Celine Zouzou: youth and the poetics of the twentieth century
Hedi Slimane’s muses for Zouzou – 20th century figures who embody the paradox of innocence and rebellion: Françoise Sagan, Jean Seberg, the Velvet Underground
Celine – Zouzou is the latest opus in the Haute Parfumerie collection
Zouzou, the latest Celine fragrance in the Haute Parfumerie collection, joins the lineup of perfumes that the brand launched in 2019. In creating Zouzou, Hedi Slimane aimed to encapsulate the spirit of “utopic adolescence,” a notion that resonates with ideals of eternal youth and recklessness. The name Zouzou, an affectionate and child-like nickname from the last century, reflects this youthful ethos.
“Zouzou is a reflection of a dreamlike youth, capturing a fleeting moment of innocence and defiance,” Slimane explains. “It is inspired by the young women I have photographed over the past two decades, each embodying a unique blend of charm and resilience.”
Zouzou – the Fragrance Profile
Zouzou opens with a blend of benzoin and tonka bean, delivering a sweet, balsamic nuance. The heart of the perfume reveals a deeper complexity with patchouli and labdanum, offering a warm, resinous aroma that anchors the scent. Finally, a base of vanillin and musk provides a creamy, powdery finish that lingers delicately on the skin.
Each note in Zouzou has been chosen to evoke the nostalgia of youth while maintaining the elegance and depth characteristic of Celine’s Haute Parfumerie.
Celine’s Zouzou by Hedi Slimane is a Celebration of Cultural Icons
Celine’s Zouzou not only captures the essence of youth but also pays homage to key figures from the 20th century who have left an indelible mark on literature, cinema, and music. Muses that embody the paradox of innocence and rebellion, an interplay that Zouzou seeks to evoke – Françoise Sagan, Jean Seberg, The Velvet Underground.
Françoise Sagan: The Voice of Rebellious Youth in Literature
Françoise Sagan emerged as a defining voice of post-war French literature, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and existential introspection. Born in 1935, Sagan’s first novel, Bonjour Tristesse (1954), was a seismic literary event. At just 18 years old, she crafted a narrative that both captivated and scandalized the French public.
Bonjour Tristesse follows Cécile, a teenage girl navigating the emotional and moral complexities of her life on the French Riviera. The novel’s exploration of themes such as sexual freedom, individualism, and moral ambiguity starkly contrasted with the conservative mores of the time. Cécile’s relationship with her father, a charming but morally lax playboy, and her machinations against his new lover, Anne, underscore a sophisticated critique of societal norms and personal freedoms.
Sagan’s ability to articulate the unspoken desires and anxieties of her generation helped to cement her place in the literary canon. Her influence extends beyond her own era, continuing to inspire writers and readers who seek to understand the timeless themes of youth and rebellion.
Jean Seberg: The Face of the French New Wave
Jean Seberg, an American actress who became a symbol of the French New Wave cinema, epitomized the essence of youthful defiance and vulnerability. Born in 1938, Seberg’s breakout role came with Jean-Luc Godard’s “À bout de souffle” (1960), a film that revolutionized cinematic narrative and technique.
In À bout de souffle, Seberg plays Patricia Franchini, an American journalism student in Paris who becomes entangled with a small-time crook. Her portrayal of Patricia, with her pixie haircut and nonchalant demeanor, became emblematic of a new kind of cinematic femininity. Seberg’s character exudes an effortless coolness and an underlying complexity, representing a break from traditional female roles in cinema.
The film itself was a radical departure from conventional storytelling, employing innovative techniques like jump cuts and on-location shooting to create a sense of immediacy and realism. Godard’s direction, combined with Seberg’s naturalistic performance, captured the existential angst and rebellious spirit of a generation.
Seberg’s persona have been widely imitated and celebrated. She embodied a new ideal of youth that was both free-spirited and introspective, a symbol of the cultural shifts occurring during the 1960s. Her work with Godard and other directors of the New Wave helped to redefine the boundaries of film, making her an enduring icon of cinematic rebellion and innovation.
The Velvet Underground: Icons of Counterculture and Musical Innovation
The Velvet Underground, a pioneering band formed in the mid-1960s in New York City, became a defining force in the world of music and an emblem of countercultural aesthetics. Led by Lou Reed and featuring the haunting vocals of Nico, the band challenged the conventions of mainstream music with their avant-garde approach and provocative themes.
The Velvet Underground’s music was characterized by its raw sound, experimental structures, and lyrical exploration of taboo subjects like drug use, urban decay, and sexual identity. Songs like Venus in Furs and Heroin pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in popular music, offering a stark, unflinching look at the darker sides of human experience.
Nico, with her ethereal voice and striking presence, added a layer of mystique and depth to the band’s sound. Her interpretation of songs like Femme Fatale and All Tomorrow’s Parties brought an emotional intensity that resonated deeply with audiences. Nico’s image and artistry epitomized a form of femininity that was both fragile and powerful, reflecting the complex realities of youth and identity.
The band’s association with Andy Warhol and the avant-garde art scene further cemented their status as cultural icons. Warhol’s involvement brought a visual and conceptual dimension to their work, blurring the lines between art, music, and performance.
