The name is now synonymous with one of France’s most admired fashion houses, but who was the man behind the unique haute couture label?
In this French film that invokes Yves Saint Laurent’s name, we are given a look into the formative years of the boy, as a fashion prodigy working under Christian Dior.
When Dior died, the responsibility to continue his renowned brand was placed in the hands of the young designer (only 21 at the time). While Saint Laurent impressed critics and was able to woo the fashion magazine editors, the pressure weighed heavily. His second season at the helm did not fare as well, and the board turned quickly against him.
Around this time a new love entered his life, in the form of the more conservative businessman, Pierre Bergé. Bergé understood Saint Laurent’s talent, and was able to use his calming influence and his business connections to help keep the young designer’s career on track.
An untimely conscription to the army followed, and Saint Laurent was let go from his prestigious role as the head designer at Dior. This event set off an intense personal battle with depression; one which he would revisit from time to time over the highs and lows of his career.
Bergé saw the dismissal as an opportunity, and following a successful lawsuit against Dior for their poor treatment of Saint Laurent, they had the money and the backing to begin their own fashion house—Yves Saint Laurent was born.
If you enjoy gaining an insider’s perspective into the people and the stories behind iconic brands, this film is a must. With Pierre Bergé, who remained Saint Laurent’s partner until his death, heavily involved in the production, you can feel confident that the integrity of the story is, in essence, there.
Many of the outfits in the film are also originals, which will be to the delight of fashion lovers everywhere. And on screen they are, as no doubt they were generations ago, simply majestic to behold.
The film succeeds in revealing both the incredible talents of Saint Laurent and the dire struggles he had with his personal demons. The human story is as intriguing as the fashion story is spectacular, and it’s clear that this biopic has been made from a place of love and admiration.
The film raises the enduring argument of fashion as art, and in the retelling, answers conclusively: art it is, and it’s a pleasure to behold.
Directed by: Jalil Lespert
Starring: Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne and Charlotte Le Bon
Rating: TBC
Runtime: 100 mins
Release Date: 26 June 2014
Reviewer rating: 3.5/5