Vogue Paris Translation: Editorial, June/July 2012

Below is my translation from French to English of the editorial by Emmanuelle Alt which introduces the June/July issue of Vogue Paris. The issue is interesting in that it represents the first time that all of the international editions of Vogue have joined forces to deliver one message with their "Health Initiative Issue." Although I doubt that any of us will come away from reading with a derrière like Gisele Bündchen, I applaud Condé Nast for recognizing their responsibility to their readers.

Si les magazines de mode existent pour colorer la vie des femmes, ils n'en ont pas moins une responsabilité quant aux images et aux messages qu'ils véhiculent. Et ces dernières années, force est de constater que la valorisation de corps stéréotypés, de silhouettes à la minceur radicale a pu provoquer des dérapages qu'aucun titre n'a sincèrement anticipés et ne saurait cautionner. Conscient de sa force de frappe, de l'impact de ses partis pris, Vogue se fait la voix de la raison et définit clairement les contours d'une beauté qui s'épanouit absolument au diapason de la santés et du bien-être. Pour la première fois, les dix-neuf éditions du magazine prennent la parole de concert et lancent la ‹‹Health Initiative Issue››.

Au programme de ce numéro exceptionnel, toutes les clés pour se sculpter une silhouette tonique et harmonieuse sur un mode personnel, loin des clichés universels. Valorisation des courbes, alimentation vivante, snacks intelligents et antifatigue, conseils de pros en ‹‹bootcamps›› pour stimuler le muscle et le mental, etc. : toutes les étapes nécessaires à la conquête de l'équilibre sont déclinées ici.

Et même si la nature fait parfois des miracles, les miracles s'entretiennent au prix d'une discipline en béton. Ainsi Gisele Bündchen révèle en exclusivité les dessous de sa silhouette et de son état d'esprit radieux : nourriture bio, méditation, goût de l'exercice, bon sens. Autant de réflexes et d'attention à soi qui, s'ils comblent le top model, devraient aider toutes les ‹‹girls next door›› à se sentir plus belles et sûres d'elles.

If fashion magazines exist to color the lives of women, they have nevertheless a responsibility for the images and the messages they convey. And in recent years, it is clear that the valuation of the stereotyped body and the radically slim figures could lead to slips that no title was honestly expecting and can not endorse. Conscious of its clout, of the impact of its biases, Vogue is the voice of reason and clearly defines the contours of a beauty that flourishes absolutely in tune with health and welfare. For the first time, the nineteen editions of the magazine take the floor in concert and launch the "Health Initiative Issue."

The program for this special issue, all the keys to sculpt a figure toned and harmonious with a personal fashion, far from the universal clichés. Valuing curves, raw food, intelligent and anti-fatigue snacks, advice from pros in "bootcamps" to stimulate the muscle and the mind, etc.: all of the steps necessary in the conquest of equilibrium are hereby disclaimed.

And though sometimes nature makes miracles, the miracles are maintained at the cost of concrete discipline. Thus Gisele Bundchen reveals exclusively the bottom of her figure and her radiant state of mind: organic food, meditation, a taste for exercise, common sense. So many reactions and attention to oneself which, if they fill the top model, should help all the "girls next door" feel more beautiful and confident.

Vogue Paris editorial image © 2012 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

[madeleine gallay]

It's a fascinating moment ... to have governments possibly (as Israel has done much to my chagrin) mandate body measurements allowed for fashion work or as Mayor Bloomberg has proposed, limiting size of sugary nonsense drinks.

The truth is some people are on the lean side, unfortunately (please don't yell at me, only thinking of health risks that are incremental on the heavier side and I know there are some on the way skinny side, including immediate cardiac arrest in extreme cases such as the lovely lost Karen Carpenter) this debate has become heated and there's little civility on either side.

Some are skinny and can get away with milkshakes three times a day and some aren't. Supermodels (models are more similar to average or median body shapes) tend to have different proportions than most - super long legs, more symmetrical facial features and unless we propose clamoring against very long legs and symmetrical features as unrealistic, I think slim to slender albeit healthy, no excessive bone jutting out harshly, are simply pretty. Fashion is/was/could be taken as aspirational.

The balance with our children as a starting place between the love you much, eat more and the parents who must, sadly, watch their children's caloric intake is tough and little compassion on either side.

Hoping for a conversation and compassion for both sides.

[bernie]

Fashion world should stop hiring innocent looking girls and should used models who looks like a real women like what we have during the post supermodel eras (late 90s till spring 2006)