Saint Laurent celebrates Proust with “As Time Goes By”.
Anthony Vaccarello, artistic director of Saint Laurent, unveils “As Time Goes By”, a work inspired by French literature and a timeless classic, Marcel Proust’s À la recherche du temps perdu. This project marries fashion, cinema and literary art in a deeply evocative, poetic vision.
Anthony Vaccarello, known for his artistic sensibility and ability to fuse art and fashion, takes inspiration here from Proust’s masterpiece to question the notion of time, memory and human relationships. This creation takes the form of a short film entitled “As Time Goes By”, a work as introspective as it is spectacular.
A short film directed by Nadia Lee Cohen
Under the direction of filmmaker and photographer Nadia Lee Cohen, known for her bold aesthetic and cinematic references to the 60s and 70s, “As Time Goes By” stands out for its unique aesthetic vision. Every detail of the film, from sets to costumes, evokes Saint Laurent’s characteristic elegance while reflecting a deeper exploration of Proustian themes. The cast brings together the talents of Cooper Koch, Awar and Lina, delivering captivating performances that embody this reflection on time and memory.
A work between literature and visual narration
The film’s narration is carried by Charlotte Gainsbourg, whose recognizable voice gives the work added depth. She reads fromÀ la recherche du temps perdu, translated into English by Terence Kilmartin and C.K. Scott Moncrieff, a literary choice that underlines the universality of Proust’s work. Integrating this literary voice into the project only amplifies the emotional power of the film, while anchoring its identity in a rich French culture.
A reflection on timelessness, a theme dear to Saint Laurent
The title “Togetherness” and the emblematic quote from Proust – “To be with the people one loves, to speak to them. Not to speak to them. It is all the same.” – remind us that true luxury is often linked to simple emotions: being together, sharing a moment, or simply existing in the memory of the other. This approach, which blends subtlety and depth, is perfectly in line with the values of Saint Laurent, a house that has always gone beyond fashion to explore the timeless questions of the human condition.
Paris, always at the heart of inspiration
Although the short film is universal in scope, the essence of Paris, Marcel Proust’s home and the city where Saint Laurent is deeply rooted, runs through the work. The French capital remains a point of convergence between literature, fashion and art, serving as the cultural backdrop for this audacious project.
In short, with “As Time Goes By”, Anthony Vaccarello and Saint Laurent not only celebrate visual beauty, but also invite us to reflect on the importance of time, memory and human relationships. This project transcends the boundaries of fashion to offer a complete artistic experience, rich in emotion and meaning.
