As a current freelance stylist/consultant/editor, Carine Roitfeld continues to make her mark in the fashion industry and her friend, fellow creative director for CHANEL, Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld, is there to note everything from beauty, eroticism, Helmut Newton and more. I'm sure a lot of people think that French Vogue will never be the same without the lead of Roitfeld's, but I also think it's fair to say that the people over looking the magazine have been wanting to turn it away from those Roitfeld days; making the "new" French Vogue less provocative, erotic, less sexual in a sense. Nonetheless, Carine was a genius and really pushed the envelope. I can't wait to see her work with one of my favorite retailers, Barneys New York. I think out of all the major high-end fashion retailers, Barneys comes to mind as the most edgiest and that's what I get when I think of Carine.
Excerpts from the interview include:
KARL LAGERFELD: How far can you take an image?
CARINE ROITFELD: I think that when you're taking pictures with my principles, you can try anything. Dare to do a lot of things—dare with sexuality, dare to break taboos as long as it remains photogenic. As long as I find an elegance and beauty in it, I am not afraid to tackle anything.
LAGERFELD: For example, during the golden age of movie stars, there were plenty of actresses who were deemed unattractive at the start of their careers, but struggled and finally appeared more beautiful and more iconic. Sometimes that idea of being truly iconic has something to do with not necessarily being beautiful and thus trying harder.
ROITFELD: Because they had to fight and struggle more than others. Absolutely. And there are certain models who might not be considered beautiful either
LAGERFELD: Some who aren't the most beautiful end up becoming the greatest of all time.
ROITFELD: Exactly, look today at a model like Mariacarla [Boscono]. She might not be one of the prettiest girls in the classical sense but she outlives everyone and everyone wants to work with her. I think personality is more important than looks.
LAGERFELD: I don't know anyone in this job who is as prepared as you are.
ROITFELD: At the same time I do go very fast. I think if I don't go fast it's going to be boring. That's what photographers need to do. I hate people who over intellectualize. It bores me deeply.
LAGERFELD: You have a gift for bringing talent out in others. The same photographers seem more talented when they're working with you than with other editors or stylists. What do you attribute that to? Maybe it's an impossible question.
ROITFELD: It's like when you're making love to a woman. A man will say, okay, I have more fun with her than with others. [laughs] But, really, I am anti-boredom.
LAGERFELD: Is it a conscious or unconscious choice?
ROITFELD: It's completely unconscious. Otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't have done the photos I've done. And I won't be blamed as being porno chic.
LAGERFELD: You're photos are erotic. I want to ask you: How did you come to be the stylist you are?
ROITFELD: It's because of the encounter. There are people who give you the confidence that you're lacking and once you have confidence, you're free and finally you can let out what's inside of you. I think a lot is due to the encounters I've had.
LAGERFELD: There's a big difference between photographing naked boys and naked girls.
ROITFELD: I was too shy, at first, to come close to these naked guys. I would stand a little ways away from them. With girls it's much easier.
LAGERFELD: I think it's easier because naked men are more awkward.
ROITFELD: Yes and then there is always a bit of seduction to it when one person is clothed and the other is naked, which can be a little weird. Everybody should be naked. In that case, it would be easier, wouldn't it? Let's do a huge naked photo shoot!
LAGERFELD: Oui.
ROITFELD: It's very you and very me, isn't it, Karl? It would be perfect. I couldn't do things like that before with my job. Because now I have all of this freedom ahead of me. I only want to do fun projects.
LAGERFELD: I think freedom is your biggest luxury. You were literally jailed before.
ROITFELD: I am like a lemon. I'm pressed for more juice. When I have fun, there's still juice. I am not dried up . . .
LAGERFELD: I think you're more like a bird that can't be put in a cage. I don't want to compare myself to you, but it's like at Chanel, I can do what I want, when I want, where I want. And that's because I am worth more when I'm free. I think it's the same thing for you.
ROITFELD: I can never work full time for a large fashion house. I could never do it.
For the complete interview, click here.
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