Carine Roitfeld might just be the world's greatest living visual artist. Hyperbolic statement? I think not. She is a master at what she does. Her acumen in creating visual images using the human form and articles of clothing and accessories is unequalled. I thought Lara Stone was oddly interesting to look at as a blonde but she didn't really strike me prior to the editorial "Gloria" in the September issue of Vogue Paris whence comes the cover image. Look at these photos! Glorious! I find her mesmerizing. Why??
1. I've never seen Lara look more beautiful. She's nearly unrecognizable next to her former blond self, except for the telltale teeth. The dark hair enhances her coloring and features perfectly, adding depth to her uniqueness.
2. By dying her hair and eyebrows darker, Lara now looks more like a Roitfeld, reminding me of both Carine and Julia in different photos in this editorial. I thought she looked a bit like Julia when I first saw the cover photo and when I saw the spreads that feeling was magnified.
3. Now, imagine Julia Restoin-Roitfeld playing the part of Séverine in Belle de jour in the scene where she ascends the staircase. Voilà—voir ci-dessus !
4. Carine's goal when styling a shoot is for the reader to come away wanting to be the girl in the editorial. Do I ever! I already wanted to be Séverine only brunette. Carine Roitfeld, you rock!
Vogue Paris editorial image © 2009 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.