The editorials of the Vogue Paris Feb 09′ issue dedicated to one of Carine’s favourite models Lara Stone:

‘Lara by Night’
ph by Hedi Slimane

This is easily the most pleasant one of all because it doesn’t play tricks but just a normal simple, well executed editorial. A shoot like this is a must-have for such an issue I think, it acts as a safe bet. My favorite part is the shadows, and seeing Hedi working with colours and doing a glamour-based shoot instead of  something more rock. Very refreshing.

‘Lara À La Mer’
by Peter Lindberg

‘Lara à Broadway’
by Inez & Vinoodh

The last two editorials are giving variety but I am not really feeling I&V’s effort in transforming the ever-edgy Lara into a broadway star.  I get the concept but it is an absolute over-kill and she looks odd in some shots, particularly the ones of her smiling. It could have looked much better with another model who can pull off heavy make-up.

‘Lara en rêve’
ph by Nan Goldin

This shoot is interesting given that Nan is a documentary photographer and famous for involving sex and drugs in her shoots. It is this sense of raw-ness in this editorial that captures the true Lara really well. There is also some shots with the Bridget Bardot resemblance.

‘Lara fiction noire’
ph by Steven Klein

Usual Steven Klein work— controversial, hardcore and involves idea of slavery, one of his favourite themes. This editorial is loaded with shock factor and more action-packed than the others but it doesn’t really show another side of Lara.

‘Lara nue’
ph by Terry Richardson

There is only three shots and the other two are nude.

‘Diamants de Lara’

ph by Patrick Demarchelier

This editorial had her in her best expressions and makeup.

Jewellery, Beauty sections

Great beauty shots of her, especially the cover.

In general, I like how they aimed to make this into an epic issue, but revolving it around only one model is risky itself, let alone having Lara Stone to pull it off. She is iconic but lacks the dynamism to helm the entire issue all alone when she only has these certain expressions and makeup that suits her best. Lara’s look is too strong to give a wide variety. I was also hoping for a stronger Bridget Bardot reference, and more of editorials that are designed to bring out the best of her instead of the other way round. Her personality is one in a million and she is worthy of all the attention but personally, I would rather see three good, long editorials of Lara in one issue than a complete coverage.

images: imgmodels, TFS scans by cadg