"Their love story is the focus of the film. But it is also a pretty detailed account of fashion history."

He lived a rock n' roll lifestyle in the chic salons of Paris in the 1960s with the crème de la crème of the scene. But his fragile, artistic nature did not only lead him to beauty. It took him to the brink of madness, addiction and gritty mental health facilities. Yves Saint Laurent's life was not nearly as elegant and poised as his iconic fashion creations.

Many films and documentaries have been made about him, before and after he passed away in 2008. This one, directed by Jalil Lespert, is one of two feature films coming out this year.

It follows YSL [Pierre Niney] from his late teens, making dresses for his mom, until his death when he left behind a fashion dynasty. He also left behind his business partner and long-time lover, Pierre Bergé [Pierre Bergé].

Their love story is the focus of the film. But it is also a pretty detailed account of fashion history. They have tried to make the film as authentic as possible, including lines from contemporary interviews and extracts from letters and journals. They worked quite closely with Pierre Bergé, who granted them permission to film in YSL’s real offices and in their mansion in Morocco.

But this also means that the film has a certain bias to Pierre Bergé's version of events. Apparently he was so moved the first time he saw Pierre Niney [Yves Saint Laurent] in the make-up and costume that tears rolled down his cheeks. And he sent Guilliame Gallienne [Pierre Bergé] a big bouquet of flowers in appreciation of his work in the film.

The main actors do deserve a lot of flowers. Pierre Niney is only 24, but embodies this iconic creature beautifully. He covers moments of extreme vulnerability and exhilaration with the same gravitas; showing the world his scope of mastering tears and a shivering lip, as well as intoxication and carefree laughter. This film should be his big break internationally.

What was underwhelming about the film for me was strangely enough the fashion. They didn't manage to channel the same amount of astonishment for his creations as they strutted across the catwalk as when they did in real life.

Some aspects of the film might also be beyond a non-French audience. I’m mainly referring to the many sexual encounters appearing seemingly out of the blue. Or the narrator voice that can feel a bit pretentious at times. But you have to let France portray one of their favourite fashion darlings in their own way. I’m sure it makes sense to them.

I really enjoyed the film. YSL is a charming character and he is played brilliantly. The months of voice coaching and physical training paid off. It is also elegantly filmed with gorgeous scenes from Morocco and beautiful atmospheric presentations of Paris' party elite.

I recommend it to all the Francophiles and fashionistas out there, but anyone with a passion for neurotic personalities will enjoy this emotional roller coaster.