The secrets of Saint Laurent's cinematic success

Saint Laurent Productions has become a reference in the world of international cinema, leaving a mark with bold and dazzling projects. With Emilia Perez, a musical that set records for nominations at the Golden Globes, the production company once again proved its flair for innovative and relevant film projects. But what are the secrets behind their success in film selection? Since its creation, Saint Laurent Productions has focused on defending a strong and unique artistic vision. Indeed, it has already collaborated with several major names in international cinema such as David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, Wong Kar Wai, Pedro Almodóvar, Bret Easton Ellis, and Gaspar Noé. These collaborations have earned them several nominations at the Cannes Film Festival, even though the company has only been around for a year. Strange Way of Life by Pedro Almodóvar, a queer western starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, was showcased at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. This short film stands out from other cowboy movies due to its dialogue, explained the director and screenwriter to Harper's Bazaar: "What most westerns lack is the kind of dialogue between two men that the genre has never managed to capture."

The Shrouds by David Cronenberg was presented in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival this year. The film tells the story of a grieving man who invents a revolutionary and controversial system that allows the living to connect with their deceased loved ones through their shrouds. Emilia Perez by Jacques Audiard, on the other hand, is a musical drama centered on a trans woman who was a cartel leader. The French film won the jury prize and the prize for female acting for all the actresses at the Cannes Festival this year. Anthony Vaccarello, both the artistic director of Yves Saint Laurent and head of Saint Laurent Productions, plays a crucial role in the selection of films. The Belgian designer explains that he has been passionate about cinema since he was a child. "These filmmakers never fail to open my mind, and in a way, the unique and radical vision they bring to cinema has made me who I am today," he told Harper's Bazaar, adding that, to some extent, he believes cinema is even more powerful than fashion: "You can still watch a film in 10 or 30 years if it's good. In a way, making a film can have more impact than a seasonal collection."

The 42-year-old's passion for auteur films that tell never-before-seen stories could explain his successful choices for the production house. The creator's role is so dominant that the films produced are contractually obliged to include "Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent" in their credits, not "Saint Laurent Productions." Saint Laurent is the first fashion house to venture into the world of cinema, but soon, its competitors, Chanel and LVMH, have joined the race. These projects are still in their early stages, but we may soon witness a future where fashion and cinema blend like never before.