Saint Laurent’s Music Project campaign rocks!

Saint Laurent may have dropped the ‘Yves’ but it has lost none of its spirit. New Creative Director Hedi Slimane has brought back Saint Laurent’s rock ‘n’ roll side by introducing unlikely models to front the brand’s new A/W13 campaign. 

The Saint Laurent Music Project features royalty from the world of 90s rock; Courtney Love, Kim Gordon, Ariel Pink and Marilyn Manson. The series of images, shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Slimane, echoes the brand’s rock ‘n’ roll heritage of the 70s when YSL dressed Rolling Stones front-man Mick Jagger for his and Bianca Pérez-Mora’s wedding. 

World famous rock musician Marilyn Manson – whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner – has been chosen by Slimane to front Saint Laurent’s pre-fall menswear line. The rock musician’s infamous deathly pale skin and dark makeup has been captured by Slimane, giving the image a 90s grunge aesthetic. Manson’s signature heavy black eyeliner and lipstick are worn with the brand’s classic L01 Motorcycle Jacket in black leather, which was chosen by Manson himself. 

 Love, Gordon and Pink also picked out the pieces they were wearing for the campaign. Widow of Kurt Cobain, Love is seen in a Saint Laurent pinstripe suit with a silk ruffle shirt, an evening dress from the pre-fall 2013 collection and is accessorised with a crown like tiara and a men’s coat from the label’s recent A/W show.

The images recreated the 90s style of rock in ways other designers have failed. Love posted on Facebook: ‘Hedi knows his s**t. He got it accurate, and MJ and Anna [Sui] did not.’ Art-rocker Gordon was shot in New York City and chose a tuxedo jacket for an androgynous look, and leather mini skirt and bustier dress for her outfits. 

Hollie Bracciale
Photos: Courtesy of Saint Laurent

For the full collection of images visit the Saint Laurent website here.