It’s no secret that I am not a fan of Emmanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. The November 2012 issue is covered by Daria Werbowy, Stephanie Seymour and Lauren Hutton, lensed by Inez & Vinoodh. All of us can be excused for believing it’s a Gap ad.

American Vogue, yes as part of their ‘Beauty at Every Age’ issue. Marie Claire, yes.

Vogue Paris? Call me speechless! Give me Inez de la Fressange in her knickers! French women have something to teach American women, but with Alt herself being asexual, she fails to see the powerful influence she could have on the world — just being a French woman.

Note that I’m not endorsing France’s ‘Libertinage’, the exclusive, lavish sex orgies with plenty of champagne flowing. Dominique Strauss-Kahn admits in yesterday’s New York Times that his sex life was out of step with French social mores.

Now that Carine Roitfeld is headed to Harper’s Bazaar in a role as ‘global fashion director’ that has yet to unfold, the contrast between the two talents — and I use the word loosely with Alt — will become even more apparent. ~ Anne

Ines de la Fressange | 53, French Chic & Divinely Delicious AOC Body