How could I resist naming the titans of the fashion industry to the Rollcall list this week?  On the one hand we have Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, on the other hand is Carine Roitfeld, Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue.  Both were in the forefront this week, Ms. Wintour had her turn on 60 Minutes, and Ms. Roitfeld with a reporter from the Guardian UK.  Though emphasizing any discord between these two women has great entertainment value, we should not lose sight of their tremendous accomplishments.  Yes, we must take the high road.  Sure there have been rumors that Carine Roitfeld will replace Anna Wintour at American Vogue, but Ms. Roitfeld has dismissed those rumors.  The bottom-line is that they are two strong and powerful women with impeccable taste in fashion, and stellar reputations within the industry.  It is far more empowering to young women to focus on their achievements.  Let’s hope that more young women are learning that you can have a love of the finer things and still kick ass.  It is a delicate balance, but these women manage to keep stride in their stilettos.  It’s a testament of how hard work, sacrifice and passion can lead to fulfilling careers. Click here for the interview with Carine Roitfeld.

Related Posts: [Anna the Great]; [Anna Wintour Speaks].

If you caught the interview with Anna Wintour and Morley Safer on 60 Minutes, you were in for some serious amusement.  You just knew from the introduction that this was going to be a popcorn moment, yes, pure entertainment.  It did not disappoint.  Morely sure has a way with words.  Anna of course was unapologetic about her reputation of bringing fear to the hearts of many.  She acknowledges that she demands excellence and perfection.  At times the interview questions sounded a bit accusatory, but she handled them like a true professional; I walked away with a little better understanding of her, and her process.  Check out outtakes from the interview by clicking the link.

Related Post: Anna Wintour Speaks.

Anna Wintour’s appearance at the 92^nd Street Y with Jonathan Tisch made our Rollcall list this week.  The Vogue Editor-in-Chief showed why she is still in charge at the fashion bible.  Ms. Wintour is much more in-tuned with the economy than many would have believed, and even acknowledged that women can be fashionable while being price conscious.  While she was at it, she went so far as to applaud the collaboration of high end designers with mass retailers like H&M and Target. 

When asked about moving on from her job, she unequivocally put to rest the rumors of her impending retirement. She apparently loves her job, and has no plan to retire right now, and who could blame her.  Designers all over the world hold her in high esteem, as well as many others within the fashion industry.  If the fashion industry were a ship, Anna Wintour would want to be at the helm to help guide it through choppy waters.  The choppy waters of course would be the troubled economy.  Now is not the time to bow out gracefully, it is time to roll up one’s sleeve and get to work.  It isn’t difficult to believe that she is enjoying her job right now, we are in the throes of a recession, and she is a valued voice at the table.

Wintour proved that she is truly unflappable.  A PETA supporter heckled her about the use of fur in Vogue’s editorials and advertising and she responds “[f]ur is still a part of fashion, so Vogue will continue to report on it.”  You can’t make this stuff up, she is tough.  She just tells it like it is, there is no holding back, and I love it.

The interview gets an ‘A’, it was informative and engaging.  I can now say that Anna Wintour is officially one of my idols; she has a Teflon quality that is admirable.   I can’t wait to see her 60 Minutes interview with Morley Safer.  Who knows?  She might make our Rollcall list two weeks in a row.  Her frankness and ability to say exactly what she is thinking is so rare and refreshing.  Frankly, it’s very entertaining.  Ms. Wintour manages to fascinate us because she appears available and elusive at the same time. [The Cut]