Carine Roitfeld, "editrix" of fashion industry bible VOGUE Paris, has announced her resignation from the publication in January 2011. Under Roitfeld's leadership, VOGUE Paris became a) a worldwide phenomenon, and b) like her, in the words of New York Magazine "which is to say svelte, tough, luxurious, and wholeheartedly in love with dangling-cigarette, bare-chested fashion."
Roitfeld, famed for her long, swingy hair and kohl-rimmed eyes, has indeed been copied relentlessly by fashionistas. Her bad girl, devil-may-care look goes completely with her opposition to France's smoking ban, disregard for alienating mainstream magazine readers, and penchant for fur coats. Roitfeld's personal life, full of social connections with "it-girls" (including Charlotte Gainsbourg and Clémence Poésy) and party-hopping, has also frequently been in the topic of conversation.
Besides working at VOGUE Paris, Roitfeld famously served as a stylist and muse for Tom Ford, when he worked at both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. She is also well-known for her styling work with photographer and close friend Mario Testino. Roitfeld has in fact declared her intent to work on "personal projects" afer her departure from the magazine...perhaps Testino will offer his assistance. Regardless, Scarlet Style offers its bittersweet adieu to the style maven. For more of Roitfeld, you can check out the CNN documentary on her below.
--ZS
