Actualités

A Feel for Fashion: Shayne Laverdière

Interviews

Late last year, photographer Shayne Laverdière and Xavier Dolan could be found in the men’s area of the Dior store on Avenue Montaigne signing their book, A Friendship Through Film, an amazingly up-close look into the celebrated film director’s body of work. It’s just one recent example from Laverdière’s impressive career that began with set photography and expanded into the fashion realm. Now based in Paris, this lensman from Quebec City (and later, Montreal), has worked as a director and photographer for Alaïa, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Chloé and Opéra National de Paris among other clients, and has shot for American Vogue, Vanity Fair, L’UOMO Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar US. Through Laverdière’s eye, we see an elegance and directness, at turns striking and subdued, that has a resonant, cinematic quality.

Where do you look for new ideas or voices in fashion? 

Exhibitions mostly, now that I live in Paris, I try to see as many as possible. Seeing an exhibition in a museum calms the brain, focuses the mind and allows me to dig deep within myself and through what I am looking at. I also love to walk in nature; this is when ideas come to me most.  

What is the most significant change you are seeing in fashion right now? 

The audience is smart. The audience wants to see quality and sincerity and knows when they are being duped. There is a current trend towards showing the craft – how things are made to emphasise the quality behind the object. I love this and have embraced it through my work.  

What defines men’s elegance in a contemporary context? 

Being nice to others, not trying too hard or being too loud (stylistically or otherwise), simplicity, quality. Knowing who you are, embracing that.  

What is your favourite way/word to compliment someone’s style? 

Telling someone they look smart. 

Tell us a surprising story about how you got to where you are today? 

I now live and work in Paris. But 14 years ago, while I still lived in Montreal, I was traveling to Paris for work. One night I went to Le Baron and met my girlfriend by chance on the dancefloor, And now we have 2 kids! That's how I got here: by dancing!   

In what ways might you hope to have an impact on fashion this year? 

I hope to impact fashion through my photography as much as my directing. I want to tell human stories, showcase sincerity, elegance, craft and quality.  

Can you share a mantra for the coming year? 

There's no progress in comfort. 

  

This interview has been lightly edited. 

Plus d’actualités