The Foundation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent in Paris is showcasing stills of Hedi Slimane’s finest subjects with the Sonic exhibition

If Iggy Pop is the godfather of punk, then Hedi Slimane must be the fairy godfather of Daft Punk. Ever wondered how it was possible that the French House overlords could pull off robotic bike helmets and tailored suits? Or how David Bowie really did become “The Man Who Fell To Earth?” It’s because Hedi Slimane was dressing them. Without Slimane, a man’s silhouette would still consist of a flared hoof and a nylon finish. He was the designer who cleared up the morning after the 80s made ruffles acceptable on men.

From September 18, the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent in Paris is showcasing stills of his finest subjects – from Amy Winehouse to Lou Reed, Brian Wilson and Keith Richards.  “Sonic” spotlights over 15 years of candid portraiture, a photography style that has has elevated many from “rock” to “icon” status; from troubled fringe talent to global cover star

(Sky Ferreira, we’re talking about you). Saint Laurent Paris’ Creative Director has forever been at the right place at the right time. Slimane was there during The Libertines’ trilby years, Razorlight’s Kirsten Dunst days (the Johnny Borrell song “In the Morning” was written exclusively for Dior Homme’s AW05 show, when the designer was senior there), and it was he who crafted Dior’s fragrance “Higher”, the smell that wafted over London, Paris and New York, from CBGBs to The End. Other highlights include starkly insightful moments with a crystal-eyed, gobstopper-sucking Frances Bean Cobain and Cherry Glazerr, a Runaways-esque threepiece currently soundtracking LA’s nightlife scene.

“Sonic” is a must-visit for inspo-seeking aesthetes, but if you miss it, the stills will be sold in hardback format worldwide from September. Result.

“Sonic” runs from September 18 to January 11 at 5 Avenue Marceau, Paris 75116.