Styl'up

Carine Roitfeld always looks perfect, in part because she ensures that her clothing fits exactly, underlining that chic, angular edge to her look. She achieves this precise fit by making frequent visits to what Carine refers to as "her retoucher." For alterations, Carine prefers Styl'up on Rue Pasquier in Paris. If you despair of ever finding garments that fit correctly, adopt the Roitfeld philosophy: “Everything I have I take to be altered because nothing is perfect or exactly the right length” says Carine herself who is renowned for always wearing her slim pencil skirts to just the same point on the knee. Emmanuelle Alt also uses this tailor, so chances are there may be a waiting list...

Carine Roitfeld photograph courtesy of rockthetrend.com

Le Corbusier

Carine Roitfeld describes the décor of her Vogue Paris office as "very minimalist because it's better for my mind. When everything is clean and empty it cools me down; if someone brings in pictures or articles to show me, I can see them better." In keeping with this chic minimalist vibe, she works on two beautiful Le Corbusier tables, using one as a desk and the other as a conference table. The Roitfeld family dining table was formerly a desk that belonged to Le Corbusier.

Le Corbusier was born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, a Swiss-French architect, furniture designer, writer, painter, and sculptor who helped to pioneer modern design. He adopted the pseudonym Le Corbusier in 1920, from the name of his maternal grandfather, "Lecorbésier"; this act reflected his belief that we are all capable of reinvention. Cassina S.p.A. of Milan is the only manufacturer authorized by the Fondation Le Corbusier to produce his furniture designs today.

Carine Roitfeld Vogue Paris office photographs courtesy of fashionspot.com

Romy Schneider

As others have noted, it looks as if one of Carine Roitfeld's style icons may have influenced the latest cover. Lara Stone appears on the cover of the September issue of Vogue Paris looking like an old-fashioned pinup girl or a bit like Romy Schneider. Both Carine and Julia count this Austrian actress among their style inspirations. Romy made her film debut at a mere 15 years of age and went on to garner prizes for her acting in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United States. Sadly, her later years were marked by tragedy: her first husband committed suicide and her 14 year old son died in a horrible accident. Less than a year after the death of her son, Romy was found dead of cardiac arrest—she was only 43 years old. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of fans, however; most recently she was commemorated in a techno track by Lawrence entitled "Teaser" on the Dial label based in Hamburg, Germany. If you have not had the pleasure, I recommend her film La Piscine with the added bonus of a young Jane Birkin.

Romy Schneider photograph courtesy of tvdame.wordpress.com

L'appartement 217

Carine Roitfeld likes L'appartement 217 for her body treatments, or as the spa's web site states, "soin de corps et d'esprit" (care of body and spirit). Located in the first arrondissement on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, this sanctuary in the Hausmann style has been perfected by Feng Shui experts to be a place of total calm. All products used are natural, the kimonos for guests are made out of organic pine tree pulp "soft and downy as silk", the water in the spa is decalcified, and the electrical waves are insulated to neutralize any harmful effects. Conceived by Stéphane Jaulin (formerly beauty director for Colette), this spacious, well-lighted setting is a haven of calm in urban Paris. Stop into L'appartement 217 for a facial or massage and soothe your body and spirit beautifully.

Image of L'appartement 217 courtesy of vogue.fr

Grace Jones

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld recently reported that one of Carine Roitfeld's idols is Grace Jones, "They worked often together when Grace was engaged to Jean-Paul Goude." This Jamaican-born singer, model, and actress is considered an icon of the 1980s. Famous for her severe, androgynous look, Grace was muse to Andy Warhol and her body served as canvas for Keith Haring's tribal patterns on a few occasions. Her number one dance hits include: "I Need A Man," "Slave To The Rhythm," "Love on Top of Love (Killer Kiss)," and "Sexdrive." Carine and Grace also share a love for Alaïa; in fact, Grace once carried the designer on stage in her arms to receive a French fashion award.

Keith Haring painting Grace Jones photograph courtesy of lipsticktracez.com
Grace Jones and Azzedine Alaïa photograph courtesy of nohway.wordpress.com