Mixte
alternative - al·ter·na·tive adj \o l-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\
Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems: an alternative lifestyle. Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream: Different from the usual or conventional, as existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system.
Whether applying the term "alternative" to music, magazines, or style, an image of Emmanuelle Alt’s approach comes to mind. With her edgy cool, rock yet chic look, it’s no surprise that from 1998 to 2000, Madame Alt served as the editor-in-chief of the now (sadly) defunct alternative French magazine Mixte. From its première issue in 1996, Mixte paved the way for an emerging generation of models, artists, and photographers who were obsessed with the cultlike following of the magazine. Equally interesting to both men and women, the alternative audience of the well-traveled in-crowd with a passion for life, art, fashion, decorating, and even sports, all fixated on Mixte and its contents. 
Covers brought vivid eye catching colors and notable models included the androgynous Tilda Swinton, the now iconic Naomi Campbell, the Icelandic genius Björk, and the eternally fabulous Monica Belucci. It was bold, edgy, and took liberties in the styling of innovative spreads in a fashion that no other magazine dared up until the last issue, published June 2009. The demise of Mixte was tragic for many, and now Madame Alt has another opportunity to let the memory live on to some degree for the gone but not forgotten Mixte. After all, you can take the girl out of the alternative magazine, but can you ever really take the alternative out of the girl? Emmanuelle's time at Mixte and the work she accomplished are some of her favorite memories and this foundation is likely a strong influence for her now as she transitions to editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. As Giambattista Valli notes: “It’s a very logical continuation for French Vogue. She’s really somebody who’s going to make it. She has a point of view, a lot of vision. I remember when she was editor-in-chief of Mixte she did some amazing stories. She worked a lot with Corinne Day at the time. She’s French, but she’s extremely international as well." Let's hope Emmanuelle applies that Alt-ernative je ne sais quoi to her new magazine...
Mixte cover images © 2009 Mixte. All Rights Reserved.
Emmanuelle Alt in Fashion, Favorites, Lori Ferme, Mixte
Reader Comments (4)