Carine Roitfeld

Born: Paris, France, 1954

What is there to say about the person who has had their fingers in all the fashion pies around? With so much behind her and so much more to come, Carine Roitfeld is fashions free spirited, Parisian wild child.

Born on the 19^th of September, 1954 in Paris to Russian film maker, Jacques Roitfeld, Carine began her first steps in fashion as a model after being scouted in Paris. Working her way as a junior model gave Carine the advantage and skills to become a fashion journalist, which she did after joining French Elle.

Her 15 years at Elle allowed her to develop her creative edge as a stylist, however her meeting with Mario Testino, really let Carine push the boundaries and began working on campaigns and shoots for fashion magazines such as American  Vogue and advertisements for brands such as Gucci. As a writer and stylist, Carine’s vision and style caught people’s attention everywhere and two of those eyes belonged to no other than business marvel, Tom Ford.

Taking the plunge, Carine joined forces with Mr Ford becoming a creative consultant for him at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before fashion rumblings were causing her to enter a new direction…

Enter Paris Vogue, which she began editing in 2001, ticking off another fashion venture, bringing Paris Vogue a vital new taste, if not controversial. Karen Elson was tied with a curtain chord, knives, blood and bondage showed Carine’s deeply daring aesthetic which pushed the boundaries. There are no rose tinted glasses with Carine, what you see is what you get and despite this controversy with her editorship at Vogue, she still captured the heart of fashion, bringing the traditional Vogue, to the forefront of contemporary fashion with her impeccable styling and imagination. After 10 years editing Paris Vogue, Carine left the position at the beginning of 2011 with the role handed down to Emmanuelle Alt.

Her sense of style utilises the French cool chic, choosing to wear knee high boots, with tight pencil skirts that compliment her slim frame teamed with a blouse and her signature loose parted hair, which shadows on her face as protection as she calls it due to her shyness. It’s power dressing; elegant yet strong, sexy yet mature; it solidifies her stance within the fashion industry.

Since Vogue, Carine has kept herself busy with the much anticipated release of her CR Fashion Book that hit shelves in 2012 as a completely Carine venture which no doubt entices and teases fashion lovers everywhere. She has returned to freelance styling, working with Chanel on season campaigns as well as turning the Carine Roitfeld name, into a noted brand.

Recently she has signed a deal with MAC Cosmetics, in talks for a clothing line and hopping around the world with a smile and flare. A cover star of i-D Magazine along with her daughter, Carine’s family have become a focal point in the fashion elite, with her partner of 32 years, Christopher Restoin becoming grandparents.

Her bold aesthetic, favouring the erotic and free spirited has let Carine lay her indelible mark of the fashion industry; either by turning a traditional magazine into a creative powerhouse, or cooking up delicious campaigns that burn into the eyes of the beholder, she is a fashion encyclopaedia, she is the one and only Carine Roitfeld.

Since Vogue, Carine has kept herself busy with the much anticipated release of her CR Fashion Book that hit shelves in 2012 as a completely Carine venture which no doubt entices and teases fashion lovers everywhere. Staying away from fashion pages has not lasted long; taking on the honor of Global Fashion Director of Harper’s Baazar in October 2012.  She has returned to freelance styling, working with Chanel on season campaigns as well as turning the Carine Roitfeld name into a modern day fashion machine.

After her departure from French Vogue, Roitfeld launched CR Fashion Book in 2012, a biannual magazine that exemplifies her visionary editorial style. This bold publication showcases her distinctive blend of high fashion and pop culture, solidifying her reputation as a tastemaker and trendsetter. Alongside her editorial pursuits, Roitfeld collaborated with esteemed designers and brands, including Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel, infusing her signature provocative and sophisticated touch into their campaigns. Her innate sense of style and fashion expertise led her to style campaigns for Givenchy, Gucci, and Tom Ford, leaving her indelible mark on the industry.

In 2019, Roitfeld expanded her creative endeavours by introducing Carine Roitfeld Parfums, a beauty line that reflects her personal aesthetic and distinctive taste.

Throughout it all, Carine Roitfeld has maintained her status as a fashion icon and influencer, gracing fashion weeks with her presence and serving as an inspiration to aspiring fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Her innovative vision and unwavering dedication continue to shape the industry and keep her at the forefront of fashion’s cutting edge.

Carine Roitfeld Biography