Carine Roitfeld's First Vogue Paris Cover

I am proud to feature the first article contributed by Milla Msa, our newly appointed editor-at-large in Paris — a very special review in which she reflects on her memorable first encounter with not only Carine Roitfeld, but her personal favorite (as well as Carine's), Kate Moss in the editorial "Noir Blanc"...

Carine Roitfeld's First Vogue Paris Cover
By Milla Msa 

Back in February 2001, when I was just 19 years old, a platinum blonde Kate Moss peeked out at me from the cover of Vogue Paris and there at the newsagents in Victoria station, I was hooked. All of those years ago, I was oblivious to Carine Roitfeld's name and status but what I knew, even in my state of fashion ignorance, was that Vogue Paris was different, and by different I mean better. Way better.

If you have followed Carine's personal style, you will see that this editorial, featured in her very first issue of Vogue Paris and titled 'Noir Blanc,' epitomises her minimalist Parisian chic and sets the tone for the magazine over the next decade. Wearing the likes of Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier, Carine introduces a short-haired Kate Moss to Vogue Paris readers with her trademark 'understated luxe.' The dream team pairing of Kate modelling, Carine styling, and Mario Testino behind the lens perfectly captures the coolness of La Roitfeld, then new editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, and boldly hints at the provocation to come.

As to what Carine does next, who knows? One thing is for sure: her timeless first issue will never go out of style.

Read more of Milla's incisive insights on fashion (and life!) at Not Just Another Milla.

Vogue Paris editorial images © 2001 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

[Gala]

I prefer first cover rather than
the latest! kiss.

[Kate]

I love this cover, too. Do we get to see the editorial?

[Milla]

This really set the tone for Carine's VP and reflecting on the cover, my favourite ones all fit into the same bracket of simple, clean style. Choosing Kate Moss endeared me to Carine - clearly the woman has taste!

[kellina]

Kate, click on the cover image or the words "Noir Blanc" to view the editorial. What do you think?

[Kate]

Milla is right. This editorial is timeless. Kate Moss looks incredibly striking here. I love the strength portrayed in these images. The clothes, the hair, the attitude...it all works so perfectly!

[Lilly]

amazing! :D

[Le Choix Trois]

Great story with a personal touch!
It's very Nineties, but a great picture speaks louder than words!

Bisous,
LCT

[Ms.Paradise]

Yes, I do love this. I own this Issue, but unfortunately it's quite damaged. I uploaded one of her early VP editorials on my blog from April 2001. Brings memories of my school-girl days where I would cut out photos from VP and paste them various places. LOL. Thanks for posting!

[kellina]

Gala, I have to say that I like both! I think there is a visual link between the two as well. Carine is a genius. baci

[kellina]

She is a woman of impeccable taste, Milla! So are you!

[kellina]

Kate, I like that you used the word "strength" to describe this image, true dat!

[kellina]

Glad you like, Lilly!

: D

[kellina]

Yes, LCT, I love Milla's personal touch here. I know how much she adores Kate and it is so special to hear about her first memories of both amazing women. bisous

[kellina]

Love your recollection, Ms. Paradise! Those were the days.

: )

You are so lucky to have a copy of Carine's special first issue even if it is damaged. I will check out the editorial you posted.