CARINE ROITFELD Leaves French Vogue!

Yesterday, Carine Roitfeld, editor-in-chief of French Vogue, officially announced her resignation after 10 years of service, leaving the magazine at the end of January 2011 after completing the April issue. She claims that a decade in the industry may have ultimately limited her creativity. Jonathan Newhouse, chairman of Conde Nast International, said that the magazine’s advertising revenue was strong. After a decline in 2009, the revenue for 2010 will rise about 20 percent, he said. “This is the magazine’s most profitable year,” he added.  "When everything is good, I think it's time to do something different." Roitfeld said. She also said that she wasn't sure what she was going to do after. "I have no plans at all."

Initially discovered as a model at 18, she began working as a freelance stylist. Not long after she met Mario Testino, she went on to work as consultant and muse for Tom Ford's Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent for 6 long years. In 2001, she was approached by Mr Newhouse to edit French Vogue.

Her departure leaves one burning question unanswered at the moment - WHO WILL REPLACE HER?

Who can replace her? There is talk that the strongest contender appears to be Emmanuelle Alt, fashion director of the magazine.

Bow wow Roitfeld, bow wow.

Factory Girl

Andy: I wonder if people are going to remember us?
Edie: What, when we're dead?

Andy: Yeah.

Edie: Well I think people will talk about how you changed the world.

Andy: I wonder what they'll say about you... in your obituary. I like that word.

Edie: Nothing nice, I don't think.

Andy: No no, come on. They'd say, "Edith Minturn Sedgwick: beautiful artist and actress...

Edie ...and all around loon.

Andy: ...Remembered for setting the world on fire...

Edie: ...and escaping the clutches of her terrifying family...

Andy: ...Made friends with eeeeverybody, and anybody...

Edie: ...creating chaos and uproar wherever she went. Divorced as many times as she married, she leaves only good wishes behind.

[laughs]

Edie: That's nice, isn't it?

TODAY I'M WEARING..

Today I'm wearing a vintage military jacket paired with my trusted brogues.

You may be wondering why I'm wearing so little instead of being completely wrapped up in millions of layers. That is because I am in Hong Kong, the city that never sleeps. I, on the other hand, am so effing jetlagged that I am sleeping as much as I possibly can. The weather here on the island has been much warmer than London's, but still relatively chilly, making adjusting to this weather really difficult, and ultimately deciding what to wear even more challenging.

The past couple of days have been fairly relaxing but nonetheless I have still been keeping an eye out for hidden gems and other fascinating stuff. Yesterday I discovered a cute little shop on Grenville Road, situated in Tsim Sha Tsui. I was initially drawn to it because of its name, "A Sad Movie". Cute , no? Anyway they had everything from menswear to womenswear but what really caught my attention was their accesorries that included necklaces and bracelets. I didn't have my camera on me then but I did write down the jewelleries' website (www.houseofchapel.com). Prices ranged from about $60 - $150 (£5 - 14) so very affordable, perfect for a cheeky spot of Christmas shopping! For yourself.

And then today I ventured out to Shen Zhen. For those who are not familiar with Shen Zhen, it is a little city that is situated North of Hong Kong. It is very easy to get to, usually by train or by car. The last time I went was when I was about 14, and I had completely forgotten how chaotic it was. As soon as I got off the train, all I could hear was cars, trains, planes, people screaming and shouting...and then more screaming. It was painful and instantly made me feel claustrophobic. Adults and children were squatting in the middle of the streets, beggers were chasing after me asking for money, people were pushing you out of their way without even saying excuse me and I had to hold on to my bag as tightly as I could as I had been previously warned about thieves by my mother.

For a minute there I had lost the will to live.

But then I remembered why I was there. I had gone there and risked my life, all for the sake of the two beautiful dresses which I had wanted to be made. The Lo Wu shopping centre itself that is almosted connected to the train station (thank god I didn't have to go anywhere else) was famous for kitsch. Each of the five floors consisted of shops which sold everything from hand bags (with brands such as KUCCI and LOUBIE VITTON, obviously), watches, electronics, shoes, clothing, accessories, massage parlors and places for manicures and pedicures...you name it, they've got it. After an hour of wandering around, I finally found stall number 52 (recommended by family friend), hidden within the "Colourful Cloth City" on the 4th floor. I showed the couple who worked at the stall the illustrations of the designs and they showed me a variety of fabrics that could be used for the dresses. An hour and a half later, I had finally chosen the colours and materials. The two dresses came up to about $700 (roughly £63).

I didn't manage to get any photos of the shopping centre itself and its surrounds as I was genuinely too scared of being screamed at. Or even worse, mugged. I have to go back to Shen Zhen however next monday for a fitting for the dresses, so if you don't ever hear from me again, call the police please.

Bad luck Sir Philip Green

Once again I got stuck in a protest outside Topshop on Oxford Street tonight. I was shocked to have found that the shop windows were smashed and graffitied on, armed police with their sheilds and AK47 everywhere. Kinda felt like I was in WW3. It was pretty terrifying having been there whilst it was actually happening but managed to take some photos before I tried to push past the crowds before I got shot.


Activist Bridget Chapman, 39, from Lambeth, south-east London, said: "If people like Philip Green paid their taxes we would not have to make public spending cuts.

Dolce & Gabbana has just recently been found guilty for tax exemption as well.

“A judge will soon evaluate evidence from Milan-based prosecutor Laura Pedio; he will have the option of dismissing the case if the evidence is not deemed sufficient. If the case does proceed, Dolce and Gabbana’s lawyers may favor negotiation (to allow the designers’ criminal record to remain clear) and settlement rather a pesky, pricey trial.”

Um, way to stay classy D&G.

Sunday Fun day

Yesterday was a fun day.

First I walked past Topshop on oxford street and there was a protest going on. About 40 protesters sat outside the main entrance of Topshop holding banners saying stuff like "Tax Dodger". I took the photo below at around 1:30pm. Hasn't Dolce & Gabanna also recently been sued for tax exemption?

And then I went to Portabello where I met this fashion illustrator called Jane Ryan and we got chatting. 

Irish designer Jane Ryan has worked freelance in fashion for Collette Dinnigan in Sydney and Matthew Williamson in London. Her illustration work has featured in Vogue Australia and Image magazine Ireland. Jane took part in Habitat’s ‘Exposed’ exhibition in 2004 which showcased the work of emerging Irish artists and continued to be represented by Habitat for the next four years. She exhibited at Art Ireland 2006-2007 Dublin and currently shows her work at Portobello & Spitalfields markets London. 

She has also worked as a freelance fashion stylist recently styling photo shots with photographer Paul Gaster for Irish singers Brian Kennedy and Jenna Toro. She has styled Irish designerSinead Robinson’s winter collection and assisted London stylist Savannah Barthorpe with her work for award winning designer Bunmi Olaye.

It's weird because I remember buying a couple of her illustrations about a month ago when I went but I never spoke to her then. Anyway she was very lovely - gave me some good tips and names who I can contact if I ever want work experience etc. Check her out on her website.

Also bought a Glen Miller CD from the happiest CD shop which is just outside the Samuel Smith pub on portabello road. Here are some of the pictures I took yesterday.

V&A

I know these are not really fashion related but hey ho.

Prince Albert

About four years ago, I was fresh out of school. My parents were against me taking a year out and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I can't remember exactly how or why, but in the end I decided to study "communication media and culture" at Oxford Brookes. I think it was because that was an easy option for me. It wasn't until my second year when I finally realised that not only did I not enjoy the course, but I also started to feel like I was loosing my identity. Unfortunately I did not have the courage to drop out and pursue something else, mainly because I didn't want to 'disappoint' my traditionally strict parents but also partly because I still didn't know what the hell I wanted to do. The next year and a half at Brookes was hell. I tried to get away as much as I could but then it got to my final year and with my dissertation and everything else, I could only get away so much. Being stuck there, I felt restricted. I didn't feel like myself and I spent the last year wondering what I was going to do after. I did a few work experiences over the summer in both Hong Kong and London here and there. I was learning a lot and my interest in the fashion industry was rapidly increasing. Nonetheless I still didn't know where I was going with my life. On my graduation day, I remember some people crying and everyone was taking pictures with each other. I was just happy that I no longer had a reason to be there.

And then, to my total surprise, I got into London College of Fashion. I am now studying "Fashion media and communication" which includes introductions to areas such as styling, photography, cultural studies, fashion history, IT, visual studies, journalism and PR. I am learning a lot and I've never been happier. And as much as I wish I had gone to LCF for the three years instead of Brookes, deep down I know that I would not have reached the realization of wanting to study fashion had I not been at Brookes, studied the course and met the people that I did. I am extremely excited to be studying a subject that I truly enjoy and happy to engage in. As lame as this sounds, I think this may be the first time in my life where I am actually willing to take that extra step (or two), not to impress others but myself.

L + F London

Last saturday I went to the L+F London vintage fair in Putney. The fair was smaller than I had expected but they had some nice pieces there and everything was affordable and very well priced. Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera so didn't actually get any photos!

L+F London sources vintage + second hand clothes/ accessories. Each piece has a contemporary feel (so you'll never look like you're wearing fancy dress) while remaining one-of-a-kind. Affordable clothes without the trawl through rails of musty tat.