Portrait Of The Week - Mélanie Laurent

My portrait for this week will be dedicated to a young French actress/director, and newly singer, which is a perfect representation of the new young generation of multi tasking individuals. As a matter of fact, Mélanie Laurent at only 28 years old, while having an impressive list of movies on her CV, decided to take over a new challenge, exploring a new side of her artistic fiber with an album. Plus, this year, Mélanie has been named “Maîtresse de Cérémonie” for the 64th Cannes Festival, thus pointing out to her undisputed notoriety.

Let’s take a quick look at the genesis of a talented multi-tasker.

Born on the 21st of February 1983 in Paris in an artistic family, as her mother was a dance teacher and her father a comedian specialized in dubbing, Mélanie entered the cinema world only much later. As a matter of fact, she started her career in 1998 in a Gérard Depardieu movie “Un pont entre deux rives” in which she gave the replica to no other than Carole Bouquet. Quite an impressive start already right? She then played in various movie such as “Embrassez qui vous voudrez” which will be the film marking the beginning of her recognition from the profession. And it’s in 2006 that her first consecration came, as she won the César of “Meilleur Espoir Féminin” for her role in “Je vais bien ne t’en fais pas”. A few years later, in 2009, she invaded the impressive US film industry as she starred in “Inglorious Basterds” by Quentin Tarantino at the sides of artists such as Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger etc.

Playing in films not being enough for the hyperactive starlette, she engaged in a new challenge as she directed 2 shorts films in 2008, and one film this year, “Les Adoptés”. Rich of a great filmographic culture, she declares often finding her inspiration in iconic movies which defined the cinema's history, such as “The Godfather”.

And, finally, this month she released her first album in cooperation with English singer Damien Rice, from which the first single “En t’attendant” is here below for you to discover another side of Mélanie Laurent's talent.

Appart from her impressive accomplishments for such a young artist, Mélanie seduces by her sparkling and natural personality. Very down to earth, she appears as a passionate about life, and, filled with energy, she is willing to explore every single route that is offered to her by dedicating herself entirely to it.

Also, you must guess that if I decided to portrait her, I must also have something to say about her style… And you would be totally right! As not only do I love her life-loving full of optimism and ambitious personality, I most of all adore her style…. And when I say “style”, I do not mean exclusively her outfits but the entire "aura of style" she delivers… She is the perfect example that a look isn’t only defined by the clothes or accessories you wear, it’s a state of mind, a different sparkle you deliver to the world… Therefore, her style is very unique and couldn’t be labeled as it is very various and a very personal one, “The Mélanie Laurent Look”. Note, that I also always adore the way she ties up her hair in a an effortless yet over-stylish way, often using headbands or hair jewels.

Images will speak louder than words, so take a look….. The last image is Laurent’s gown as she declared the 64th Cannes Festival open on the 11th of May.