Fashion designer agnès b. on building her namesake brand
Agnès b. is a designer, filmmaker, activist and patron of the arts. Mention her name and people immediately call out their wardrobe favorites: the snap cardigan, oversize white shirt, striped t-shirt. For someone with such a strong stylistic signature, you may be surprised to learn that agnès doesn’t care for fashion. “Fashion does not interest me, only style,” she says. In this conversation, we explore inspiration, creative habits, and building a global brand.
Joan Juliet Buck on her memoir, “The Price of Illusion.”
Writer, actress, and former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Joan Juliet Buck, tackles life with all of her senses: An eye for color, a nose for stories, an ear for the unheard of, a seductive touch, and a taste for adventure. On the occasion of the publication of her memoir, The Price of Illusion, Buck details her remarkable life full of eccentric personalities, priceless opportunities, and unexpected outcomes.
Laure Heriard Dubreuil, a new way to experience fashion
Laure Heriard Dubreuil has channeled her passion for style into a growing empire of unique and groundbreaking concept stores, the first of which launched in 2009 – The Webster Miami. The store’s aesthetic and curated collection of pieces is based in Dubreuil’s own sense of style. It’s also grounded in her deep understanding of the industry, which she discusses here.
Frédéric Malle and The Art of Perfume
Frédéric Malle founded the Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle in 2000, and in 2015 the Estée Lauder Companies acquired his company. Malle spoke at FIAF for the launch of his book: “Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle: The First Twenty Years”. Partnering with the greatest perfumers around the world, Malle has built a magnificent collection of fragrances. This lively conversation covers creativity, collaboration, sensuality, and attitude.
Upgrading capitalism for a more inclusive and equitable future
As President and CEO of PayPal, Dan Schulman has been vocal about giving capitalism an “upgrade” and leading towards a more inclusive and equitable future. At the FrenchFounders conference, co-presented with BNP Paribas, he takes us behind the scenes and describes how he instills these values at the heart of PayPal’s culture.
Creative Leaders: Dominique Lévy on what shaped her career
World-renowned gallerist and businesswoman Dominique Lévy brings themes and subject matters together in ways that challenge conventions and evoke powerful emotions. In this interview at the French Institute Alliance Francaise in NYC, Lévy discusses pivotal moments in her career, the role of mentors, the art of negotiation, and her relationship with artists and collectors.
Thierry Despont on giving shape to people’s dreams
“There has never, never been a great house without first a great owner,” says architect and designer Thierry Despont, who has designed homes for Bill Gates.
Hospitality, New Horizon?
Sébastien Bazin, Accor’s chief executive, was a keynote speaker at The French Founders conference.
Museums and the Cultural Landscape
Appointed Director of the Brooklyn Museum in 2015, Anne Pasternak cleverly explores culture’s new frontiers by connecting the museum’s historical collections with cutting-edge artistic practices.
Building Brands that Empower
Bobbi Brown is best known for the eponymous company she founded in 1991, Bobbi Brown cosmetics, which transformed the face of beauty with simple, wearable make up.
Imagine it Forward: Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change by Beth Comstock
Beth Comstock is the former Vice Chair and Head of Marketing for GE. For close to 17 years at GE, as well as during her years working for NBC, Comstock championed innovation.
Reporting from the Front Lines
Laura Haim’s award-winning reporting has taken her from the wars in Bosnia and Iraq to the White house, where she was the only French journalist to lead three exclusive interviews with President Barack Obama.
The Vanity Fair Diaries
Tina Brown has been writing – and making – headlines throughout her career. The award-winning journalist has led Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker.
The Maverick of Merchandising
Millard (“Mickey”) Drexler, the former CEO of J.Crew Group, Inc., and founder of Madewell, has shaped contemporary American style.
Cultivating Leadership
When Maureen Chiquet left her position as global CEO of Chanel, she was stripped of the identity she had known for many years.