Carine Roitfeld, the beloved and massively influential editor of French Vogue, will resign in a few weeks to focus on personal projects. Roitfeld helmed the mag for the past 10 years. Under her tenure, French Vogue became one of the most daring fashion publications, a hallmark for what was cool in the world of fashion.
“It’s 10 years that I’m editor of the magazine, I think it’s time to do something different,” Roitfeld told Cathy Horyn at the New York Times. “When everything is good, maybe I think it’s the time to do something else.”
While rumors once circulated (around two years ago) that Roitfeld would take over for Anna Wintour at American Vogue, Roitfeld confessed to the Times that she has absolutely “no plan at all” post-Vogue.
Roitfeld, 56, who got her start as a model and a stylist, styled many of the magazine’s memorable and envelope-pushing editorials, including this last issue, which was guest-edited by Tom Ford. “I had so much freedom to do everything I wanted,” Roitfeld told the Times. “I think I did a good job.”
That would be an understatement. “It is impossible to overstate Carine’s powerful contribution to Vogue and to the fields of fashion and magazine publishing. Under her direction, Vogue Paris received record levels of circulation and advertising and editorial success,” Jonathan Newhouse, ceo of Condé Nast International told Vogue UK’s website. “Carine herself has become widely known as a beacon of style, fulfilling the role with charm and graciousness. She has become a giant in her profession [and] will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful to her for what she has achieved.”
Carine’s replacement will be announced within the next few weeks. Her absence will be a gaping hole in the industry, but a few names are already being buzzed about to fill her shoes:
- Emmanuelle Alt. French Vogue’s fashion director for the past 10 years, Alt would be a likely pick to continue Roitfeld’s legacy.
- Aliona Doletskaya. The recently resigned EIC of Russian Vogue was rumored to be heading to POP, but she should not be discounted as a possible successor (that is if the French are cool with a Russian stepping in).






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I’m just sincerely hoping that her future plans do not include any clothing collections, perfumes, etc.
OMFG……I really don’t know why (and I’m being completely honest, here), but that just gave me a feeling in my stomach similar to when one has to take a test and is filled with feelings of anxiety, ambivalence, dread, and uncertainty. Maybe a bit dramatic, but whatevs…..
love this post…. I’m team daphne
This is same type of situation that will occur when Anna leaves American Vouge. Carine has built French Vogue to an amazing point and now someone who will be just like her must be found. I like all the fantasy players that Fashionista picked, but I don’t know who would be best…hmmmmm
This is way too convenient. I will not be surprised if Anna Wintour from USA Vogue will be stepping down soon. It will be interesting to see what will happen in the up coming future.
Well safe to say this is a shock! I guess if I had been reading reports about a possible leave even for the past week, this wouldn’t seem so sudden but hey…Carine knows how to deliver, doesn’t she? I was so happy I got the chance to meet her last fashion week here in NYC!! Hopefully we’ll meet again.
http://calvinshow.blogspot.com
I can’t believe she is leaving French Vogue, she is such an icon and can never be replaced! She will definitely be missed.