Stefano Pilati @ New York Times Magazine

When it comes to fashion, Stefano Pilati is not afraid to lead by example. As the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, he embodies the louche elegance of one of the world’s most iconic labels. With his slicked-back hair, carefully groomed beard and lithe figure, Pilati projects an innate sense of elegance. Frayed jeans and tight-fitting clothes are not for him: Pilati identifies with the Old World glamour of tuxedos and scarves. He is seldom seen without a foulard around his neck; he jauntily folds up the sleeves of his figure-skimming suits, which he sometimes cinches with a large safety pin; and he rocks vintage cuff links ‘‘(actor) Melvil Poupand was a natural choice of model for me,’’ Pilati says. ‘‘There is something real and imperfect about him — he was able to wear the collection effortlessly. In his films, Melvil plays complicated characters — beautiful, conflicted and ultimately tragic. There is a richness and depth to his evocation on screen that resonates with the ideas behind the collection and my work in general at Yves Saint Laurent.’’

Photos by Maciek Kobielski Via The New York Times