Karl Lagerfeld Isn’t Sure About New French Vogue Editor Emanuelle Alt

You can always count on Karl Lagerfeld being direct, even if it’s not the most politically correct thing to do. When asked for his comments on the appointment of Emanuelle Alt to the role of editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Lagerfeld answered with trademark candor.

“Her style is her big shoulders, long legs, tight jeans, sleeves up to the elbow, one hip out. I personally like her. She’s a handsome French woman. She has a style, but is it enough to make a whole magazine?” the designer queried. {Styleite} Lagerfeld said he would reserve judgement until after a few Alt-helmed issues of the magazine were released, but given the rarity of actual criticism in fashion it’s always kind of nice to have someone willing to say what others may be thinking.

It remains to be seen if Alt’s personal rock chic style means preferential treatment for brands (who are also clients) like Balmain, Isabel Marant and Gucci, or if she can broaden her focus to include a more diverse style range. Rumors around Roitfeld’s departure suggest that it was in part due to brand advertisers who felt they weren’t getting enough editorial love, and pay for play placement in the form of consulting and freelance gigs for those who did appear. {Fashionista}

So while some may have demanded change, will Alt simply be more of the same? For readers who liked the magazine under Roitfeld, that might not be a bad thing. For those who felt they weren’t getting a fair shake under Roitfeld, perhaps it’s not the change they were hoping for.