Dior's Mathilde Favier and film producer Nicolas Altmayer die in crash
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Dior is mourning the sudden death of its longtime public relations director, Mathilde Favier, who was killed in a car crash in France .
Favier, 57, and her boyfriend, 61-year-old French film producer Nicolas Altmayer, died Monday when their vehicle collided with a truck, according to news reports.
French outlet Le Monde reported that the couple’s car “collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction while they were overtaking another vehicle,” citing Niort deputy prosecutor Nicolas Leclainche.
An investigation for involuntary manslaughter has been opened, per Variety .
Le Figaro reported that Favier and Altmayer were travelling from Cabourg to the Île de Ré, where Favier owned a home.
‘Accidental death’
Dior announced Favier’s death on Instagram Tuesday, calling her loss devastating.
“Dior is deeply saddened to announce the accidental death of Mathilde Favier,” the company wrote. “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 continued, “She was an exceptional woman whose communicative joy, talent and loyalty were exemplary.”
‘Loved life with a passion’
Delphine Arnault, chairperson and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, described Favier as both an “incredible professional” and a loyal friend.
“Mathilde loved life with a passion,” Arnault said. “Her optimism and courage commanded admiration. We will sorely miss her smile and her talent.”
Arnault also offered her condolences to Favier’s children, mother, sisters, family, friends and the Dior team she loved.
Bernard Arnault, CEO of Dior parent company LVMH, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by Favier’s “tragic and sudden passing,” praising the passion, energy and talent she brought to Dior over the years.
Favier’s early beginnings
Favier began her career in the 1980s at fashion magazines including Glamour and Femina before moving into public relations at Prada, reports The Business of Fashion . She joined Dior in 2011. Her sister, Victoire de Castellane, has designed jewellery for Dior since the 1990s.
Altmayer was also a major figure in French film. According to Deadline , he was one of France’s most prolific independent producers and headed Mandarin & Compagnie with his brother, Éric.
Their credits include François Ozon’s Young & Beautiful, Summer of 85 and The New Girlfriend . Altmayer also produced Michel Hazanavicius’ OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and, more recently, Julia Ducournau’s Alpha .