Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur possesses one of the most sought-after contact lists in the world, boasting personal numbers for luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Marion Cotillard, Gisele Bündchen, Luca Guadagnino, Lily-Rose Depp, Margot Robbie, and Timothée Chalamet. At 57, du Pré's charm is undeniable; anyone receiving a call from him feels fortunate, seemingly struck by Lady Luck. However, he acknowledges a few notable rejections, including Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar and Quentin Tarantino, who desired a starring role that was unfeasible.
Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a prestigious suburb of Paris, du Pré hails from an aristocratic French and Venezuelan lineage. His playful demeanor contrasts with his self-described melancholic character, finding solace in “sad novels” from authors like Stendhal and Tolstoy.
In 2014, du Pré was appointed as the head of Global Creative Resources for Chanel Fragrance, Beauty, Watches, and Jewellery, a role he still holds today. Among his key responsibilities is preserving the legendary status of Chanel N°5.
Innovative Campaigns and Contemporary Masculinity
Du Pré recently announced Jacob Elordi as the new spokesperson for Bleu de Chanel L'Exclusif. The Australian actor stars in a cinematic ad directed by Alfonso Cuarón, known for films like Gravity and Roma. This fresh approach marks Chanel's first foray into action-advertising, stepping away from the traditionally serene narratives.
“The film conveys the idea that life shouldn't be all about self-admiration,” du Pré states, reflecting on a creative shift he experienced while filming a different commercial featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. After years of deep, existential tales, the director sought a more immersive narrative that emphasized action while maintaining a sense of gentleness.
Elordi was chosen not just for his action-hero appeal but for his softer side. “I'm not trying to define masculinity; it's about showcasing sensitivity that's not strictly masculine or feminine,” he notes, expressing a desire for authentic expressions of modern masculinity that lean towards tenderness rather than aggression. This narrative aligns with the evolving perceptions of masculinity in the contemporary landscape.
Creative Processes and Collaborations
Discussing his collaboration with Alfonso Cuarón, du Pré remarked on the positive working environment, emphasizing his disdain for unpleasant professionals. Cuarón's unique approach to film inspired du Pré to take a chance on him for an action-centric advertisement.
Du Pré approaches shoots with a lighthearted spirit, preferring to leave significant directions to the director and focus on operational aspects.
He inherits a robust legacy from his predecessor, Jacques Helleu, a titan in the industry who was responsible for iconic campaigns featuring stars like Nicole Kidman. Du Pré made an impactful debut with his 2014 campaign for N°5, featuring Gisele Bündchen surfing in breathtaking locations around the world.
The Evolution of Men's Fragrance
Bleu de Chanel L'Exclusif, introduced by Olivier Polge in 2018, continues to evolve. After the tragic passing of Gaspard Ulliel, Timothée Chalamet stepped in before Elordi took over. Du Pré highlights how these transitions reflect broader changes in men's attitudes towards fragrance, moving from overpowering colognes to more sophisticated scents.
“In the past 15 years, men have embraced complex fragrances while women are leaning towards simpler, monofloral scents,” du Pré explains. His dynamic energy and conversation-driven mindset fuel his creativity, revealing that he doesn't thrive in solitude but rather in dialogue.
Finally, du Pré addresses the curiosity surrounding Almodóvar's rejection with good humor, clarifying that it was more about timing than a flat-out no.
