With Three Saint Laurent Productions at Cannes: Anthony Vaccarello on Making Movies
Cannes Film Festival is renowned for its glitz, glamour, and cinematic masterpieces. This year, it’s also home to an intriguing fashion-meets-film collaboration by Saint Laurent Productions, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello.
Saint Laurent Productions: A Cinematic Venture
Launched as a new division within the house of Saint Laurent, this initiative is set to premiere three distinct films at Cannes 2023: David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds,” Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope,” and Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez.” These projects mark Vaccarello’s ambitious foray into film production, partnering with iconic directors to bring their visions to life.
Anthony Vaccarello: A Passion for Cinema
Vaccarello’s deep-rooted love for cinema is evident in his approach. From the Belgian fashion powerhouse’s earliest days, film has been a gateway to escape and inspiration. Vaccarello admits that directors like Fassbinder and Pasolini left an indelible mark on him with their striking, albeit controversial, narratives.
Blending Fashion and Film
The synergy between fashion and film is not new, yet Vaccarello offers a fresh perspective. He steers clear of overt commercialism in the productions, ensuring that while Saint Laurent’s essence is captured through costuming, there’s no explicit product placement or spin-off collections.
Inspiration from Cinema
- Vaccarello finds inspiration not in specific films’ aesthetics but rather in their storytelling and character depth.
- His collaboration with directors allows for a creative exchange where the narrative remains unaltered by commercial influences.
Interview Insights: Anthony Vaccarello
In an exclusive conversation before Cannes, Vaccarello shares his journey and insights into blending fashion with film:
The Early Influence of Cinema
Vaccarello reminisces about the profound impact certain films had on him as a young cinephile in Belgium. Directors like Pasolini and Fassbinder sparked his imagination, pushing him to explore the boundaries of creativity.
Why Films?
Vaccarello highlights that Saint Laurent’s foray into film production stems from a desire to support filmmakers in bringing their true visions to life. This approach respects the artistic process and nurtures new storytelling avenues, enriching both fashion and cinema.
Fashion Auteurism
Reflecting on Saint Laurent’s history of cinematic influence, Vaccarello envisions this collaboration as a continuation of the house’s legacy. Much like an auteur in film, Vaccarello seeks to leave his distinct imprint on each project while honoring the directors’ creative freedoms.
Collaborations with A-List Directors
The collaboration between Saint Laurent Productions and renowned filmmakers like Almodóvar, Cronenberg, Sorrentino, and Audiard is groundbreaking. Each director brings a unique style and vision to the table:
- Almodóvar’s Influence: Known for his vibrant storytelling, Almodóvar’s direction was pivotal in shaping “Strange Way of Life,” which saw a colorful yet nuanced costuming approach.
- Cronenberg’s Creepiness: With “The Shrouds,” Vaccarello embraces Cronenberg’s signature blend of technology and the human body, underscoring themes that resonate across his filmography.
- Sorrentino’s Poetry: Sorrentino’s “Parthenope” brings a lyrical quality akin to Fellini, showcasing an emotional depth that transcends its seemingly light narrative.