Vogue France today appointed its fashion director, Emmanuelle Alt, as editor-in-chief, following the surprise departure of Carine Roitfeld last month.

Alt takes the helm after a decade at Condé Nast's Paris operation, where she is credited with styling some of the magazine's most memorable spreads.

The 43-year-old fashion journalist joined Vogue in late 2000, months before Roitfeld, after being recruited by Condé Nast International's chairman, Jonathan Newhouse.

Alt said: "It's a great honor for me, but also a great pleasure to get to the head of Vogue Paris that I know very well. I will try to develop the incredible potential of Vogue Paris while working with very talented teams."

She will work closely with deputy editor Olivier Lalanne, whose editorial remit has been extended to include the magazine's male-targeted edition, Vogue Hommes International.

"Vogue Paris is doing very well and I wanted to entrust the editorship to someone who can provide continuity while bringing new life," said the president of Condé Nast France, Xavier Romatet.

"Emmanuelle has all of the professional and personal qualities needed to continue to make Vogue Paris the leading monthly fashion magazine."

Roitfeld left last month after just under a decade at the magazine. The 56-year-old former model was widely tipped to succeed Anna Wintour at Vogue's flagship US title.

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