Rumor has it that the Prince of Medici snatched the position from LVMH for the presidency of the Comité Colbert with the same ease he grabs a “Money paint ” at a private sale: silently, but leaving everyone stunned.

In the end, it is Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron (Kering group), who will officially inherit the throne in June. A board member since 2018 and vice president since 2022, she secures the crown as if it were the most natural thing in the world  and without even a Gucci gown.

As for Bénédicte Epinay, CEO of the Comité Colbert, she said she looked forward to working with the newly elected chairwoman in order to “strengthen the influence of a sector whose excellence and creativity make it one of the flagships of the French economy.” A remarkably enthusiastic statement  which makes sense, since she clearly intends to keep her job.

On the LVMH side, insiders whisper that if they weren’t offered the presidency, it’s simply because their ability to embody French luxury has no need for a title. What’s the point of a token seat when you already own the Empire? A touching modesty, reminding us that in the shadows of plush salons, the real kings don’t fight for crowns… they collect them.

In the small world of luxury, presidencies slip through one’s fingers like platinum rings, legacies are passed on without a will, and empires expand without declaring war. Welcome to the Comité Colbert, where the art of ruling is learned… but never taught.

FM