Fashion week familiarisation - the editors
With the launch of New York Fashion Week just hours away, it's time to familiarise yourself with the front row dwellers. While it's easy to believe that the Frow is inhabited entirely by Z-list celebs these days, if you look hard enough you'll see that there's still a hardcore contingency of Vogue editors and stylists hanging out, doing the job they're actually paid to do.
The undisputed Queen of the Frow is Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of US Vogue. The ice maiden is never seen without her classic bob, and is generally found lurking behind a pair of massive sunglasses. A picture of Anna as a teenager recently emerged, revealing that her fondness for the full fringe is definitely nothing new.
Equally respected but extremely different is Grace Coddington. The Creative Director of US Vogue works alongside Anna, and anyone who has seen The September Issue - a behind the scenes peek at what goes in to making the magazine - will be aware of their 'special' relationship. With her enormous shock of red hair, Grace's style couldn't be any further from Anna's, but somehow the two manage to work together perfectly.
US Vogue might be the market leader, but Vogue Italia is definitely the most stylish edition. Always willing to take risks in their spreads, the magazine is arty, beautiful, and extremely elegant. Two of the most important faces of Vogue Italia are Fashion Writer Anna Piaggi, and Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani.
With her trademark blue hair styled in pin curls, Anna Piaggi rightfully deserves her title of fashion legend. Never knowingly underdressed, Anna is a true icon, most famous for her monthly Doppie Pagine - double page spreads of collaged doodles, drawings and photos, revealing what's influencing the eccentric fashion editor.
Franca Sozzani has edited Vogue Italia for over 20 years. Her sister Carla owns Italy's chicest shop, Corso Como 10 - think Harvey Nichols but even more stylish, and ten times cooler. Franca is famous for her waist length, elegantly waved hair - and unlike most Vogue editors, is usually found with a beaming smile on her face!
Proving that Vogue is a breeding ground of talent, these two faces represent the younger, more up-and-coming side of the brand. On the left is Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. With a preppy, Blair Waldorf style and trademark chunky fringe, I think we have a future Anna Wintour on our hands with this one!
On the right is Kate Lanphear, also known as the coolest fashion journalist on the planet. Kate is not part of Vogue, she's Style Director of Elle US. Usually found dressed in black, decked out in studs and spikes, Kate proves that rock chicks can hold their own in the boardrooms of New York's most stylish publishers! Her half-shaven head, seen above, brought the trend to the attention of the fashion industry.
Carine Roitfeld is Editor-in-Chief at the French edition of Vogue. She started life as a model, and worked as a muse and stylist for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci before accepting her editorship. Combining classic French style with a rock chick edge, Carine does no-nonsense fashionista like no other. Her daughter, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, is following in her mother's footsteps as model, muse, and roving fashion icon.
Finally, the devastatingly chic Hamish Bowles. European Editor-at-Large for Vogue, the always-smart Mr Bowles makes Bond villian style look good. With his swept back hair, pencil moustache and horn-rimmed glasses, Hamish is the epitome of English dandy.
