Saint Laurent is launching its own film production company, marking its entry into a realm that has remained an unchartered territory for the Paris-based luxury brand, until now.
The eponymous agency, dubbed Saint Laurent Productions, will be spearheaded by the Maison’s own creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, who hopes that with the help of this new venture, he will be able “to expand the vision (he has) for Saint Laurent through a medium that has more permanence than clothes.”
In a statement, the 41-year-old said: “You can still see a film in 10 or 30 years, if it’s good. In some ways, making a film can be more impactful than a seasonal collection. For me it’s a natural extension to another field of creativity that perhaps is more general and popular.”
Scheduled to make its debut at the upcoming 76th edition of the much-anticipated Cannes Film Festival taking place from May 16 to May 27, the Kering group’s newest division is expected to release three films that will feature some of the industry’s most esteemed and respected figures.
Amongst some of the stellar names joining forces with YSL on the big screen is Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who directed one of the French brand’s first audiovisual statements, starring Golden-Globe winner Ethan Hawke alongside The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal. Paolo Sorrentino, David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, Wong Kar Wai, Jim Jarmusch, and Gaspar Noé are on the House’s shortlist of directors and actors they will soon be co-signing projects with in the near future.
“I want to work with and provide a space for all the great film talents who have inspired me over the years,” the Saint Laurent creative director noted. “These directors never fail to open my mind and, in a way, the singular, radical vision they bring to cinema has made me the person I am today.”
Considered to be the first production house to entirely be managed by a luxury label, fashion will still play a central role in the works as it has been stated that Vaccarello will be overseeing the costume design in upcoming long or short features.
Although the exact amount of financial investment is still unknown, audiences can expect Saint Laurent Productions to co-produce two to three films a year. We are certain the new production company will leave a long-lasting impact on the industry and who knows? maybe Saint Laurent will transition into a major player in the world of film production as it is in the world of fashion.
