Saint Laurent’s Latest Project is a Cinematic Dive into Proustian Memory

Emma Hodgson   |   26-11-2024

In the house’s latest venture into the cinematic world, Anthony Vaccarello has revealed a collection of short films for Saint Laurent, inspired by the iconic work of French novelist Marcel Proust “In Search of Lost Time.”

In the new series, the house delves into the complex and layered themes of memory, identity, and desire that Proust’s writing famously explores.

Directed by Nadia Lee Cohen, the short film collection features an eclectic cast that includes cultural icons Charlotte Gainsbourg, John Waters, Chloë Sevigny, and modern figures like Addison Rae and Joey King.

The films seek to capture Proust’s reflective style, blending nostalgia with irony to craft a visual journey through themes of love, togetherness, and the passage of time.

Through this project, Vaccarello and Cohen offer a modern, cinematic interpretation of Proust’s exploration of memory’s influence on personal identity. “As Time Goes By” reimagines Proust’s meditations as a series of contemporary vignettes, each embodying an element of his work. Each theme — from desire to dreaming — is treated as a meditative visual, with Cohen’s signature flair creating moments that resonate with both timelessness and modern-day allure.

Saint Laurent’s choice to reinterpret Proust’s classic within the framework of high fashion signals a thoughtful exploration of memory, art, and identity. By weaving together iconic figures and intimate cinematography, the project invites audiences to immerse themselves in a world where past and present converge, making for a thought-provoking addition to the ever-evolving world of fashion cinema.

This cinematic journey into Proustian reflection not only pays homage to literature but also amplifies Saint Laurent’s role in shaping modern storytelling through fashion.

ysl.com