Acclaimed French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg adorns the cover of Madame Figaro’s April 21st, 2023 issue, radiating poise and refinement. Captured by the talented lens of Studio L’Étiquette, Gainsbourg stuns in a chic Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello dress, perfectly embodying the essence of modern French style.
For the cover story, stylist Cécile Martin curates an exquisite selection of ensembles, blending both classic and contemporary designs from esteemed fashion houses such as Saint Laurent, Jil Sander, Etam, and Bottega Veneta. The result is a series of stunning visuals that showcase Gainsbourg’s timeless beauty and effortless grace.
Behind the scenes, an exceptional team of professionals collaborated to complete the captivating look. Hair styling was expertly executed by Yuji Okuda, while Satoko Watanabe provided the flawless make-up artistry. Marcea Gomes lent her skilled hand to the manicure, ensuring that every detail was immaculate. In charge of set design is Antoine Lampérière.
In an interview with Madame Figaro in Paris, Charlotte Gainsbourg discusses her career, personal life, and the upcoming projects that mark her continuous evolution.
Gainsbourg acknowledges her initial shyness but notes that she has traveled a great distance since then. She reflects on her 40-year career in cinema, music, love and motherhood, all of which have contributed to her personal growth.
In her latest film, “La vie pour de vrai” (Life for real), directed by Dany Boon, Gainsbourg exhibits a newfound audacity. She describes her experience on set as “pure amusement in a spirit of kindness“. Gainsbourg says, “I went all out, I grimaced, maybe too much, but I trusted Dany to make the right choices. I was no longer afraid“.
Throughout her career, Gainsbourg has taken on many challenges, from working with provocative director Lars von Trier in “Antichrist” and “Nymphomaniac“, to directing her own personal documentary “Jane by Charlotte“. However, she considers her greatest challenge to be opening her late father Serge Gainsbourg’s house to the public. Despite the emotional difficulty, she is determined to move forward, saying, “Overcoming my fears has often been beneficial to me“.
The actress credits her recent roles in comedies to her current state of mind and evolution as an artist. Gainsbourg is currently working on a series with Nicolas Bedos called “Alphonse“, starring Jean Dujardin, and a comedy film called “Nous, les Leroy” with José Garcia. She believes that these roles have arrived at the perfect time, reflecting her personal growth and desire to move away from heavier, more serious roles.
Throughout her life, Gainsbourg has been perceived as fragile, a quality she attributes to her voice and appearance. However, she rejects the label of being “sage“, stating that she did not enter her profession to be safe but rather to provoke herself. She believes in knowing her limits and has been fortunate to work with directors who respect her choices and boundaries.
The actress also discusses the challenges of today’s politically correct climate and the impact it has on creativity. She expresses concern that certain types of projects may struggle to exist and emphasizes the importance of maintaining artistic freedom without falling into censorship, puritanism, or uniformity.
Gainsbourg also touches on her long-standing relationship with her partner Yvan Attal, emphasizing the need for continuous reinvention and growth within a couple. She reflects on their shared experiences over the years and their ability to remember and appreciate what has brought them together.
Finally, she discusses the highly anticipated opening of her father’s house to the public, scheduled for September 20th. Although she admits that she has not yet found the generosity to share this space, which holds significant emotional weight, she recognizes the importance of facing her father’s death and embracing her own growth.
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