Carine Roitfeld’s fourth issue of the CR Fashion Book: fairy tale world

The former Vogue Paris editor has turned heads again with her fourth issue of the CR Fashion Book. Carine Roitfeld, recognised for promoting new talent, has continued to use unknown photographers, alongside some well-known favourites, for her editorials. The latest issue, inspired by fairy tales, welcomes a new name into the fashion fold, whom you may recognise from another field: film. 

Lee Daniels, Oscar-nominated producer, director and writer behind films such as Precious, The Butler and Monster’s Ball, was approached by Roitfeld to produce and execute a thoroughly modern take on classic fairy tales. Featuring Joan Smalls as his heroine and American actor Michael B Jordan as the leading man, Daniels has created truncated visuals of three of the world’s best-loved stories: Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Entitled Lee Daniels’ Fairy Tale Theatre, the emotive images showcase a darker side to the famed fables, twisting them into a high-fashion escapade taking place on the streets of New York. 

Renowned fashion designer Tom Ford also contributes to the issue with Flowers for Fernando, which he wrote and photographed. This vivid editorial is both dramatic and light-hearted, featuring an astute balance between beauty and gore. A decorative, typed narrative, accompanying each image, promotes the desirable and traditional happy ending. 

The fantasy theme is not limited to high-end fashion. The biannual publication continues the use of fictional characters, such as Rapunzel and Gretel (without Hansel), in its “Let Down Your Hair” feature. Shot by emerging photographer Johnny Dufort, this conceptual, spectacular spread combines childlike innocence with fairy tale force. Hair stylist Shay Ashual, a regular on Roitfeld’s shoots, weaves a floor-length dress out of Rapunzel’s hair, whilst a dark and corrupted Snow White wears a raven-haired cape and Sleeping Beauty is dressed in a bed-head peroxide mini. 

Starring Lindsey Wixson as its cover girl, in a magical E.T. story, this issue is certain to instigate a trip down memory lane. Roitfeld stated: “I hope that when people read this issue it will put smiles on their faces and remind them of the beautiful time that was their childhood.” 

Rebekah Absalom

To view the issue online visit here.