout the park.

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IWTB hosted a contest this summer inviting readers to share their thoughts about the sites for a chance to win a prize and I am thrilled to announce the winner of our contest: Justine Ariel! I must admit that Justine's words moved me to tears, I was so happy that she appreciates our genuine approach and her potent reminder, "Don't give up!" came just at the right time. Justine wins a set of four IWTB mugs (Alt, Battaglia, Coppola, Roitfeld); a copy of the book Nostalgia in Vogue; a copy of the limited edition artist's book Alt/Saglio: Quotes + Citations by Wynn Dan; and the ring of her choice from I Heard They Eat Cigarettes. My sincerest thanks to all of the readers that took the time to share their thoughts! Congratulations Justine!

Keep It Real, Don't Give Up
By Justine Ariel

I have been following I Want To Be An Alt and I Want To Be A Battaglia for some time now. But this essay is in response to I Want To Be An Alt. Yes. The difficult, the inscrutable Alt, with those smartly-written editorials and edgy photographs. With those ideals and images that — sometimes — fall short of the institutional fashion mega-star Vogue Paris. Emmanuelle Alt is trying to do something great — and that is to bring the magazine and its readers into her own vision of the 21st century. This means a lot of mistakes, but when it's good, it's really good. And for this reason, my favorite thing about the site is that you don't give up. That's also one of the things I've learned from these women through your sites. And do you know why it's great that you don't give up? Because you aren't afraid to criticize. You aren't afraid to say, "This is disappointing, I'm not sure where Alt is going with this." In an industry based so much on personality — both fashion and fashion blogging industries — it is refreshing to hear an honest opinion that critiques the work of this woman intelligently and thoughtfully. She makes mistakes! We all do. How refreshing is that? But the other side of the coin is, she doesn't give up. Your blog is inspiring for me not just because I get to see the stylish outfits and compelling editorials, but because I'm actually able to understand the endurance of the work of these women (Okay, now I'm talking about ALL of your sites). No one else is showing this, or analyzing it, in such a focused way. And this is why I keep coming back to your sites — because I know I'm going to get articles that discuss the good and the bad, from writers who aren't afraid to to speak their minds. This is important in all disciplines, but much needed in the fashion world.

That said, my favorite posts are the outfit posts. I feel like they're my treat for reading and understanding the reasons behind editorials and Alt's different visions. Because Emmanuelle Alt is just so damn chic, every time. And it's so refreshing to see that — gasp! — she wears the same clothes to different events. Whereas Carine Roitfeld and Giovanna Battaglia are known for their eclectic and seemingly endless wardrobes, Emmanuelle Alt is a woman of staples. And I appreciate that. It brings me back to, maybe, what Parisian street style is meant to be. Everyone has their uniform, but it just looks good. I don't know how Emmanuelle Alt's editorship (is that a word?) at Vogue Paris will be remembered — it's too early to tell. But change is refreshing, and, ironically, it's nice to see the same outfits for a change.

Before I get too caught up in wordplay... Please keep posting great editorials on your site! For those of us living outside of France, a subscription to Vogue Paris is a hefty $180 per year. It's great to see the little gems of the magazine (Vogue Paris: "Tresor National" for example, and the aluminum foil dress in "Couture") and be plugged in to the best of it. What would I change about the site? Well, for me, when I lack inspiration, I change the layout of my site. Maybe give I Want To Be An Alt a makeover. From going super-minimalist to making the post space wider... It might broaden your horizons, open the world!

In sum, I really think you are doing a great thing. You are a great resource for the best (and worst) of Vogue Paris — the best on the web, so please remember that! There are people out there (me) who really appreciate it. I'm being honest, I'm not just trying to win Alt/Saglio. Although that would also be great. You never know where this site will take you (even if you just go to the magazine stand to buy Vogue Paris who knows, you could meet the love of your life, and/or a puppy) — so my Alt-ian message is: don't give up! I'm a 25-year-old writer and young artist, finding a voice in photography, fashion, and film. Thank you so much for this opportunity! I wish you all the best.

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Carine Roitfeld, Emmanuelle Alt, Giovanna Battaglia, Sofia Coppola photos via Pure People, Getty Images, Fashion Spot.

I am excited to welcome our newest contributing editor, Justine Ariel, to I Want To Be An Alt! Justine is a talented writer and a passionate Vogue Paris enthusiast and I very much looking forward to her sharing her insights with all of us through these pages. Welcome to IWTBAA, Justine!

Justine Ariel
Contributing Editor

Bonjour, hello! My name is Justine Ariel and I'm a writer, singer, and photographer. I live in Brooklyn, New York — and I am so thrilled to join the team at IWTBAA as a contributing editor!

Emmanuelle Alt is a continuing source of inspiration for me, which is why I can find endless things to say about Vogue Paris and fashion today. Alt's amazing career and the confidence she exudes in her personal style have encouraged me to pursue photography and fashion writing.

I'm going to do what Yuka Ryou did and give you a list to introduce myself:

I run a personal style/accessories blog called "common era".
Three things I love: Paris, hats, and croissants. When all three of these things are in my life (I am in Paris, wearing a hat and eating a croissant), I'm very happy.
Three style truths EA taught me: belts are friends, you can show up in the same outfit twice (or ten times), and nothing beats black jeans and a classy white oxford shirt (even if people start ordering food from you at a restaurant).
Three fashion icons: Emmanuelle Alt, of course, Anouk Aimée, Audrey Hepburn.
Three words I try to keep in mind at all times: minimalism, elegance, noir.

Thanks so much for reading, and I look forward to posting on IWTBAA!

Bisous,
Justine Ariel

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From the Vogue Paris web site…

Un spécial beauté incarné par Gisele Bündchen, décryptant sous l'œil des plus grands photographes les gestes et les détails essentiels pour perfectionner en toute subtilité son allure de saison. En kiosque le 25 octobre prochain.

"Ce numéro de Vogue mise sur le pouvoir subjuguant de la beauté. A travers mille détails. Car aujourd'hui, on a compris qu'un simple twist - une bouche liquide, un oeil lamé, une peau floutée - peut non seulement changer un visage, mais aussi moderniser l'allure générale, intensifier la présence", écrit Emmanuelle Alt, rédactrice en chef de Vogue Paris, dans l'édito du numéro de novembre 2013. Ses courbes renversantes avaient électrisé la couverture de juin/juillet 2012, et c'est avec ce spécial beauté que Gisele Bündchen, icône healthy au naturel ravageur, signe son retour en une de Vogue Paris photographiée par Inez & Vinoodh. Une édition analysant dans le détail les rituels venus d'ailleurs, à appliquer religieusement chaque jour pour se nourrir de ces soins métissés, ou les 13 nouveaux gestes de la saison, incarnés sous l'objectif de David Sims par les filles en vogue, à maîtriser pour upgrader son make-up en toute subtilité.

Helmut Newton, Hans Feurer... retour sur ces photographes qui ont su capter au fil des ans l'essence même de l'élégance et de la grâce, quand d'autres talents, comme Eileen Ford, osaient confier à de jeunes premières renversantes (Jerry Hall, Brooke Shields ou Lauren Hutton pour seuls exemples) la chance de leur vie sur les podiums. De l'âge d'or passé au présent, la beauté se conjugue à tous les temps dans les pages de ce numéro de novembre.

Vogue Paris no. 942, en kiosque le 25 octobre

With Gisele Bündchen taking the cover, November’s beauty special offers up the latest look at this season’s best beauty hints and tips shot by some of the industry’s most iconic photographers. Available at newsstands from October 25

"Focusing on the transformative power of beauty, November’s Vogue Paris explores how even the smallest change can boost your appearance and update an entire look, whether it’s a glossy lip, a shimmery eye or a fresh,soft complexion,” writes Emmanuelle Alt editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, in this month’s letter from the editor. For the issue, Gisele Bündchen, poster child for natural, healthy beauty returns to the Vogue Paris cover, the first time since the bombshell last ignited the cover for the June/July 2012 issue of the magazine. Exploring everything from the latest and greatest beauty imports and must-adopt habits from abroad, to the season's13 biggest new ways to update your look shot by photographer David Sims, November's issuebrings together this month’s Vogue Paris girls to prove that subtle make-up makeovers can be the best.

Elsewhere, a retrospective of photographer Helmut Newton and Hans Feurer’s work takes in the power of photography to capture elegance, grace and the real essence of beauty — all at a time when Eileen Ford was launching the careers of fashion’s first glamazons, including Brooke Shields, Jerry Hall and Lauren Hutton. From the glamour of the past, to the hottest trends of today, beauty knows no age in Vogue Paris this November.

Vogue Paris no. 942, is available from October 25.

By Anne-Sophie Mallard. Translated by Rachel Huber.

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Merci beaucoup to the lovely and talented Sarra Salib for today's guest post, a glimpse at the alluring style of Capucine Safyurtlu, fashion and market editor for Vogue Paris, Emmanuelle Alt minion, and French Voguette extraordinaire…

The French Voguettes: Code Capucine
By Sarra Salib

I admit that I consider myself good with names, but it took me a while to finally memorize "Capucine Safyurtlu." It’s often the case that I like to remember how I happened upon or became so utterly obsessed with a certain song or individual. With Capucine, it was a Tommy Ton fashion week street style photo alongside the newly appointed Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt. I remember asking myself “Who is this person?” The rest is history.

The Turkish beauty holds the Fashion and Market Editor title, and is often dubbed Alt’s “mini-me.” I beg to differ with the latter statement. Although it is true that they dress very similarly, Capucine manages to maintain and separate her identity by not styling her editorials in her own image ad nauseam. If you compare and contrast her editorial work, you may notice that one is dynamic and different with each turn, and the other is static with the same rock 'n’ roll theme. Differentiating between the two is no difficult task.

But I must say that Capucine has the tendency of having the majority of her editorials in black and white. This takes me back to a quote by photographer Ted Grant: “When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.” I think there is something to be said of this powerful statement. It is true that monochrome photos tend to be more poignant; they tend to resonate more with the soul. Perhaps they evoke so much more feeling because they strip away all the distractions colors can create, and I have no doubt that Capucine Safyurtlu is truly aware and understanding of this concept.

One of my favorite works by Capucine is "Bal de la Couture," an editorial shot for Numéro Magazine in March 2011, featuring the crème de la crème Freja Beha Erichsen and Arizona Muse, and photographed by Monsieur Lagerfeld himself. I am awfully fond of this editorial because it is the epitome of class, harmony, and clean lines. It is simply flawlessly executed. The hair is shiny and sharply slicked back so as not to distract from the details and long lines of the garments. The lines are in fact quite architectural, which I’m sure is difficult to achieve when clothes can be such a fluid thing. As for the casting of Erichsen and Muse, there could not have been a more perfect pairing. Their chemistry is undeniable — it is as if they are a yin and yang, complementing and completing each other in all ways possible. All of these details go back to the hands of the stylist, so please take a moment to muse over and appreciate how beautiful this editorial is.

Since Capucine is extremely personal and mysterious, it is difficult to find any piece of information that could tell us more about her; thus, we must examine all we can find about her. She was so kind as to provide Vogue Paris with ten of her favorite places to go in Paris. Looking at these addresses, I can safely deduct that Capucine has taste. Literally. Six out of the ten exclusive addresses were her favorite restaurants to eat — that’s more than half of the addresses. She was specific, too. La Pâtisserie des rêves for her favorite desserts, Le Water Bar colette for her favorite lunches, Al Dente for her favorite pizzas, and so forth. How could anyone not love this lady? The real question is… what is Capucine Safyurtlu’s recipe for staying so slim?

Le Jardin d'Antoine
Pour les fleurs, toujours de saison.
For seasonal flowers.
57 rue de la Pompe, 75016

Studio 34
Pour les coupes soignées de Delphine Courteille.
For immaculate haircuts by Delphine Courteille.
34 rue du Mont-Thabor, 75001

chez•bogato
Pour les anniversaires et les cours de cuisine spécial enfant.
For birthdays and kid-friendly cooking courses.
7 rue Liancourt, 75014

Le Comptoir du Relais
Pour le côté bistrot et la cuisine élégante à la française.
For a quintessential bistro with elegant French cuisine to match.
9 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006

Spa Six Senses
Pour l'ambiance apaisante. Si possible, demander Julie.
For a relaxing atmosphere. Ask for Julie!
3 Rue de Castiglione, 75001

Al Dente
Pour les délicieuses pizzas.
For delicious pizzas.
38 rue de Varenne, 75007

La Pâtisserie des rêves
Pour tous les desserts et plus particulièrement le Saint-Honoré... Ce sont les meilleurs de Paris.
For all of their desserts, especially the Saint-Honoré - they’re the best in Paris.
111 rue de Longchamp, 75016

Le Water Bar colette
Pour les déjeuners, la semaine.
For weekday lunches.
213 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001

Miss Carlota
Pour les manucures impeccables. Et surtout pour Virginie, une véritable pro!
For impeccable manicures and above all, for Virgine, a total pro!
11 rue Princesse, 75006

Le Voltaire
Pour l'ambiance mythique de ce lieu.
For the atmosphere in this legendary Paris restaurant.
27 quai Voltaire, 75007

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Capucine Safyurtlu photos via grazia.it, jakandjil.com, Habitually Chic, Numero Magazine, Condé Nast, models.com.

Marine Delterme, Emmanuelle Alt, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Lisa Azuelos

Dolce Francia: Emmanuelle Alt and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy
By Justine Ariel

Of course you recognize these faces. Yes, that’s Emmanuelle Alt in 1990, next to her best-friend-since-childhood, the now and ever famous Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. And yes, 23 years ago, Alt was still wearing a white Oxford and Carla was still wearing some lover’s Oxford, unbuttoned just enough to imply that whoever took the photograph rang her doorbell a little too early.

Now, 23 years later, they are still great friends. Last month, Emmanuelle Alt and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy hosted a black-tie dinner for Bulgari at Apicius. Guests included Adrien Brody, Miranda Kerr, David Sims, and Malgosia Bela. I’m convinced that my invitation was lost in the mail; I mean, if they invited Scarlett Johansson, they could have at least invited me, but that’s another story... It was a night of champagne, glamour, and edgy sophistication. You can expect no less from an Alt/Bruni collaboration with Bulgari.

You get the feeling that these two women know they’re on top of the world hosting this event, and that the international fashion jet-set is the only world worth running. Emmanuelle, in a signature blazer with military details, and Carla, in a dress that gives a subdued nod to the tuxedo vest, are perfect complements. This event wasn’t the first time Emmanuelle and Carla collaborated in a chic way. Last year’s December edition of Vogue Paris featured Carla Bruni in an article called “Les Sept Vies de Carla Bruni,” exposing her muses and heroes, her guitars, and her studio.

There is something honest and joyful in these images. Unlike Alt’s recent work in Vogue Paris, understatement is the key in the styling here. Bruni wears a gorgeous Chanel dress and a simple Dior pullover with jeans in the next photo. No doubt Carla Bruni is a seasoned model and performer, but these images really ring true to what Emmanuelle Alt said when she started her position as editor-in-chief at Vogue Paris: "I wanted to see things with humor, to present ideas and pictures that will make people laugh or smile… It's not that everything we do is accessible — haute couture isn't accessible, diamonds aren't accessible — but I want the girl they are shown on to be real, identifiable, someone you'd like to know.”

Carla Bruni is, ironically, super real and down-to-earth. There’s a reason why, until the last election, I followed French politics as closely as I followed fashion. That’s because Carla, with her fashion lyrics (“l’amour / ça ne va pas / c’est pas du Saint Laurent / ça ne tombe pas parfaitement” which translates roughly into English as “love never fits me as well as a Saint Laurent smoking”) and her Alt-like style, brought cool and a little rock 'n' roll to 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Cool and rock 'n' roll… sound like someone else we know?

Emmanuelle Alt and Carla Bruni have been friends since their teens, so I can’t finish this post without discussing a little bit of their rock 'n' roll past. We all know that Emmanuelle Alt is David Bowie’s number one fan, and that Carla Bruni was, for a time, very publicly in love with Mick Jagger. But music plays such a strong role in the work of both Carla and Emmanuelle. Carla released a new album called Little French Songs in April 2013, which includes a song about Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg in the 1970s. And it seems like every new issue of Vogue Paris includes some kind of nod to the 80s music that Emmanuelle loves so dearly. It’s no wonder that these two amazing style icons have remained friends through the years — and what a treat to see them together!

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Emmanuelle Alt and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy photos courtesy of parismatch.com and Fashion Spot.

Vogue Paris Collections Printemps-Été 2014 hits newsstands today and the future looks bright… perhaps too bright? At least she has totally banished black, using it to punctuate...

La couverture annonce la couleur : l’été 2014 sera contrasté. Au programme de ce guide des tendances : les défilés de New York, Londres, Milan et Paris décryptés à travers près de 2000 looks et 1500 accessoires. En kiosque le 20 novembre.

"Puisqu’un édito consiste à annoncer la couleur, allons-y. L’été sera contrasté : clair, mais aussi obscur." écrit Emmanuelle Alt, rédactrice en chef de Vogue Paris dans l’édito du Vogue Collections printemps-été 2014. En couverture de cette édition spéciale, qui condense les meilleurs looks et accessoires de la dernière Fashion Week, un camaïeu de jaune et de rouge, habillé de traits noirs dessinants les contours d’une saison haute en contrastes. Rumeurs tribales, esprit arty, street couture, jeux de transparence... Le meilleur des tendances de la saison, que Vogue Paris décrypte dans ce guide essentiel à découvrir en kiosque le 20 novembre prochain.

The clue is on the cover: Spring is set to be bright. Packed with the collections that count for Spring/Summer 2014 from New York, London, Milan, and Paris, the Vogue Paris fashion bible is out November 20, with 2,000 looks and 1,500 accessories to browse.

"An editor's letter is there to set the tone for the coming season, so let's go: Summer 2014 will be full of contrasts, light and shade," writes Vogue Paris Editor-in-Chief Emmanuelle Alt, in Vogue Collections Spring/Summer 2014. The cover of the fashion insider's reference is a mosaic of blood red and egg-yolk yellow, punctuated with graphic black, condensing trends, photos, and show reports from across four Fashion Weeks into one volume that outlines a season of contrasts. From arty to tribal, sportswear to transparency, Vogue Paris hand-picks the top trends for next season, curating a staggering 2,000 looks and 1,500 accessories, from 200 designers. And that's a lot of front-row hours.

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Emmanuelle Alt At Chanel

Vogue Paris August 2013: Daria Werbowy

Vogue Paris: Les Feux De La Nuit

Vogue Paris Translation: Le Point De Vue De Vogue August 2013

Review: Vogue Paris August 2013 Issue

Vogue Paris: Brighton Beach

Vogue Paris September 2013: Saskia De Brauw

Vogue Paris: Camden Road

Vogue Paris: Waves To The Soul

Betty Catroux: Rebel In Pants

Vogue Paris Translation: Le Point De Vue De Vogue September 2013

Vogue Paris October 2013: Edita Vilkeviciute

Emmanuelle Alt: Model Bridesmaid

Vogue Paris On Location: Arches National Park

IWTB Contest Winner: Justine Ariel

Introducing… Justine Ariel, Contributing Editor

Vogue Paris November 2013: Gisele Bundchen

The French Voguettes: Code Capucine

Dolce Francia: Emmanuelle Alt And Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Vogue Paris Collections Printemps-Été 2014