Benjamin Millepied, a French principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, choreographer for the recent blockbuster ‘Black Swan’ and actor, is to be the new face for the next male fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent, available as from September 2011.

In a statement, the company said: “One of the most gifted – and most daring – dancers and choreographers of his generation, Benjamin Millepied enrolled with the New York School of American Ballet at the age of 16 and became principal dancer at 18 with the prestigious New York City Ballet. 

“He began his career as choreographer some ten years later and has worked with the greatest opera houses in Paris, New York and Geneva. He has produced numerous choreographies, including Casse-noisette, Triade and Sarabande. In addition, Darren Aronofsky turned to Benjamin Millepied in 2009 to choreograph his movie Black Swan, for which Nathalie Portman received the 2011 Oscar for Best Actress.”

MAJOR RECOGNITION
In France, Millepied was also recently honoured with the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award, recognizing his achievements in the arts.

Commenting on the new appointment, Renaud de Lesquen, President of YSL BEAUTE said: “Benjamin’s unique style, his creative freedom, the positive energy he exudes and his dazzling charm won all our votes. It is with very great pleasure that we welcome this reputed dancer and choreographer – one of the greatest talents of his generation – to portray a new dimension of Saint Laurent masculinity.”

Responding to the appointment, Benjamin Millepied said: “I’m happy and proud to have been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent, one of the world’s most prestigious brands. I admire the world of this House, its elegance and modernity. Monsieur Saint Laurent was a fashion genius, a lover of the Arts, he also knew how to use his talent to serve the art of dancing.”

Benjamin Millepied will represent the new fragrance for men from Yves Saint Laurent, the 3rd facet of the men’s olfactive trilogy, alongside Olivier Martinez for L’Homme and Vincent Cassel for la Nuit de L’Homme.