I first became aware of Emmanuelle Alt back in the early 90′s when she headed up Fashion in the forward thinking and very creative magazine “20 Ans” in France, meaning 20 Years Old.  I was struck by her avant garde approach to her styling and her eclectic choices of designers used in her editorials.  She took this rather tame magazine and turned it in to one of the most desirable magazines to be seen in and that applied to France and Europe! If you were in 20Ans you were IN. It was Young, Chic and Rebellious.

As a result of her uncanny capacity as a “Styling Chef” to put together an incredible menu of delicious eye candy that was often more suited for the pages of magazines like Numero, which had not yet come out or Italian VOGUE, it was obvious to me from the onset, that Emmanuelle Alt was destined to become an icon in the fashion industry.

Not to get in to a lengthy diatribe regarding her bio, from 20Ans, she moved on to Mixte Magazine and from there we all know that she went on to become the Fashion Director of VOGUE Paris.

I am giving you this short but sweet synopsis of her journey for one very important reason, her creativity has always been at the forefront of what she has accomplished.  The eyes of the Fashion community have been scrutinizing Emmanuelle very closely and will probably not let up for quite a while.  Why? Because there are many people out there in the world of the arts that love to see people fail.

I find that notion sad at best and pathetic at least.  It is way too early to judge what she is capable of accomplishing at this juncture in time.  Although she was the Fashion Director at VOGUE Paris for over 10 years, she was not at the helm and that is a totally different mind set to employ.

What I can say based on my knowledge of Emmanuelle Alts past and if that is any indication of her future, is that she will cast her die, leave her mark and have a major effect on the fashion industry.  Like Elizabeth (BABETH) Djian a luminary creative fashion engine and the Editor in Chief of NUMERO  Magazine (with whom I had the privilege to work with when she headed up Jill magazine), I am sure that Alt will also be instrumental in setting, rather than following trends in the very near future.

I can totally understand why her initial steps were to tread more lightly than if she had just come in from elsewhere.  What she is doing right now I believe is a very fine balancing act between necessity and her desired direction.  She just needs a bit more time. As she has already stated (and I am embellishing…creative license) her September 2011 Issue, will be her true immersion in to her identity and the direction of the magazine.

Emmanuelle Alt is representative of the hybrid approach taken by many artists in the Creative Business arena.  By hybrid, I wish to imply that for any artist to leave a mark on the body politic of the day, they must know how to strike a perfect balance between pragmatism and child like optimism. She seems to have accomplished this rather daunting task with panache. Emmanuelle Alt is the Modern French woman in all respects.  She is totally at ease with her persona which is refreshingly and naturally confident.

I believe that Emanuele Alt is probably doing some serious creative soul searching and looking both forward and backwards at the same time to find the essence of who she truly is and always will be…an Artist.

From: Benjamin Kanarek Blog

The story mused over her beginnings, from the 90s assistantship at French Elle, Fashion Editor jobs at 20 Ans and Mixte, then her decade at French Vogue. They compared soundbites from Emmanuelle to quotes from Carine – it’s a little bit of who said it best. Though the Daily promises to answer under the radar questions, they were never really able to ask them. It’s mostly research and speculation. It was entertaining, but I’d really love the actual lowdown of what’s going on in her mind and at French Vogue.

Photo by Jessica Lapidos

Missy Rayder has had some amazing spreads in her modeling day, and “Medusa,” shot by Xevi Muntane, is another decent one to add to the mix. Though I think Rayder does the disheveled look best, she looks glamorous as ever, but sadly, you can tell she’s really aging. Heck, the girl’s career is 12 years running, and she’s still got a gorgeous physique. Looking at the spread, I love how the detailed accessories are really enhanced by the black-and-white photography. Oh, and that fore-arm cuff and chain needs to be mine. Pronto. 

GALLERY: FASHION PORN: Missy Rayder for “Medusa” Mixte #64

Thanks Fashion Copious!

It’s hard to believe that  Mixte, a French niche magazine, with such exquisite spreads is folding after the release of its June issue. Shot by Paul Empson, “Arizona Dream,” Mixte’s second to last spread, is one of their best, a perfect combination of south of the border fashions and natural scenery. While many aren’t fond of the clashy-garment editorials, I’m completely eating this one up, loving the layers and visible texture. To be honest, Kendra Spears wouldn’t have been my model of choice for this spread. Call me literal, but I think this spread needs a bit more of an ethnic look to tie it all together. 

GALLERY: SPREAD UM: “Arizona Dream” Mixte May 2009

Thanks Fashion Copious!

In the latest Mixte, Tanya Dziahileva is the subject of this amazing editorial photographed by Carlotta Manaigo with the help of illustrator Gustaf von Arbin. The result: a whimsical, dreamlike editorial.

LINKAGE: Models

Scans from Style Frizz.

Aside from not looking like Naomi Campbell, this cover is down right scrumptious. Big ups for the reinvention of the classic Buckingham Palace guard.  The photo is just one in a series under the title “God Save Naomi”.  Personally, I’m more concerned for her assistants..