A decade after their Palme d’Or triumph with Abdellatif Kechiche in “Blue Is the Warmest Colour“, stars Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos reunite, adorning the cover of the May 12, 2023 issue of Madame Figaro, shot by photographer by Tom Munro.
On the cover, Seydoux exudes elegance in a blazer, complemented with chic earrings from Louis Vuitton. Exarchopoulos, on the other hand, strikes a balance between sophistication and edginess, donning a Dries Van Noten blazer and accentuating her look with Bvlgari jewelry.
Stylist Véronique Tristram brings her discerning eye to the cover story. She curates Seydoux’s look with more Louis Vuitton designs, while Exarchopoulos shines in outfits from Alaïa and Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.
Seydoux’s look is a testament to the craftsmanship of hair stylist Étienne Sekola, make-up artist Sandrine Cano Bock, and manicurist Anatole Rainey. Exarchopoulos’ radiates thanks to the expertise of hair stylist Mathieu Laudrel, make-up artist Harold James, and manicurist Rachel Evy.
Inside the magazine, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux reflect on their groundbreaking film, “Blue Is the Warmest Colour” (“La Vie d’Adèle“), and the controversy it stirred. They share their perspectives on cinema, life and their enduring bond.
“The jury took the extraordinary step of recognizing the achievements of three artists in the awarding of the Palme d’Or. These are Adèle, Léa, and Abdellatif Kechiche“, solemnly declared Steven Spielberg at the 66th Cannes Film Festival in May 2013. This unprecedented triple Palme d’Or, bestowed for the first time on a film, its director, and its two main actresses, was a historic moment in cinema.
On the night of the award, Seydoux, then 27, solidified her status as a new cinematic icon, while Exarchopoulos, 19, emerged as a dazzling revelation of the festival. Together, they joined the pantheon of Cannes legends for their roles in “Blue Is the Warmest Colour“, a deeply affecting portrayal of a passionate relationship between two young women.
However, the film’s success was clouded by controversy over the intense working conditions during filming. Technicians accused the director of moral harassment, and the actresses recalled grueling, never-ending sex scenes. The controversy left a mark.
Today, ten years later, “Blue Is the Warmest Colour” maintains its cult status, and its leading ladies have become two of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Seydoux has carved out a brilliant career as a muse of auteur cinema and Hollywood darling, while Exarchopoulos has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in French cinema, balancing both popular and demanding roles.
Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Seydoux and Exarchopoulos recall, “Our friendship is unlike any other; nothing can weaken its strength“. Despite the passing of time, their bond remains as strong as ever, fueled by their shared love of cinema.
Seydoux describes Exarchopoulos as a woman of “purity, integrity, and total generosity“. Meanwhile, Exarchopoulos regards Seydoux as “surprising, intense, and incredibly touching“.
When asked about the possibility of working with Kechiche again, Exarchopoulos responds, “The question is delicate. My approach to the intensity of work has changed“. Seydoux, on the other hand, does not believe she would work with Kechiche again, stating, “My life has changed, everything is different“.
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