Saint Laurent 2015

The film Yves Saint Laurent explores the life of the renowned fashion designer during his prime, spanning from 1967 to 1976. It opens with a somber Yves Saint Laurent, portrayed by the talented Léa Seydoux, isolated and despondent in a hotel room after a wild night out in the Parisian clubs. In this vulnerable state, he decides to reach out to a newspaper journalist, looking to share the secrets of his life, despite having once turned down such an opportunity.

As the narrative unfolds, we witness Saint Laurent’s rise in the mid-sixties as a pivotal figure in French fashion. His brand begins to thrive and gain international recognition. Hidden from the public eye, however, is his passion for the vibrant Paris nightlife filled with the elite and artful society. Amidst the allure of champagne and drugs, Saint Laurent’s charm leads him to an enchanting model at a dance club. Initially, she declines his offer to join his fashion house, being under contract with Chanel, yet her resolve weakens as they share a dance and drinks, culminating in her modeling for him shortly after—a significant moment in his career.

The designer’s success is accompanied by a complex love life. He enters a long-term same-sex relationship with his business manager, magnificently portrayed by Jérémie Renier, blending both financial prosperity and emotional support. Nevertheless, as his fame grows, so do his struggles with substance abuse. One fateful night, a handsome young man approaches Saint Laurent, igniting a passionate yet chaotic affair characterized by the same turbulent enjoyment of life that brought him both joy and despair. This newfound romance leads to a shift, momentarily sidelining his relationship with his manager.

The film poignantly shifts to a moment of clarity when Saint Laurent, feeling lost in his hotel room, reaches out to the journalist once more, eager to reveal his provocative lifestyle. However, the revelation sends shockwaves through his team. They threaten legal action against the newspaper, arguing the interview was a deception and a potential threat to their credibility, foreshadowing turbulent times ahead.

As time progresses, we find an older Saint Laurent residing in an extravagant Paris apartment, filled with exquisite art and exotic collections, symbolizing both his triumphs and tribulations. The film closes by highlighting his legacy as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, illustrating both the grandeur and the cost of his artistic genius.