L’Avant Garde – French Luminaries Then and Now

One cannot deny the French influence on everything from cinema to music, fashion and social politics in the 20^th Century – look back and you’ll see countless recognizable names, too many to mention here.

So who made our cut? And who seems to offer the best chance of picking up and carrying the torch into the future?

Music

Then: Charles Aznavour
This crooner is mentioned here instead of Serge Gainsbourg because – hey – we all know Serge.  But Aznavour was a real ladies man, and his voice touched and impressed even the legendary Edith Piaf who was an early influence on his success. Aznavour (who is now 85) was also impressive for his international presence, as he jet-setted and lived around the world, and was even UNESCO’s Ambassador to Armenia for a time.  Proof that you don’t have to be stuck on stage with a microphone for the rest of your life. www.charlesaznavour-lesite.fr

Now: Christophe Mae
35-year-old Mae was once a violin, guitar and harmonica prodigy.  Now he’s one of the best selling singers in France – a polarizing figure that garners the love of his fans and seething hatred from his detractors. Whatever you think of him, he certainly makes an unforgettable impression and we think he’ll be around for years to come. www.christophe-mae.fr

Film

Then: Jean Luc Godard
Who embodies The French New Wave more than this legendary filmmaker?  Through him, the birth of cinema as a cool art form came about – his iconic images, brilliant use of music and dedication to provoking thought is something no one seems to aspire to anymore, or when they do they don’t do it well. www.youtube.com (an interview with Godard)

Now: Claire Denis
Once assistant director to notable directors like Werner Herzog and Jim Jarmusch, she finally stuck our on her own in the late 1980’s with ‘Chocolat’ (not the one with Juliet Binoche and Johnny Depp). Today, she is one of the most respected French directors, and we admire her approach to character, conflict as well as her ability to cull demanding and exceptional performances from her actors. www.guardian.co.uk

Beauty

Then: Brigitte Bardot
This is one of the more dangerous categories to talk about as beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. But who can deny Bardot’s luminosity?  She was also one of our earliest hyphenates – model-actress-singer-dancer who enchanted countless men (and probably many women) in countries around the world. Back in 1974, at the age of 40, she posed in Playboy to redefine what beauty at an older age could be.  She’s now very active in political and social causes, especially animal rights. www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr

Now: Eva Green
Again, a hard one to pick. Fans of Marion Cotillard, Audrey Tatou and many others would probably have input about this, but we chose Eva for her enduring popularity with international audiences and steely look, which is not as warm and inviting as some of her peers.  The fact that she seems aloof and unattainable increases the allure – non? www.evagreenweb.com

Fashion

Then: Yves Saint Laurent
If you don’t have one item by Yves Saint Laurent in your wardrobe, we are going to suspect that your mother is still dressing you in the morning.  Making his first mark as the head designer of House of Dior at the tender age of 21, over his long career he became the epitome of ‘prêt-a-porter’ and turned ready to wear into high fashion.  Since his death in 2008 at the age of 71, he is remembered for being one of the first designers to use ethnic runway models as well as for creating the tuxedo suit for women. www.youtube.com (Tribute to Yves Saint Laurent)

Now: Christophe Lemaire
What is with the name Christophe?  Lemaire is the second one on this list and is making waves in the fashion industry as the recently appointed creative director of Hermes.  But he is best know so far as the man who single-handedly turned around the Lacoste brand as is was flailing in the early 2000’s.  Where heights he will soar to from here – only time can tell. www.christophelemaire.com

Which French luminaries impress you the most? How about in politics or art? Let us know what you think in the comments?