FASHION WEEK MOVIE: As one of history’s greatest fashion designers entered a decade of freedom, neither came out of it in one piece SAINT LAURENT Debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital HD September 22, 2015 Highly Recommended by Whom You Know Our Coverage Sponsored by Paul Mayer Attitudes
Paul Mayer's luxuriously, comfortable designs keep women coming back for multiple -- even dozens -- of pairs. Classic, yet contemporary and always comfortable, his shoes are an addiction that we highly recommend. A staple of the Paul Mayer collection is the simple ballet-flat, with true ballerina construction for a perfect fit that comes in a variety of colors and materials. A cult favorite is the cozy, a flat with lavender-scent infused soles adding style and fragrance to collector's closets as Paul's designs emerge in sophisticated design incarnations season after season in the most incredible hues, textures and modern innovations in luxury footwear because we know firsthand how incredibly brilliant he is. Mayer founded the brand in 2004 with partner, Jeff Levy. All shoes in the line are manufactured in Spain’s Valencia region, along the Mediterranean coast by a skilled staff of 12 artisans. They craft each pair of shoes with an old-world attention to detail that includes in-house embroidery, quilting and stitching as well as custom tanned leather. This allows the brand to cater to each retailer’s specific demands in with timely and consistent alacrity, with orders completed in an unheard-of 3 to 5 weeks. When not in New York, Paul can be found traveling to his myriad of stores across the country meeting his loyal clientele or vacationing in his favorite spot, the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach.
Paul Mayer is a Mover and Shaker:
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Fashion is different things to different people, but it is governed by legends that set a timeless standard that will live beyond their years. The truly stylish know that Saint Laurent is one of those few elite that continues to capture all of us, now from above. American style is derived from European style, and while men should be most influenced by the British (have you been to Jermyn Street), women should without a doubt be most influenced by the FRENCH, n'est pas? To that end, you should all be counting down the days until September 22 when Sony makes this masterpiece on the late Yves Saint Laurent available to you. You should know that this movie was France's official submission to the 87th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
An extraordinary talent, Yves Saint Laurent, whom sadly we never knew, knew to excel he had to do something important and not just sell anything to anyone anywhere. Clearly, he achieved his objective. With a childhood in Oran, he later became a Parisian and this movie captures the ten years of his life in Paris from 1967-1976. Though it is a tale of wealth, beauty and youth, it's much more than that as it explores the edgy back scenes of what all of this excess and overworking can bring. The cost of inspiration and serious execution of high level haute couture has many layers, and anxiety and torment star in this as well.
We like how the movie shows glimpses into his character, particularly the scene at the coat checkout-pure wit. He wasn't without fault and did seem to have quite the temper, and note that Saint Laurent this movie was not endorsed by Pierre Berge, the partner of Saint Laurent. At first you might think that isn't great however consider that director Bertrand Bonello is an independent thinker, which we applaud. Yves is not around to speak for himself anymore and we believe Bonello considered that. As Yves ages, Bonello made powerful choices as to show contrasting scenes between his final years and his memory that took him back to the pinnacle of his existence professionally. The power that the past holds on us is a universal experience stretching beyond the realm of fashion. Also, we liked Pascal the journalist as a comfort to YSL late in his life.
We also loved Bonello's Mondrian camera shot choices which were absolutely brilliant!!!
Beyond the person, Saint Laurent the movie is a glorification of color, style, music, 110% hard work and dedication and all of the extravagance in nightlife that comes to relieve that. This movie captures an era we were not part of, and it makes us sorry we missed it. Saint Laurent has stunning visual appeal.
This picture is a complete artistic masterpiece, and the cinematography alone is enough reason to put it on your must-see list. However, it is not a fashion story with an empty plot or mindless characters. These are all strong and colorful as well, and Saint Laurent is a total inspiration.
Even if you are not so into fashion, if you are into ambition and winning, you will appreciate the hard work, talent and dedication of YSL as a person. The stress and pressure of producing new collection after new collection and need to top only himself is really not quite what you think it would be. The higher you go the further you have to fall, we were once told by someone older and wiser than us. When you work too hard and too much, eventually it catches up with you.
If you have been reading everything we write on The Met, you should know that we believe YSL was the first to be honored with a solo fashion exhibition there in 1983 (sadly we missed that) and we have seen his designs there. We do remember the phenomenal exhibit on Nan Kempner's closet.
For our most avid readers, you will also appreciate the beaucoup de employment of both chandeliers and champagne in this movie. Set aside at least three hours to watch it as you'll want to take a break to do your own champagne refills...then you can sip along with him. (the movie itself is about two and a half hours.) Saint Laurent says drinking helps him think. Also have your bottle of Opium out and ready so you can periodically spritz your inner Saint Laurent. And watch it in FRENCH bien sur. There are English subtitles for everyone that was not lucky enough to have Mlle Charton drilling it with love into their head. And even if you speak French you should watch it at least twice to appreciate spots you might miss the first time. And as far as the Oscars go, we don't and
Ida know why Saint Laurent didn't win...(we have not seen or reviewed Ida.)
Consider it a holy day of obligation: Saint Laurent debuts to the public on Blu-Ray September 22, 2015! It is so beautiful both visually and through the story, you will cry.
SAINT LAURENT is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
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Sony Pictures Home Entertainment invites you to step inside one of the most exciting decades in high fashion with the release of SAINT LAURENT on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD on September 22. SAINT LAURENT, which was France’s official submission for Best Foreign Language Film for the 87th Academy Awards®, was directed by Bertrand Bonello (L’Apollonide) and stars Gaspard Ulliel (Hannibal Rising; Paris, I Love You) as the flamboyant genius Yves Saint Laurent. This Sony Pictures Classics film goes behind the scenes to explore those tumultuous years between 1967 and 1976, when Saint Laurent found both artistic inspiration and personal torment in the liberation and hedonism of the times. SAINT LAURENT, which was featured in Entertainment Weekly’s popular “Must List,” was an official selection at the 2014 Cannes and New York Film Festivals, was a 2015 César Award winner for Best Costume Design, and was nominated for numerous other César Awards including Best Film, Best Actor (Gaspard Ulliel), and Best Supporting Actors (Jérémie Renier, Louis Garrel). Blu-ray Special Features on SAINT LAURENT include two featurettes with the director and cast discussing Yves Saint Laurent and the making of the film.
Synopsis
Dive into the color and lush textures of the incredible life of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent. Explore the mind of a creative genius, the intricacies that turned a haute-couture label into a worldwide phenomenon, and the glamour and decadence that followed Saint Laurent’s footsteps of fame and fortune.
SAINT LAURENT is directed by Bertrand Bonello with a screenplay by Thomas Bidegain and Bonello. It is produced by Eric Altmayer and Nicolas Altmayer. The film stars Gaspard Ulliel, Jérémie Renier, Lea Seydoux, Louis Garrell, Amira Casar, Aymelyne Valade, and Helmut Berger.
SAINT LAURENT has a running time of approximately 150 minutes. It is rated R for graphic nudity/strong sexual situations, substance abuse throughout and some language. The film is in French with English subtitles.
"Academy Award®" is the registered trademark & service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/
