Dior executive Mathilde Favier, 57, and her partner, French film producer Nicolas Altmayer, 61, died Monday afternoon in a head-on car collision near Airvault in western France. The couple's Austin Mini struck a heavy goods vehicle while attempting to overtake another car, according to Nicolas Leclainche, the Niort deputy prosecutor, who confirmed a manslaughter investigation has been launched.
Favier and Altmayer were traveling to Île de Ré, a French island known for its salt marshes, where Favier owned a home. Favier, who had two adult children, was previously described by The Times of London as the “best connected woman in Paris.” She had worked for other luxury brands, including Prada and Chanel, before joining Dior in 2011.
Delphine Arnault, CEO and chairperson of Christian Dior Couture, issued a statement calling Favier a “loyal friend” and an “incredible professional” who will be missed for her “optimism and courage.” The fashion house stated that Favier made an “incredible contribution to the reputation of Christian Dior Couture through her commitment and elegance,” noting she was an “exceptional woman whose communicative joy, talent and loyalty were exemplary.”
Favier's son, Carlo Agostinelli, shared a tribute on social media, calling his mother the “incarnation of life, the definition of joy.” He wrote about his struggles to comprehend the loss and expressed his commitment to honoring her memory by living a life that would make her proud, promising to look after their family. Favier also had a daughter, Héloïse.
Altmayer was known for producing films such as “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies,” “In the House,” “Young & Beautiful,” and “Summer of 85.” His career spanned nearly 30 years, with over 80 credits according to IMDB. Director François Ozon, who collaborated with Altmayer on 10 films, called him a “great producer” and a “supporter and a friend.”
Singer Celine Dion also paid tribute, recalling Favier's kindness and