Vogue Paris Covers: Milla's Picks

Continuing our tribute to the influential covers created by Carine Roitfeld for Vogue Paris, our editor-at-large in Paris, Milla Msa, reflects on her favorite covers from the last decade.

Carine Roitfeld has done some amazing work and as I looked through her 100+ covers, I realized just how diverse her styling can be. After ten years of Vogue Paris, how does one top that? As we await our first glimpses of Carine's collaboration with Barneys New York, here are my five favorite covers:

Sofia Coppola by Mario Testino
December 2004/January 2005

Sofia, Sofia, Sofia — can you think of any other non-French celebrity more fitting for Vogue Paris? No, neither can I! When this issue came, I was in Asia and despite knowing that my issue would arrive at my home in London, I couldn't wait another few weeks so I snapped up a copy there and then and I have to say that the cover, photographed by legendary Mario Testino, is one of my all-time favorite images as it perfectly captures the essence of the subject.

Kate Moss by Craig McDean
December 2005/January 2006

One of Vogue Paris' regular cover models and my favorite model, Kate Moss, looked angelic on the cover of the December 2005/January 2006 issue, which she also guest edited. I'm keen to learn more about these Christmas guest edits; how do they work? Did Carine have ultimate control? Will Emmanuelle Alt continue them? With four different covers produced, Kate looked divine as she sported couture from Chanel and Valentino as well as prêt-à-porter pieces from Giorgio Armani Privé and Dior Homme.

Scarlett Johansson by Mario Sorrenti
April 2009

Given my strong disdain for celebrities on the covers of magazines, this comes as a surprising selection. Carine chose well with Scarlett and the message that she embodies: sexy, healthy curves and playful. Scarlett's killer body and rockin' new hair color disgruntled some readers but to me, this was yet another Roitfeld/Sorrenti collaboration of fabulousness!

Kate Moss by Mario Sorrenti
June/July 2010

When I saw the cover online, the seduction of Kate's tanned skin as she poses in her gorgeous swimsuit, red lipstick, et al instantly hit me and I spent the next few days literally waiting by my post box for my issue to arrive. Photographed by Mario Sorrenti, this cover was actually styled by Emmanuelle Alt. The editorial alone got me signing up for aerobics class.

Tom Ford and Daphne Groenveld by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
December 2010/January 2011

Instantaneous love. I don't know how else to put it. It's as though Mr. Ford is taking a step back, admiring his own work, not giving two hoots as to your view, and calmly telling Mert & Marcus to take the shot. Mr. Ford has always exuded a level of confidence that borders on arrogance, yet never quite crosses the line. I find this trait so incredibly alluring. He seems to have a very similar mentality to Carine — determined, perfectionist, and self-aware. Many people were disappointed that such a young model (Daphne was just 15 years old at the time of publication) was fronting Vogue Paris, but on this rare occasion, I'm going to let that slide.

Do you have a favorite set of Vogue Paris covers?

Vogue Paris cover images © 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Carine Roitfeld: La Panthère Ose

Milla Msa, editor-at-large in Paris, shares with us her views on the controversial editorial “La Panthère Ose” styled by Carine Roitfeld and shot by Tom Ford for the December 2010/January 2011 issue of Vogue Paris. In the twisted “La Panthère Ose,” Crystal Renn is made to look like a vain, rich cougar, fighting against age for all she is worth, surrounded by a cast of assorted young male models tending to her vanity and aiding in her illusion. Thank you, Milla, for your important message; I hope anyone considering cosmetic surgery will think twice due to your wisdom.

La Panthère Ose
By Milla Msa 

I made no secret of the fact that the December 2010/January 2011 issue of Vogue Paris, guest edited by Mr. Tom Ford himself, was by far the best issue of the year. Carine Roitfeld and Tom Ford are an editorial dream team and therefore a complete delight for the reader. One of their most bizarre editorials from the issue, “La Panthère Ose,” features Crystal Renn post-plastic surgery as styled by Madame Roitfeld and photographed by Monsieur Ford. Knowing how beautiful Crystal is only serves to amp up the shock of seeing her recovering from what I view as pointless operations.

Wearing emerald green Gianvito Rossi sandals and a Carinesque zebra print by Azzedine Alaïa, it is easy to be seduced by those perfectly toned legs and rich-chick jewels but not even a beautiful Lanvin silk scarf can distract from Crystal's bandaged visage as she recovers from a full face lift and nose job. I have seen the documentaries, I know the bandages!

As we progress through "La Panthère Ose," poor Crystal just gets worse and worse. Following the full face lift, we see the beautiful model recovering from a breast augmentation. There she is, gorgeous figure, with her boyfriend (and yes, I mean “boy”) washing her. One can only imagine her pain and her fear. Why do we put bodies through this? Yes, Vogue Paris is distracting us with high fashion pieces but the reality of post-surgery remains the same for the average person. The toy-boys, a well-placed can of Diet Coke, and the bling-bling lend credence to my theory that this woman is looking for something to make her feel complete and relevant: a younger man who despite the pick of younger women wants her, a skinny figure, because in her world that's the only way to be sexy, and most of all, luxury items to keep her feeling like a goddess, all whilst covered in bandages. Oh the irony...

Few images are as powerful and disturbing as Crystal lying back with the blood from her eyelid lift clearly visible and swollen lips as she holds her head and chest in pain, whilst her boy toys attend to her every whim, including ensuring she is wearing just enough Chanel N°5 — vital post-boob lift treatment, of course! Her eyes captivate me and her true fragility is exposed. I feel some connection to this image, some need to share it as I feel like her eyes are asking “How did it come to this?” — I wish I had the answer.

Wearing a silk and python Altuzarra dress and posing with a Tom Ford clad hunk, a scary looking, plump lipped, and feline eyed Crystal shows off her new look much to the horror of the viewer. Gone are the youngsters; she has her new face to make her feel good now. Her sunken cheeks and raised hairline only add to the severity of the look. Ladies, is this really attractive to you? I know people have plastic surgery but nothing pushes me farther from the surgeon's knife than images like this. Imagine what the real thing looks like.

Carine went to great lengths to produce a story so tragic it is almost comical. The relationship among wealth, style, self-worth, and cosmetic surgery is constantly questioned here; how can one be stylish when bandaged up like a mummy? The main question I feel the editorial poses, and one very relevant to all ages, is “How can we understand the beauty of Lanvin, Hermès, and Cartier, yet be blinded to our own natural beauty?” Honestly, I have no idea but I hope that long after my wrinkles become more apparent, I will always view elective plastic surgery as unnecessary and so very unglamorous.

[Editor's note: Julia Restoin-Roitfeld shares her mother's disdain for plastic surgery, recently telling Glamour, “Wrinkles can be beautiful. They’re part of who you are, your charm and your history. And I’m not for plastic surgery — I’d feel like I was cheating on myself."]

Vogue Paris editorial image © 2011 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Roitfeld Beauty Secret: Jus De Julia

Merci mille fois to Milla Msa, editor-at-large in Paris, for her superb contribution today in which she explores one of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's secrets to beauty — her daily ritual of fresh apple, carrot, and ginger juice.

Roitfeld Beauty Secret: Jus De Julia
By Milla Msa 

Luminous skin and luscious hair are just two of the healthful benefits that Julia Restoin-Roitfeld derives from her favorite morning beverage of freshly juiced apples, carrots, and ginger. Not only is this concoction absolutely delicious and sweet, it is booming with nutrients. 

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which offers vital protection against heart disease and cancer; although not a vitamin in its own right, our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A which is essential for our skin, growth cells, and, of course, vision. 

One thing Julia and I have in common is her use of ginger, which is a staple in my household. Not only does it taste divine, ginger contains both gingerol and zingiberene which are known to improve circulation. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and therefore a wonderful spot-fighting ingredient, as well as being an antiseptic, which means it fights the bacteria that causes spots. The ancient Greeks used ginger as an antidote to poisoning, whilst medieval herbalists and many nutritionists today believe in the warming properties ginger offers. Now we understand Julia's skin a bit better... 

You know the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right? In looking at Julia, clearly the humble apple is doing more. According to studies conducted by scientists at Cornell University, eating just 100 grams (or approximately 3.5 ounces) of apple per day provides an antioxidant effect equivalent to taking some 1,500 mg of vitamin C. Given that antioxidants are said to protect against cancer, I suggest we all get juicing! Who said healthy couldn't be delicious?

It is my belief that no home should be without a juicer. This is one of those kitchen appliances you should invest in — spend as much money as you can afford to. My experience is that the cheaper versions produce juice which tastes rather watery. [Editor's note: I am very happy with the Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain.]

It is so simple to get started: if you buy organic, just wash and juice. If not, top and tail the carrots but skins are to be left on as they hold many nutrients as well. I use six medium sized carrots, one large green Granny Smith apple, and a slice of ginger approximately one inch thick which makes it very spicy so be warned. I suggest people start small with the ginger because it is very strong. Personally I never peel the apple or remove the core, just wash, chop, juice, and drink. The perfect start to any day.

My favorite juicing book, Super Juice by Michael Van Straten, discusses concepts such as simply washing the fruits and vegetables without removing the skin. I recommend this book if you are interested in juicing. 

Apple, carrot, and ginger photograph courtesy of foodthinkers.com.

Carine Roitfeld's Last Vogue Paris

Just in time for the release on newsstands tomorrow, our Paris editor-at-large Milla Msa shares with us her monthly review of Vogue Paris; the news is bittersweet because of course the March issue is Carine Roitfeld's last. One bit of sweetness: I was thrilled to see that Carine chose a photograph of herself to illustrate her last editorial and best of all the photograph was taken by Pierre-Alban HF from The Crowd, a regular contributor to the site. In fact, I am delighted to note that this same photo appeared on I Want To Be A Roitfeld last December in "Carine Roitfeld In The Crowd." Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Pierre!

Carine Roitfeld's Last Vogue Paris
By Milla Msa 

Everybody you know and their priest has been talking about it for months and here it is, on my dining table: Carine Roitfeld’s last issue of Vogue Paris. How lucky am I?! Very, people, very. The cover, which some find dull and, well, lacking in Carine’s usual controversy is considerably better in reality though I’m still not sold on Saskia de Brauw’s eyebrows. I’ll get the negatives out of the way first: far too much advertising. It’s like the September issue of Vogue US, and that’s not a good thing.

Carine’s handwritten "Edito" is positive, grateful, and there is a real you-have-not-seen-the-last-of-me vibe. Her sign-off reminds us to look out for our girl. I love the final line:

“C’est parce que tout doit finir que tout est si beau... À bientôt.”

The more I learn about Carine — and it only hit me recently when I read her Style.com interview — the more I respect her. This is a woman who does her best and as long as she’s happy with that, who cares what others think. Of course I don’t know her, and what you see of any public figure isn’t enough to judge, but I get the impression that Carine is strong, honest, and very genuine. Sweet, no, but yes, there is something very genuine about her. I love the personal touch of her words by her hand and add the background image of Madame Roitfeld with her trademark hair-in-face pose which just screams confidence. [Editor's note: This is the photograph by Pierre-Alban HF.]

She thanks Condé Nast chairman Jonathan Newman for allowing her to completely express herself. More importantly, she thanks us — the Vogue Paris readers for our loyalty to the magazine. Was Carine sacked? Did she agree to start Vanity Fair/Harper’s in France? When will we next see her? I don’t have the answers (yet) but this issue could not have arrived at a better time. It has reminded me to stay focused and to do what is right for me as Carine’s tone mirrors the motto I adopted at 18 years old: “Absolutely no regrets.” I cannot wait to see what she does next. I am going on record as calling this the best Vogue Paris "Edito" ever.

One thing we don’t see very often in Vogue Paris are new designers, so why now? Sonia Rachline write about several new London-based designers from Louise Gray to Mary Katrantzou to Michael van der Ham — names to watch. I love that Vogue Paris is bigging up my city!

“Coeur a corps perdu” is the first Madame Roitfeld editorial of her last issue and features the cover model, Saskia, and Daphne. It’s sexual, confusing, and... well... odd but in the best possible way. The grainy, film-like images set this editorial apart from the rest, though I still don’t know what film it is based on. If it’s obvious, I’m sorry. I only started watching television and film three years ago when I met my husband. Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, we see stunning pieces from Vivienne Westwood, Emilio Pucci, Givenchy, and Miu Miu. Does anybody else feel a voyeurism vibe here? Hmmn...

So there you have it. She is gone and now Madame Alt is at the helm of my favourite magazine. I have been an avid reader of Vogue Paris since 2001. I’m curious about the changes and I must admit that Emmanuelle putting Gisele on the cover doesn’t bode well with me. We will see... Tell me, what do you think about Carine’s last issue?

À bientôt Madame Roitfeld...

Read the full review

Vogue Paris editorial image © 2011 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

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.