Eschewing the current biopic trend to go for the telling snapshot rather than the full enchilada, this elegant if languid biography of the fabled French fashion designer (Pierre Niney) opts to explore his stormy, decades-long love affair with business partner and industrialist Pierre Bergé (Guillaume Gallienne).
While not exactly short on emotional drama – YSL had a penchant for nervous breakdowns and a serious drugs and dream-boys habit – Jalil Lespert’s film treats its hero with a high seriousness that not even Niney’s uncanny portrayal of YSL’s artistry and mental fragility can justify.
Hardcore fashionistas will doubtless flock to drool over the endless catwalk shows, packed with genuine YSL archive pieces.
