Jane Birkin Models for Saint Laurent
Jane Birkin Models for Saint Laurent
In line with the industry’s recent theme of embracing older women as models, Jane Birkin one face of the recent Saint Laurent campaign. At 69, Birkin has been a muse and a cult figure for nearly 50 years now, inspiring the coveted Hermès Birkin bag, and representing France as a timeless style icon.
Saint Laurent is not the first to use older women as models. A recent campaign by Balmain brought together Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer, all in their mid to late 40’s, and last year Céline featured the 80 year old novelist Joan Didion in striking black in one of their campaigns. The list goes on, from talents such as 67 year old Mikhail Baryshnikov in a 2015 Rag & Bone campaign, 94 year old Iris Apfel for Alexis Bittar, Kate Spade New York, MAC, Blue Illusion and more; and the 50 year old Aiden Shaw for El Burgués. Dolce e Gabbana featured a trio of elderly women in their 2015 campaigns, and in 2012 Lanvin featured then 62 year old Tziporah Salamon in the house’s fall campaign.
While controversy often surrounds these ads and campaigns, many find them refreshing and more normal than the usual ads featuring models in their late teens and early twenties. Others simply find them condescending, and say that rather than finding these women true sources of beauty and style, houses and brands are instead offering them up for the shock value.
Regardless, the timeless style and grace of the French singer, actress and icon, have been chosen to represent Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking in a manner that both exemplifies Birkin’s style and that of the house. Photographed by the Saint Laurent creative director Hedi Slimane, the photos are part of an ongoing ‘Music Project’ featuring musicians that have inspired Slimane, and promotes other artists including Joni Mitchell, Marianne Faithfull, Marilyn Manson, Daft Punk, and more.
Photo courtesy of Saint Laurent official twitter, @ysl
Jane Birkin Models for Saint Laurent
