The World Behind the Glamorous Fashion Industry Revealed

Upon its release in France in January of this year, the film 'Yves Saint Laurent' immediately became a massive hit, debuting at No. 1. This film focuses on the dazzling career of Yves Saint Laurent, the founder of a top brand and the world's most famous legendary fashion designer, and the private life hidden behind it. Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent's partner in both public and private life, fully cooperated in its production. As the "First Officially Authorized Work by the Fondation Yves Saint Laurent," the film is adorned with authentic archival costumes from the foundation's collection, generating considerable buzz.

In 1957, at the young age of 21, he succeeded the late Christian Dior and made a spectacular debut as a young designer. At 26, Yves Saint Laurent established his own brand, rewriting fashion history with revolutionary collections that broke past conventions, such as the "Mondrian Look," "Le Smoking," and "Safari Suit," earning him the title "The Emperor of Fashion."



Despite being born into a middle-class family with no connection to elegance, Saint Laurent built a dazzlingly brilliant career and was blessed with an ideal partner. The intense creative suffering hidden behind his magnificent creations, and the darkness in his heart that could never be filled, no matter how much he was loved──The film, which focuses on the "applause and solitude" of the genius's little-known life, is a moving masterpiece that will stir the hearts of its viewers.

Cast as Yves Saint Laurent in this film is Pierre Niney, a member of the national theater troupe Comédie-Française. Director Jalil Lespert met Niney and was convinced, "There is no one else but him who can play Yves Saint Laurent." He cited Niney's "innate elegance and bearing" as the reason for his casting, adding, "To play this role, the conditions were that he had to be young, have stage experience, a solid acting foundation, and be very dedicated to his work."

Embodying Saint Laurent: The Role Preparation

During the approximately five months of preparation before filming, Pierre Niney studied numerous archival videos to grasp the characteristics of Saint Laurent's demeanor and movements. He meticulously researched his vocalization and speaking style by listening to Saint Laurent's voice on his iPod. Furthermore, he experienced the work of a couturier firsthand at the studio of the current designer, Hedi Slimane, and observed backstage at fashion shows. He also mastered sketching, approaching the actual filming with thorough preparation.

His powerful performance, brilliantly capturing a visual resemblance to the man himself and a delicate intensity that sometimes bordered on madness, moved Pierre Bergé to say, "I was so disturbed and confused, I thought it was him." Even Saint Laurent's pet dog was so excited that it jumped on Niney. Today, Niney is considered one of the most promising young actors in France.



Guillaume Gallienne, who himself directed and starred in'All About Them', which won five awards at this year's César Awards, plays Pierre Bergé, who supported Saint Laurent. Gallienne, a talented actor also from the Comédie-Française, delicately portrays the joys and sorrows of the man who loved a rare genius.

Another highlight of this film is the behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous fashion industry. It meticulously depicts the diligent work in the atelier, the process from show preparation to the actual event, and the designer's emotional journey and techniques in generating ideas. Furthermore, the film also reveals intriguing interactions with celebrities such as Karl Lagerfeld and Andy Warhol, who shared the same lover.

Numerous Precious Archival Costumes from the Foundation Featured

The Fondation Yves Saint Laurent, established by Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent's partner in both public and private life, meticulously stores an extensive "collection" of Saint Laurent items (over 5,000 pieces of clothing, accessories, shoes, etc.) under strict temperature and humidity control. Moved by the director's passion and sincerity, Bergé agreed to cooperate with the filming, leading to the production of this film, the foundation's first officially authorized work.

The collection scenes were filmed under a strict time limit of two hours, and a layer of fabric had to be placed between the model and the garment to prevent damage. Furthermore, by providing access to Saint Laurent's residences and ateliers, the film successfully recreated the moments where most of Saint Laurent's works were born, almost as they were at the time.

Regarding his feelings upon seeing the authentic costumes, Pierre Niney said:

"He had the vision and intellectual clarity to read the times and anticipate what people would like. What was very impressive was when the 'Mondrian' dress was brought onto the set. The staff handled it with gloves, as if it were a work of art. Of course, the model wearing it was restricted from sitting, and from food and drinks. I was deeply moved thinking that the last person to touch this dress without gloves might have been Yves himself."

The world of 'Yves Saint Laurent,' captured with the beauty that only the genuine article can possess, interwoven with music from various genres such as rock and opera. We hope you will discover a new, human side hidden behind his glamorous career.



(C)WY productions - SND - Cinefrance 1888 - Herodiade - Umedia