The truth behind Carine’s resignation ?

The unkind business of fashion

The last few months got me surprised, shocked, re-evaluating and in love all over again with the fashion world. It is common sense to everyone (insiders or not) that this is a very tough industry if not the toughest one. As the fashion weeks calendar kicks off in NY today I question myself on all things fashion and the implication of its ways.

Competition, betrayal, big egos, extremely self important and difficult people, believe me this is not the worst. Everybody I know who works in fashion do so mainly out of a real passion and love, but nobody, even my editors in chief (both in Brazil and UK) do not have an easy ride.

As Carine Roitfeld resigned from her post as editor in chief of Vogue Paris mid december, the questions soared in the air and made many confused. Carine has successfully taken the magazine into a wagon of glamour and exposure. Under her 10 years of work Vogue Paris experienced a staggering 40% increase in sales also becoming well known not only for its intellectual conduct but also for its inspiring visual content. In few words, Carine revitalised and re-created the magazine as a reference and desirable icon.

But what took my attention mainly was that even Carine, queen of a fashion generation, very successful as an editor in chief and adored by people across the business, can be a victim of such fickle industry.

After her controversial December issue, dedicated to all things Tom Ford, there were rumours that not only her advertisers were not delighted but (consequently) her bosses at Condé Nast. To have a magazine issue exclusively dedicated to a designer can be fiercely arguable, but so is the dismissal of a profitable and extraordinary editor in chief over the such matter.

As Cathy Horyn reveals in her interview with Carine and her successor Emanuelle Alt, nobody confirms or denies if this was the reason for Carine resignation or dismissal. On top of all the drama, the two, who worked together for 10 years and seemed good friends (at least to outsiders eyes) are no longer speaking.

As they say, “Fashion is a bitch”!!!

Rosane Ribeiro