Dior is mourning the sudden death of its longtime public relations director, Mathilde Favier. Favier died in a car crash in France on Monday, Aug. 17, at age 57. Her boyfriend, film producer Nicolas Altmayer, 61, also died in the crash.
Dior confirmed Mathilde Favier died in a France car crash alongside partner Nicolas Altmayer
Favier and Altmayer were traveling when their vehicle collided with an oncoming truck, according to French outlet Le Monde. Niort deputy prosecutor Nicolas Leclainche said the crash happened as the couple was overtaking another vehicle.
Authorities have since opened an investigation into involuntary manslaughter, Variety reported.
Dior confirmed Favier’s death in an Instagram statement on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The fashion house wrote, “Dior is deeply saddened to announce the accidental death of Mathilde Favier. In her role as Director of Public Relations, Mathilde Favier made an incredible contribution to the reputation of Christian Dior Couture through her commitment and elegance.”
The company called Favier an “exceptional woman” and praised her communication skills, talent and loyalty.
Delphine Arnault, chairperson and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, also paid tribute to Favier. She said, “Mathilde loved life with a passion. With the passing of Mathilde, Dior is losing an incredible professional, and I have lost a loyal friend. Her optimism and courage commanded admiration. We will sorely miss her smile and her talent. I feel deeply saddened today.” She also shared her condolences with Favier’s children, mother, sisters, family, friends and colleagues.
Bernard Arnault, CEO of Dior’s parent company LVMH, described Favier’s death as tragic and sudden. He praised the passion, energy and talent she devoted to Dior over the years.
Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson also shared an emotional tribute to his late colleague.
Outside her work at Dior, Favier was a mother of two. She shared daughter Héloïse and son Carlo with her former husband, billionaire finance executive Robert Agostinelli.
Favier joined Dior in 2011 after previously working at Prada. She became a familiar face in the fashion world and worked closely with several Dior celebrity ambassadors and high-profile clients, including Natalie Portman, Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence.
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