Written by Thelma Gauthier
Edited by Olivia Taylor
Catherine Deneuve, who recently shone as president of the 50th César Awards, embodies the history of French and international cinema. From the French New Wave, with Le Dernier Métro, to independent films and lighthearted comedies, the actress has continually reinvented herself over the decades, always dressed by the world’s most renowned couturiers.
A Dazzling Start with Her Sister, Françoise Dorléac
Deneuve took her first steps onto the scene alongside her sister, Françoise Dorléac, in The Young Girls of Rochefort. The duo shone in brightly colored matching outfits — one in orange, the other in yellow — paired with Roger Vivier or Carel shoes, perfectly capturing an era of fantasy and lightheartedness. Their impeccable inwardly-curled hairstyles and the striped sailor shirts worn by the film’s male characters reflect a joyful, colorful world, further enhanced by Jacques Demy’s unforgettable soundtrack.
Her Iconic Style Through the Decades
In her daily life as a young adult, Deneuve adopted a chic, timeless style. A beige trench coat, sunglasses, a headband, and layers of black clothing became her signature look. She added subtle yet iconic accessories: a Hermès chaine d’ancre bracelet, a Cartier Baignoire watch, and gold hoop earrings. This style epitomized an era of elegance, defined by flattering cuts and muted, sophisticated colors.
The Unforgettable Magic of Peau d’Âne
It’s impossible to write about Catherine Deneuve without mentioning Peau d’Âne and its beloved soundtrack, full of songs that have enchanted generations. As a child, I remember being mesmerized by her gown, with its magical gold details and ethereal glow. This film, which beautifully blends fairy tale and fantasy, remains a testament to Deneuve’s timeless aura.
An Enduring Elegance with Yves Saint Laurent
Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint Laurent share a story of timelessness that spans several decades. Deneuve met the legendary designer in her youth and he would go on to make her his eternal muse. Their collaboration began in the 1960s and continued across eras with remarkable consistency. In Belle de jour (1967), Deneuve plays a modern Parisian bourgeois, clad in impeccable silhouettes by Saint Laurent — from sharply tailored black suits to minimalist trapeze dresses and structured coats, all epitomizing understated yet assertive chicness. This film not only marked the beginning of a close relationship between the actress and the couturier but also elevated the concept of the “little black dress” to iconic status.
Even after Saint Laurent’s death in 2008, the house continued to dress Deneuve with equal devotion. Today, she remains loyal to the brand’s spirit, with the elegance brought about by clean lines and meticulous attention to detail. Deneuve and Saint Laurent shared a profound understanding of fashion as a language of seduction and power — a dialogue that has endured decades.
Muse of Chanel and Olfactory Icon
In the 1970s, Deneuve also became the face of the legendary Chanel N°5 perfume, lending her sophisticated aura to one of the world’s most iconic fragrances. Her cool beauty and natural grace perfectly represent the timeless image of the perfume, further cementing her status as an ultimate symbol of luxury and refinement.
A Foray into Design with A.P.C.
Visionary and perfectionist, Catherine Deneuve doesn’t merely embody fashion — she shapes it. In 2020, she ventured into the world of design by collaborating with the brand A.P.C., known for its minimalist aesthetic and clean lines. This capsule collection, understated but refined, reflects her keen eye for impeccable silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. In this endeavor, Deneuve demonstrated that her influence extends far beyond cinema, leaving her mark on contemporary fashion with taste that transcends generations.
Whether through her legendary partnership with Saint Laurent, her role as Chanel’s muse, or her creative collaboration with A.P.C., Catherine Deneuve remains an indispensable figure of French style. Across decades, she has captured and reinvented the spirit of her time, as a fashion icon with enduring grace.
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