Despite formerly being at the helm of Russian Vogue, Aliona Doletskaya wasn't one of the Vogue editors that I followed but after reading a recent interview that she did with Fashionista, she's definitely got my attention. After leaving Vogue news dropped that Doletskaya was set to launch Interview magazine in Russia and Germany and earlier on this month, the Russian edition released their first ever issue sporting Leonardo Di Caprio on the cover.
If you're not excited, you should be. She has big plans for both magazines in their print and online presence and along with bringing Naomi Campbell on board as the magazine's editor-at-large, she's got a lot more plans for the future. 'Interview is a completely different media project than Vogue,' she said when asked about how her past experience will influence her new role. 'The editorial direction is based on the much broader and democratic and provocative approach to creative gangs in fashion, cinema, music and literature. My previous job goal was to the creation of a fashion bible in Russia. Interview is also a luxury project but our goal is to get the right pulse and the zeitgeist of creative life today–and then to really capture the voice of brilliant young minds of young Russian and German people. Trust me, there are many of them!'
Back in July we told you that Aliona Doletskaya, Vogue Russia's former editor, will launch Interview magazine in both Russia and Germany and serve as editor for both, and now the cover for the first issue for the Russian issue has finally dropped.
The magazine have really made a statement with their first issue - the first international publication of the magazine in it's 42 year history - because along with bagging Leonardo Di Caprio as their cover star, the interview was conducted by Doletskaya and no other than Clint Eastwood. "If we’re talking about the first issue and the best talent you can book for it, it is Leo," Doletskaya said. "There’s no need for the last name. Because there is only one Leo."
After Aliona Doletskaya departed from Vogue Russia earlier this year, many speculated that she would take over at Pop after Dasha Zhukova left the magazine after a year as editor. Despite the speculation, Doletskaya kept quiet about her next move but now it has been announced that she will launch Interview magazine in both Russia and Germany and will serve as editor for both publications.
In the shock of all shocks around the fashion industry, Carine Roitfeld has announced her resignation from French Vogue after spending a decade as an editor. As Roitfeld put it to Cathy Horyn: "It's 10 years that I'm editor of the magazine. I think it's time to do something different."
Jonathan Newhouse, CEO of Conde Nast International, said in a statement via Vogue UK: "It is impossible to overstate Carine's powerful contribution to Vogue and to the fields of fashion and magazine publishing. Under her direction, Vogue Paris received record levels of circulation, advertising and editorial success. Vogue Paris has established itself as one of the most iconic magazines in the world, with huge influence in the field of fashion and photography. Carine herself has become widely known as a beacon of style, fulfilling the role with charm and graciousness. She has become a giant in her profession. Carine will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful to her for what she has achieved."
Roitfeld will leave the mag at the end of next month and will work on issues through March. She had no complaints about her time editing, but said, "When everything is good, maybe I think it's the time to do something else." She didn't come clean about future plans (some are speculating that she might work with Tom Ford), but rumours are already popping up about her replacement. The frontrunners of the gossip circuit: Emmanuelle Alt, fashion director of French Vogue, and former editor of Vogue Russia Aliona Doletskaya.
Vogue Russia's first issue overseen by new Editor in Chief Viktoria Davydova is now out, and it's already causing controversy. The January 2011 issue of the mag features Alina Kabaeva on the cover - a rhythmic gymnast who won gold at the 2004 Olympics who's taken the spotlight for being Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's reported mistress. Coincidentally (or perhaps not so much), the headline placed between Kabaeva's legs reads "Her Main Victory."
Davydova comes to Vogue Russia from Tatler, which has historically been more celeb-driven, so it's not exactly shocking to see a cover star like this. However, longtime fans used to the style of former editor Aliona Doletskaya (who's rumoured to be on her way to POP after submitting her Vogue resignation) aren't happy. Salt in the wound? Kabaeva is wearing the exact same gold Balmain dress that's already been on just about every other magazine cover.
After announcing her resignation as editor of Vogue Russia at the end of July, Aliona Doletskaya refrained from revealing what her next move will be. But since the announcement of Dasha Zhukova's departure from Pop, many are speculating that she is set to take over as the magazine's new editor-in-chief.
The rumour sparked after Derek Blasberg recently tweeted: “In today’s completely unsubstantiated rumors: Aliona Doletskaya, former editor-in-chief of Russian Vogue, is vying for the top gig at POP.” Despite causing a solid increase in the number of advertisers and ad pages in the magazine, many criticised Zhukova for moving the magazine down a strong arty route, so speculation of Doletskaya's move to the magazine has pleased many who want the magazine to return to its fashion heritage.
