Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, has a passion for cinema that goes beyond fashion. He believes that fashion and film have a symbiotic relationship, and that by supporting filmmakers, Saint Laurent can make a creative difference in the world. Vaccarello established Saint Laurent Productions, a division that provides financial support to iconic auteur filmmakers without commercial constraints. This year, Saint Laurent Productions will premiere three films at the Cannes Film Festival: David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future,” Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God,” and Jacques Audiard’s “Paris, 13th District,” starring Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Edgar Ramirez.
Vaccarello’s passion for cinema began in his youth, where he found solace in films and was particularly drawn to the works of Pier Paolo Pasolini and Rainer Werner Fassbinder. He admires their ability to create films that are both beautiful and disturbing, and that explore the darker aspects of human nature.
When Vaccarello joined Saint Laurent, he wanted to find a way to connect the fashion house with his love for film. He began by collaborating with directors such as Wong Kar-wai and Brett Easton Ellis on short films about the collections. These collaborations evolved into a partnership with Gaspar Noé, which resulted in their first short film, “Lux Æterna,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
The success of “Lux Æterna” led Vaccarello to establish Saint Laurent Productions, with the goal of supporting filmmakers he admired. He began with Pedro Almodóvar, who he considers a godfather figure. The collaboration was a huge success, and it paved the way for partnerships with other renowned directors such as David Cronenberg, Paolo Sorrentino, and Jacques Audiard.
Vaccarello emphasizes that Saint Laurent Productions is not about product placement or commercialization. The company provides financial support to filmmakers, allowing them to retain creative control over their projects. He believes that this allows the filmmakers to create the best possible films, which ultimately benefits both the filmmakers and the audience.
Vaccarello’s passion for film and his commitment to supporting filmmakers is evident in the work of Saint Laurent Productions. The company has helped bring to life some of the most innovative and exciting films in recent years, and it continues to play a vital role in the world of cinema.
