Fashion world mourns as the ‘best connected woman in Paris’ dies aged 57
Updated . First published at
The fashion world is in mourning following the death of “exceptional” Dior executive Mathilde Favier, 57, in a car accident.
Favier, who was the luxury fashion house’s director of public relations, and her film producer partner Nicolas Altmayer, 61, died in a head-on crash in France on Monday.
Mathilde Favier, Dior’s director of public relations, has died in a car accident aged 57. Getty
Confirming the news in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Christian Dior Couture said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragic event.
“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 statement read.
“She was an exceptional woman whose communicative joy, talent and loyalty were exemplary.”
Favier had worked at the iconic French label for more than 13 years, and was once described as the “best connected woman in Paris” by The Times.
She previously worked at Prada, Chanel and Glamour magazine, and wrote the 2024 coffee table book Living Beautifully in Paris.
Altmayer was a prolific figure in the French film industry who had worked on dozens of projects, and was best known for the OSS 117 franchise.
Favier is survived by two children – daughter Héloïse, 27, and son Carlo, 25 – whom she shared with her former husband, billionaire finance executive Robert Agostinelli.
Carlo expressed his grief in a tribute to his mother, shared on Instagram.
Favier’s son Carlo Agostinelli shared a moving tribute to her on Instagram. Instagram/@carlo_agostinelli
“You were the incarnation of life, the definition of joy, and so much more than words could ever do justice. You loved and were loved more deeply than I think any of us will ever be able to understand,” he wrote.
“I am strong because you taught me to be. Heloise is with me, and always will be.
“Your beloved family, your sisters, your mother, your nephews and nieces, and all the friends who loved you so deeply are together, holding each other close, and we always will be.”
Christian Dior Couture’s CEO and chairperson Delphine Arnault said Favier “loved life with a passion”.
“With the passing of Mathilde, Dior is losing an incredible professional, and I have lost a loyal friend,” she said in a statement.
“Her optimism and courage commanded admiration. We will sorely miss her smile and her talent.”
The Dior exec’s partner, film producer Nicolas Altmayer, was also killed in the head-on crash. Getty
Dior’s creative director Jonathan Anderson also paid tribute to his late colleague, describing her as “the happiest, kindest and most generous person”.
Favier’s final Instagram post, shared this week, included snapshots from her summer holiday.
“Refinement has nothing to do with money. Just a sort of freshness and some taste,” she told The Times in a 2024 interview when asked for her thoughts on living a chic life.
Most viewed in Fashion & Beauty
84 A red-hot red carpet: All the dazzling looks at the Venice Film Festival
The makeup brush cleaning hack experts warn you should never use if you want them to last
Stars give us our first taste of red carpet glamour at the Creative Arts Emmys
‘Layers of life’: The incredible story sewn into Miss World Uganda’s gown
