Carine Roitfeld: VMAN Calendar

In February, Carine Roitfeld served as guest editor for VMAN Magazine and I am sorry it has taken so long for me to get around to discussing it. In addition to styling the editorials for the magazine, Carine created a 2012 calendar of Victoria's Secret models that was every bit as sexy as her infamous Vogue Paris calendars. I want to applaud Carine for effectively taking up the slack of her successor at Vogue Paris, Emmanuelle Alt, who denied readers the pleasure of the annual calendar this year as well as the beloved concept of a guest editor with her December issue.

In case you missed it, I have added Carine's VMAN calendar to the archive, featuring models Doutzen Kroes, Joan Smalls, Lily Donaldson, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulart, Candice Swanepoel, Ana Beatriz Barros, Alessandria Ambrosio, Anne Vyalitsyna, Chanel Iman, and Karolina Kurkova as photographed by Willy Vanderperre.

I would also like to take this opportunity to look back at a few of the calendars produced by Carine during her reign at Vogue Paris, including my personal favorite, the imaginative 2008 VP calendar which has hung in a spot of honor on my wall since December of 2007 when it arrived with the Charlotte Gainsbourg issue.

Which of Carine's Vogue Paris calendars is your favorite? What do you think of her calendar for VMAN?

2007 Calendar
Karen Elson by David Sims

2008 Calendar
Catherine McNeil, Isabeli Fontana, Lara Stone, and Natasha Poly by Mario Sorrenti
Make up and body painting by Mario Sorrenti and Tom Pêcheux

2009 Calendar
Jourdan Dunn, Ali Michael, Georgina Stojiljkovic, Erin Heatherton, Eniko Mihalik, Anna Maria Jagodzinska, Lakshmi Menon, Anna Selezneva, Aline Weber, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Arlenis Sosa Pena, Alana Kuznetsova, and Taryn Davidson by Terry Richardson wearing lingerie and shoes by Louis Vuitton

2010 Calendar
Iselin Steiro, Natasha Poly, and Raquel Zimmerman by Mario Sorrenti at the Lido in Paris 

2011 Calendar
Daria Werbowy by Mikael Jansson wearing jewelry by Louis Vuitton

VMAN calendar image © 2012 VMAN, LLC. Vogue Paris calendar images © 2007-2011 Condé Nast

Vogue Paris December 2008/January 2009: Princess Stephanie Of Monaco

I am thrilled to share with you the latest Vogue Paris review by our amazing contributing editor Dara Block. This time Dara looks at the December 2008/January 2009 issue for which Princess Stéphanie of Monaco served as the guest editor as chosen by Carine Roitfeld. Thank you very much, Dara, for giving all of us the chance to look back at this lovely issue and to enjoy the sporty chic style of Princess Stéphanie.

Vogue Paris December 2008/January 2009: Princess Stéphanie Of Monaco
By Dara Block

Daring and unique — those were the two words that came to mind when I saw Princess Stéphanie of Monaco on the cover of Vogue Paris as the guest editor back in January of 2009. Definitely not an obvious choice, but I admire that Carine Roitfeld decided to take a chance on someone unconventional for this issue. So who exactly is Princess Stéphanie of Monaco? Her full title is actually Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth Grimaldi Countess of Polignac. She is the youngest child of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and American actress Grace Kelly. She is also the sister of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Caroline, Princess of Hanover. Stephanie has been a model, a singer, and a designer of a line of swimsuits. She even worked at Christian Dior back in the 80s, but she is most likely known in France for being a tabloid darling and for having many relationships with so-called "bad boys" and non-royalty. Her sexy, sporty look and rebellious attitude is certainly right up Carine Roitfeld's street and with all that said... let's take a detailed look inside the pages of this intriguing issue.

Personally, I think this has to be one of the most interesting Vogue Paris covers of all time... it exudes just the right amount of mystery. I love the dark gray tone and the way it contrasts with that red text. Plus, I like the composition of this shot taken by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Stéphanie's hair looks amazing and I love that direct emphasis on her toned arm. When I look at this cover... it makes me wonder what exactly is Princess Stéphanie thinking? It is obvious that Carine Roitfeld wanted her readers to wonder the same... I admire that Carine Roitfeld chose such an ambiguous cover photo. It is total incognito-chic... what Vogue Paris does best!

As you open the magazine, you will first notice Carine Roitfeld's editor's note. For this particular issue, Carine was very much inspired by Princess Stéphanie during the 80s. It was actually in 1986 that Stéphanie had a huge hit in France called "Ouragan" which translates in English as "Irresistible." Carine Roitfeld put together a montage of some of her looks from that particular video and explains to the readers what an impact her style has had on her and the Vogue Paris team for many of the editorials for this specific issue. There really is such an 80s athletic sexy vibe going on throughout this magazine and I like how Carine describes the importance of Stéphanie's style.

Following Carine Roitfeld's editor's note comes "La Panoplie," which is a clever step-by-step process describing how to achieve that Princess Stéphanie type of glamorous style. The model seen in this first photo is sporting a beautifully fitted Balmain ensemble with a matching diamond necklace and earrings much like the way Stéphanie wore it back in the 80s... she indeed loves her bling! Diamonds most certainly seem to be her accessory of choice.

Stéphanie also likes a sleek black dress. Vogue Paris tried to emulate this tough, sleek look with a dress by the London label Preen. Their clothes have a very 80s and powerful aesthetic, much like the princess herself.

Stéphanie also loves Swarovski crystals. Whether a clutch, bracelets, or bedazzled stilettos, a little sparkle is very much key to obtaining her look. Here the model is seen wearing an Azzaro gown... love the adornment on the collar and how simplified the silhouette is. This dress is very Stéphanie.

In addition, Stéphanie is also a fan of a black dress with delicate details. The model seen in this photo is wearing a Balmain dress with a criss-cross collar. It's all about those added extra elements that can make a black dress super sexy! The sleek hair, the dramatic earrings, plus the stiletto boot heels are so quintessential Stéphanie.

Next follows "Flamme des Années 80" which celebrates women such as Princess Stéphanie, Joan Collins, and Grace Jones for their iconic 80s looks, emphasizing the impact their style has had on many designers like Azzedine Alaïa, Balmain, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Maison Martin Margiela... these women clearly changed fashion during the 80s and still today their looks are just as innovative. These designers in particular are very much inspired by this type of powerful and sexy women!

Following "Flamme des Années 80" comes "Top égérie." Vogue Paris flashes back to the year 1986, in which Stéphanie launched a swimwear line called "Pool Position" with Alix de la Comble, whom she had met during her internship at Christian Dior. Stéphanie is very much known for her love of swimsuits and I love this clever montage of her in various suits while on vacation in Monaco... it is total 80s swimsuit glam!

Next comes "Signes Extérieurs de Princesse," in which Stephanie talks about her tattoos. For Stéphanie, her tattoos are not just about inking her body, but more about remembering certain memories and experiences she has gone through in her life... such as the loss of her mother, Grace Kelly. Stéphanie even shares her own personal sketchbook of tattoo creations... love how personal Vogue Paris can get!

Next, we get to see the portfolio! I love the opening image of Stéphanie photographed by Mario Testino in a sleek black asymmetrical dress by Roberto Cavalli surrounded by the beauty of Monaco. Such a perfect way to transition into the next section entitled "Une historie simple" (or in English, "A simple story").

The editorial was photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot and styled by Carine Roitfeld. I love the simplicity of this layout and the type of persona Carine brought out in Princess Stéphanie in these photos. Carine clearly depicts how fashion is all about being yourself... not so much about following trends, but more about finding key looks that suit your body... something Princess Stéphanie knows a thing or two about.

Following Stéphanie's editorial comes "Divine Altesse" (which translates as "Divine Highness") in which the princess gets candid and shares with readers some of her favorite personal and professional moments that have impacted her life over the years.

I love the opening shot of her as a baby in her father's arms and the expression on her mother's face. The picture was taken in 1967 on a trip to London and it is clear what a profound influence her parents have had on her.

The following photo of Princess Stéphanie was taken in September 1986 by Helmut Newton in which she posed for the cover of Vogue Paris... an obvious highlight of her life!

Naturally, Stéphanie's family is also very important to her. I love these images she shares of her brother and sister. I especially love the Andy Warhol Vogue Paris cover of her sister, Caroline, and I admire her message attached to this picture in which Stéphanie states "I hope she knows she can count on me"... so very sweet and chic at the same time.

Not only does Princess Stéphanie admire her family, but she also idolizes former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela... love this image she shared from 1964 of a man erasing the slogan "FREE MANDELA." Stéphanie is very much inspired and fascinated by Mandela in the way he has endured and suffered throughout his life, and how he has always remained positive with a smile on his face. She believes he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize every year.

Next, Stéphanie shares some beautiful photos of her mother, Grace Kelly. Sadly, in 1982, while returning home from their farm in France, Stéphanie and her mother had a terrible car accident. Grace Kelly died and Stéphanie lived, only fracturing her neck. Stéphanie not only went through the horrible trauma of losing her mom, but also being beside her at the moment of her accident. To Stéphanie, her mother will always remain the most beautiful woman in the world... not only as a great actress, but as a truly wonderful mother... a very poignant part of the magazine.

Stéphanie then goes on to share more of her favorite things including her love of the Republic of Mauritius. This is an island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. Stéphanie has a house on this island and she likes to call it her own little hidden paradise.

Stéphanie also shares an image from Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film Rear Window. This is her favorite of her mother's films. Stéphanie feels that this is Hitchcock at his best. She loves the way he blends voyeurism and suspense in this film... I couldn't agree more!

In addition, Stéphanie also loves animals... her father Rainier III is the one who taught her to appreciate animals... especially elephants. She believes they bring good luck and she finds elephant eyes very soothing. I so love how open Princess Stéphanie is with sharing some of her favorite island getaways, films, and also her love of elephants. I always find this part of the guest editor series the most fascinating. We get such a detailed look at some the most obscure and intimate inspirations!

Next comes a clever editorial called "Cou de force" (or "Neck Strength"), inspired by Stéphanie's athletic frame and her love of bathing suits. The layout was photographed by Thomas Lagrange and I love the close-up shots of these bathing suits and the added extra element of these diamond necklaces... totally sporty, yet decadent at the same time... a very brilliant Vogue Paris and Princess Stéphanie inspired combination.

Following "Cou de force" comes "Stéphanie," a beautiful editorial photographed by Mario Testino with styling by Carine Roitfeld. I love the way she looks in these pictures. Her hair is slicked back, her shoulders look strong, and I like how Carine Roitfeld put her in designers like Azzedine Alaïa and Riccardo Tisci. You can definitely tell these are the clothes that she feels most comfortable wearing. What I love most about this editorial is that I can see a lot of Carine Roitfeld, herself, embodied in these photos... perhaps you can too!

Next comes "Propos Recueillis" (or "Collected About") in which Stéphanie talks about all the various projects she has worked on in the past, present, and today. She discusses her bathing suit line and how she created lycra clothing back in the 80s. It appears as if Stéphanie was way into this material before everyone else. She even inspired Azzedine Alaïa to get into lycra. She clearly has a knowledge of fashion and fabric. Stéphanie also talks about her involvement with AIDS. In 2003, Stéphanie created her own Women Face the AIDS Association, which supports people living with HIV and helps combat the social stigma attached to the disease. This is a really intriguing interview... we get to see a different side of Stéphanie — not only how fashion-forward she is, but how philanthropic she is, as well.

Following this interview comes a clever editorial entitled "Ouragan 80" (or "Hurricane 80"). The layout was styled by Emmanuelle Alt and features model/actress Milla Jovovich in a very convincing impression of Princess Stéphanie. Jovovich showcases vintage Thierry Mugler jackets, 80s style jeans, and chunky jewels. Alt really captures that quintessential 80s luxe Princess Stéphanie look and how her style is very much relevant to what is going on in fashion today...

Next comes "L'homme sans Frontières" (or "Men Without Borders"), in which Stéphanie discusses her involvement as an ambassador to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS. She expresses her admiration for Kofi Annan and how impressed she is by him and his many battles as the former secretary general to the United Nations.

Stéphanie ends her guest editor issue with "Les petits soldats" (or "Small Soldiers"), an inside look at her involvement with underprivileged children in Madagascar. Many of these children have no home, education, proper health, and are often found food deprived. Stéphanie offers both psychological and material aid to these kids by helping them build a better future. It is clear that a main priority in her life is helping others that are less fortunate.

I must say this really has to be one of the most interesting guest editor issues of Vogue Paris. To be completely honest, I did not know much about Priness Stéphanie before reading this issue and I love that Carine Roitfeld chose someone as unique as Stéphanie. She is certainly not your average princess! Yes, Stéphanie's appeal lies in her strong, yet confident appearance, but I like that there is more to her than you would think. Her involvement with AIDS associations and underprivileged youth only makes her more intriguing. Plus, I think it is pretty remarkable how much respect she has for her family. It is obvious that her mother's death has impacted her greatly and I love that she carries on the tradition of helping children, much like what her mother did when she was princess. In closing, I definitely see many similarities in terms of style between Princess Stéphanie and Carine Roitfeld. These two women are both powerful, alluring, and unafraid to work with what they are born with... now, what woman doesn't want to be like that? Brava, Carine, for yet another risk-tasking guest editor issue!

Vogue Paris editorial images © 2008 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Marie-Amélie Sauvé: Cutting Edge Allure

Marie-Amélie Sauvé: Cutting Edge Allure
By Bernie Rothschild

Marie-Amélie Sauvé is a regular fixture in the front row of all the hottest fashion shows in town. A star stylist in her own right, she also starred as a model in the advertising campaign that Carine Roitfeld styled for Barneys New York for Fall 2011.

Marie-Amélie is known in the fashion industry for her professional and personal relationship with Nicolas Ghesquière. The pair have worked together since day one, when Marie-Amélie served as the house's all around muse/stylist/fit model, trying the clothes before they hit the runway and influencing the look of the Balenciaga runway with her personal style. When every designer was being nostalgic and looking to the past for inspiration, the duo pushed the immaculate design house forward by creating its trademark futuristic glamour and experimental, cutting edge, almost impossible shapes without disrespecting the original designs of its founder, Monsieur Cristóbal Balenciaga. They redefined the meaning of "High Street" couture by influencing the style of the street with the glory of haute couture. Marie-Amélie has also helped to style fashion shows such as The Row, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, Roberto Cavalli, and Chloé.

As for her magazine career, Marie-Amélie started at Vogue Paris as an intern at the age of 18 then climbed her way to the top of fashion ladder. In the mid/late 1990s, she worked at the trendy French teen magazine 20 Ans. Then in 2001, under the creative editorship of Carine Roitfeld, Marie-Amélie returned to Vogue Paris as a special fashion consultant/editor-at-large, together with former colleague Emmanuelle Alt. As the legend goes, the trio created memorable shots for the magazine and brought excitement, sensuality, and fantasy, breathing new life into the ailing fashion publication. From mid 2008 to 2011, Marie-Amélie worked as a contributing editor at Vogue US, collaborating with the likes of Inez and Vinoodh, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Craig McDean, and David Sims, and with Steven Meisel at Vogue Italia. We should also mention that Marie-Amélie was part of the redesign of Interview Magazine by Fabien Baron. Her editorial style is noticeably no nonsense, futuristic, intellectual, and direct with a touch of the sensual eroticism for which the French are known.

Marie-Amélie's departure from Vogue Paris two years ago was highly controversial and the rumors suggested that her firing was the reason the entire Vogue Paris team was banned from everything Balenciaga (until now). Note that when Carine left Vogue Paris, she and Nicolas put their alleged differences behind them. In the past spring 2012 fashion shows it is noticeably obvious that Marie-Amélie and Carine are attending events together and seated together again just like their old days at Vogue Paris. It was also reported that Marie-Amélie would be involved in the new magazine that La Roitfeld will launch this fall — how exciting is that? For the meantime, Marie-Amélie is newly hired at W Magazine as a senior fashion editor, bringing her edge to the trendiest clothes of the season for one of the most fashion forward magazines on the newsstand! Stay tuned for much more styling greatness from this visionary French woman.

Marie-Amélie Sauvé photographs © 2012 Condé Nast and courtesy of purple.fr, barneys.com, style.com, and Fashion Spot.

Carine Roitfeld's Five Favorite Fashion Editorials

Carine Roitfeld sat for an interview with The Gentlewoman for their fourth issue, Autumn & Winter 2011, and I was fascinated by the list of Carine's top five fashion editorials, her very favorites among her impressive body of work. Of course she chose the stunners, provocation at its chicest outer limit. My favorite line from the interview: "Even if the socks are bad, it's not a problem." Visit The Gentlewoman to see more of the issue, available on newsstands now.

1. “The Butcher” 

The Face, 1997
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld
Model: Eva Herzigova
Photographer: Mario Testino

“Shot during the meat crisis in Britain, this much-copied story was a turning point in my career. And I don’t even like meat!”

2. "Chic"

Visionaire #22, 1997
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld
Model: Kim Iglinsky
Photographer: Mario Testino

“I’d been in a car accident and had to wear a neck brace, so Mario suggested that we use it in the shoot. We had the model on a beautiful bicycle because I think a girl on a bike is very sexy. She was in Gucci heels, a shirt, a short skirt and the neck brace with some jewelry over it — very chic.” Note also that Mario Testino served as guest editor for this issue.

3. “Corps & Lames”

Vogue Paris, February 2005
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld
Model: Gemma Ward
Photographer: Mario Testino

“We had Gemma Ward playing with scissors and cutting the hair of a Barbie doll. This is something I used to do as a child — all little girls like to cut their Barbies’ hair, no?” The model turns the scissors on her own lashes as well; in marring our ideal of the perfect long lashes, her act seems quite perverse.

4. “Naughty Parisian Maid” 

The Face, December 1997
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld
Model: Ehrinn Cummings
Photographer: Mario Testino

“I love the contrast between the model’s very chic look and her manic behavior. We had her under a glass table, polishing it with a Louis Vuitton scarf and even cleaning the stove with a cotton bud while wearing Saint Laurent."

5. “Festin”

Vogue Paris, October 2010
Stylist: Carine Roitfeld
Model: Crystal Renn
Photographer: Terry Richardson

“A very provocative shoot, this was inspired by one of my favorite films, La Grande Bouffe. The smell of the squid was so strong the hairdresser fainted.”

Carine Roitfeld in The Gentlewoman image courtesy of lesmads.de. Editorial images © 2005, 2010 Condé Nast; © 1997 Visionaire Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Vogue Paris December 2007/January 2008: Charlotte Gainsbourg

It is such a pleasure to share with you this Vogue Paris review by our extraordinary contributing editor Dara Block in which she examines one of my very favorites, the iconic December 2007/January 2008 issue with Charlotte Gainsbourg as the guest editor selected by Carine Roitfeld. Also notable is the "Une Fille Un Style" featuring Lou Doillon, half-sister of Charlotte, j'adore. Thank you so much, Dara, for sharing your unique perspective on this wonderful issue and the inspiring style of Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Vogue Paris December 2007/January 2008: Charlotte Gainsbourg
By Dara Block

What is it about Charlotte Gainsbourg that keeps us all interested? She certainly has that je ne sais quoi, so it is no wonder that Carine Roitfeld chose her as guest editor back in December 2007/January 2008. Charlotte Gainsbourg certainly has a charm and style that cannot be defined. She is an actress, occasional model, and an acclaimed singer-songwriter. Let's also not forget that she is part of French indie artsy aristocracy. Her mother is the English model, actress, singer Jane Birkin and her father was French pop star Serge Gainsbourg... the country's unofficial poet and provocateur from the 60s to the 80s. With parents like Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, Charlotte was simply born to be cool and quite suited to take on the role as guest editor for Vogue Paris. Let's take a closer look inside the pages....

Let's start with the striking cover photographed by Craig McDean. I so love the composition of this shot, the expression on her face, and of course her Balenciaga dress. Charlotte Gainsbourg is Nicolas Ghesquière's main muse so naturally it is quite appropriate for her to be wearing Balenciaga on the cover. I think what I admire so much about this cover is the pink metallic writing. Love the way it says AU CHARME ET CAETERA which simply translates to "the charm and so on." I also love the handwritten signature, making the issue so personal and unique in that very Carine Roitfeld Vogue Paris sensibility that we all know, love, and deeply miss. Charlotte definitely brings her own individuality and style to this issue... making it a very special one!

As you open the magazine, Carine Roitfeld starts the issue with an editor's note. I love the obscure image she chose of a young Charlotte Gainsbourg posing with her father, Serge. Carine mentions how Charlotte began her singing career at age 14. Charlotte and her father collaborated on a very controversial song entitled "Lemon Incest," which was about an impossible and indecent love. Surprisingly, the song was banned by the BBC and oddly enough it took Charlotte Gainsbourg two decades to get back into music again... but through this issue you see what an influence music has played in her life, especially the music of her father, as well as other musicians like Thom Yorke and Bob Dylan. It's not only music that has inspired her, but film as well, and of course her ever so cool family.

After Carine Roitfeld's editor's note comes "Tout comme Charlotte," in which Charlotte Gainsbourg shares her favorite items. Some of her must haves include simple tshirts from The Gap, French fisherman sweaters from Brora, military inspired blazers, straight leg jeans by Notify, and custom-made cowboy inspired booties from R. Soles. Charlotte Gainsbourg not only shares her favorite clothing options, but also some of her favorite writers like Charles Dickens, Marguerite Duras, George Bataille, as well as a love for Maurice Sendak's children's story Where The Wild Things Are... She is not only stylish with her wardrobe, but with her literature, as well.

Next comes "Une Fille Un Style," starring Charlotte Gainsbourg's half-sister Lou Doillon, who is just as equally stylish. This section features Lou sharing her style secrets, as well as modeling some of her looks for the camera. Doillon's outfits are never perfectly matched and she certainly has a rebellious approach to dressing. She is not so much about the clothes, but about gestures and movement with her style. She really has an attitude and spirit that is all her own.

After Lou Doillon, the magazine continues with "Dans la Peau de Charlotte," in which Charlotte Gainsbourg shares her beauty and health secrets. Some of her favorite beauty products include Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solution, and Kerastase Resistance for her hair. She also discusses some of her favorite makeup products including Dior blush and mascara, MAC lip pencil, as well as concealer by Laura Mercier. Finally, she also reveals her exercise of choice, which is Pilates.

Next, follows Charlotte's portfolio entitled "Noël avec Charlotte." The opening image features a photo of Charlotte Gainsbourg as a baby. What's interesting about this pic is that it is signed by the legendary Muhammed Ali. I can only imagine how honored she must have felt to have this photo signed by him.

The first editorial is called "La Science du rêve," which features Charlotte Gainsbourg looking very sexy and provocative, yet still very mysterious. The layout was photographed by Craig McDean and was styled by Carine Roitfeld. I like the strange quality of these Prada dresses on her, as well as the whole underwear as outwear look. You can definitely see a sexy Carine Roitfeld vibe to these looks especially with those heels and garters.

Next comes "Initiales C.G." in which Charlotte Gainsbourg shares all the things that have inspired her throughout her life. I so love the way she starts her portfolio with an image of her father. It's obvious how her father has influenced her life both personally and professionally.

As you flip the pages, Charlotte Gainsbourg creates a collage of some of her favorite personal moments. You see a lovely image of Charlotte as a baby with her mom as well as Charlotte sharing a cute moment with her pitbull, Zazie. She also shares a book of poetry written by her late cousin Anno Birkin. In addition, she even displays a Polaroid of herself sleeping in bed... I love the darkness of this Polaroid pic... very mysterious, just like Charlotte Gainsbourg herself.

Next, Charlotte Gainsbourg shows us a page from her script for the Todd Haynes film I'm Not There, which is loosely based on the life of legendary musician Bob Dylan. I think it's quite interesting to see the way she highlights and annotates her script. Charlotte Gainsbourg is a huge Bob Dylan fan and she describes what an honor it was to be part of this unique film.

Charlotte Gainsbourg then shares with the reader a photograph that Steven Meisel snapped of her from a Vogue Italia shoot in October 2000. She obviously enjoyed working with him and she described how much she loved transforming her image for Meisel and the magazine.

Then, we see one of my favorite and most personal images from her portfolio, which is Charlotte Gainsbourg in bed smoking. I think what I love most about this photo is the way those words are written across those sheets. If you read closely, they are actually the lyrics to her song "Everything I Cannot See" from her album 5:55. The layout of this image is quite clever and the lyrics complement this photo so well!

Next, Charlotte shares with us some of her favorite songs. I love it when Vogue Paris gets very in-depth and personal. I don't know about you, but I am very curious to know what's on Charlotte Gainsbourg's playlist. The best part is that she wrote her song list on a notepad from the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Some of her favorite songs include Lou Reed's "Perfect Day," Pulp's "Common People," Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Marilyn Monroe's "I'm Through with Love," and Air's "Playground Love" to just name a few. Love how eclectic her taste in music is....

Not only does Charlotte Gainsbourg share her favorite music, but her favorite films as well. Some of her favorites include Some Like it Hot, Annie Hall, A Woman Under the Influence, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as well as many others. She definitely has a very distinct taste level and I can see how these types of films have influenced her own work as an actress.

The portfolio ends with a semi-nude portrait of Charlotte Gainsbourg photographed by Mario Sorrenti from October 2007. I think this is a stunning image. Yes, it is revealing, but it is done tastefully. A very elegant way to show some skin.

After her personal portfolio comes "Charlotte, Mots pour Mots" which simply translates to "Charlotte, Word for Word." This section is an in-depth interview, as well as a beautiful black and white editorial of Charlotte Gainsbourg photographed by Hedi Slimane. These images are breathtaking and Slimane captures her shyness and natural beauty so perfectly. On a side note, I met Hedi Slimane a couple of months ago and I mentioned to him how much I admired these photos he took of her. Slimane kindly told me that these Gainsbourg images are actually some of his personal favorites as well! I even got him to pose for the camera with me! How lucky am I?? At any rate, I think it's really quite cool how he sees and appreciates the beauty of her simplicity.

Next comes "5 Bis, Rue de Verneuil," which is a look inside Serge Gainsbourg's former house and recording studio. I must say this has to be one of the most interesting residences in Paris. His family has left the inside exactly as it was the day he died in March 1991... so not only are his records, books, and photographs still there, but also his toothbrush, as well as his mints, which still sit beside his bed. Charlotte is now the owner of the house and with the help of architect Jean Nouvel, she plans to turn it into a museum. Photographer Mario Sorrenti beautifully captures the glamour and private world of France's most beloved and important songwriter.

Following a look inside Serge Gainsbourg's house comes "Tandem," in which Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière describes his designer/muse relationship with Charlotte Gainsbourg. Believe it or not, they actually have been friends for many years. For Gainsbourg, no matter if she is at a music venue or on the red carpet in Cannes, she always turns to Ghesquière for something special. I once read an interesting quote in Elle Magazine in which Gainsbourg stated, "I don't know what Nicolas finds in me, but I know what I find in him." Gainsbourg is obviously very inspired by Ghesquière and it is clear that he feels just as strongly about her. They really are quite the dynamic fashion duo.

In closing, I think Carine Roitfeld chose wisely by making Charlotte Gainsbourg the guest editor. I can easily see how Carine admires Gainsbourg's approach to style... especially the way in which Gainsbourg takes inspiration from her ever-so-chic family. After all, I think Carine Roitfeld does the same with her own family. Moreover, I think Gainsbourg clearly has a style that is both strong yet subdued. She has that rare ability to take a simple look and transform it into something new and spontaneous making it a look all her own. There is something very mysterious... with her casual make-up and non-processed hair... I think that is what makes people so fascinated by her. Nowadays, its so hard to find women who have that type of natural beauty, but I love that Gainsbourg's style is all about pleasing herself and not others. Hats off to Carine Roitfeld for celebrating this type of casual glamour and for recognizing that it is not just about the clothes, per se, but more about the brains and attitude behind the look. I know that is the lesson I learned from reading this charming yet classic guest editor issue of Vogue Paris... perhaps we now all understand the meaning behind her 1986 album title... Charlotte For Ever!

Vogue Paris editorial images © 2007 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.