Last night in Paris, Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior, was awarded the Legion d’honneur by French President Emmanuel Macron. These news were shared by Derek C. Blasberg, an American writer, socialite, and fashion industry personality.
The ceremony took place at the Élysée Palace and gathered a select group of guests, including figures from the fashion industry and close associates of the Arnault family.
President Macron’s speech was both personal and light-hearted. He recalled Delphine’s rebellious youth — joking that she once smoked cigarettes — and praised her strength as a leader in a historically male-dominated industry. Referring to her elegance and impact, he quipped, «If the devil wears Prada, God must wear Dior.» He also endorsed Jonathan Anderson’s recent appointment with an approving nod.
A Fashion Dynasty in Power
Often described in the press as a «cashmere-clad wolf» for her bold ambitions to succeed her father, Bernard Arnault, Delphine is widely regarded as one of the most powerful women in fashion.
In 2003, she became the youngest member of the board at LVMH. She went on to serve as Deputy CEO of Christian Dior Couture from 2008 to 2013, before taking the helm of Dior in 2013. Today, she is also Chairwoman of the Board at Louis Vuitton.
Delphine is not the only Arnault shaping the luxury empire. Her brothers hold key roles within the LVMH group. Frédéric Arnault was recently appointed CEO of Loro Piana, known for understated luxury, and also heads TAG Heuer. Alexandre Arnault serves as Deputy CEO of Moët Hennessy. Jean Arnault oversees Louis Vuitton’s watch division.
Their half-brother, Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of Bernard from his first marriage, is CEO of Berluti and is married to Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova.
Together, the Arnault siblings represent a multigenerational force behind the world’s largest luxury conglomerate — with Delphine now decorated by the French state for her leadership and legacy.
In related fashion industry news, Russian animation studio Soyuzmultfilm has submitted an application to register the ‘Chebubu’ trademark.
