Review: Vogue Paris September 2012 Issue
Review: Vogue Paris September 2012 Issue
By Heather Dunhill
The remodeled Vogue Paris, concepted by artistic director Germain Chauveau, was finally dropped in my mailbox this weekend, something I’ve been dying to get my hands on since the announcement in August… even though mine is oddly addressed to: Monsieur Heather Dunhill. Uh. What’s a girl gotta do to be addressed as mademoiselle once per month??? Anyway…
At first touch, I instantly noticed the change in the tactile properties — it has a smooth flow and the paper feels lighter, less clunky than last month’s. In addition, the facelift included a re-imagined typography and renamed sections, including Emmanuelle Alt’s editor’s letter now called “Le point de vue de Vogue” (or in English, “Vogue’s Viewpoint”). Another fun new touch is the fashion opinion column by notable blogger Garance Doré, which includes her own illustrations, called “Humeuer” (or in English, “Mood”). Love the title and I think bringing on Doré gives the magazine some street style credibility. As for the overall theme for the month, black is clearly the new black.
No doubt a power move launching the new look during the fashion tome’s most important issue of the year — September — especially with Fashion’s Night Out on 6 September. But more so, it was entirely clever to create three special edition covers with Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy, and Lara Stone, each in the same sultry Dolce & Gabbana frock, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Mine was Lara but I think Kate wore it best…
Still trying to make her mark on the iconic magazine, the changes come a year and a half after Emmanuelle Alt took the reigns. Condé Nast France president Xavier Romatet told Women’s Wear Daily that the aim was to reaffirm the magazine’s point of view with a chic, timeless identity. “Vogue Paris must have a Parisian point of view,” said Romatet.
Did I love, love, LOVE the new overall design? I dunno. But, I can say I like the overall feel better.
In her letter from the editor, Emmanuelle Alt states: "Vogue's mission is to surprise, and to anticipate the wants of our readers.” After my review of last month’s issue, I completely agree this should be her intent for Vogue Paris. And, I’m desperately hopeful that Alt will anticipate our need to look to the Parisiennes for style cues and that we will be pleasantly surprised from here on out…
Vogue Paris editorial images © 2012 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.
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