KEY POINTS
Favier died after a collision involving her car and a heavy goods vehicle in Airvault, France.
Her partner, film producer Nicolas Altmayer, also died in the crash.
Dior and LVMH leaders praised Favier’s professionalism, warmth and longstanding contribution to the fashion house.
Christian Dior Couture confirmed Favier’s death on Tuesday, marking the loss of one of the fashion house’s most recognizable public relations figures. She had spent 13 years at Dior, where she oversaw celebrity relations and became a familiar presence at the brand’s major fashion events.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. Monday on the D938 road in Airvault, in France’s Deux-Sèvres department. According to information reported by French regional broadcaster ICI, the vehicle collided head-on with a heavy goods vehicle while overtaking another vehicle.
French authorities have opened an investigation into involuntary manslaughter by a driver to determine the precise circumstances of the collision. Favier’s partner, 61-year-old film producer Nicolas Altmayer, also died in the accident.
Favier began her career in the 1980s at French fashion magazines including Glamour and Femina. She later moved into public relations at Italian luxury house Prada before joining Dior in 2011.
Her work at Dior placed her at the center of the brand’s relationships with celebrities and international guests. She was frequently photographed at fashion shows, where she welcomed high-profile attendees and helped guide them to their seats.
Favier was also the half-sister of Victoire de Castellane, Dior’s creative director of fine jewelry. The sisters began their careers in fashion at Chanel through their uncle, Gilles Dufour, who worked alongside designer Karl Lagerfeld.
More Than a Public Relations Executive
Away from her Dior responsibilities, Favier developed a public profile connected to French fashion and lifestyle. She was known for her distinctive cropped hairstyle, wide smile and elegant Dior-focused wardrobe.
She also shared her interest in entertaining and home presentation, including elaborate table settings on Instagram. Her publishing work included Mathilde à Paris and Living Beautifully in Paris, the latter released in 2024.
Favier’s role involved managing Dior’s relationships with celebrities, an increasingly visible part of luxury fashion marketing. Her frequent appearances alongside major guests made her a recognizable figure beyond the company’s internal public relations operation.
Her connection to the fashion industry also extended through her family, while her career at both Prada and Dior gave her experience across two major international luxury houses.
Dior CEO Delphine Arnault described Favier as an exceptional professional and a loyal friend, highlighting her optimism, courage, talent and the warmth she brought to the company.
Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson said he was “heartbroken” by her death and credited Favier with bringing warmth, energy and positivity to the fashion house.
LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault also expressed deep sadness, remembering Favier for the passion, energy and talent she devoted to Dior over many years.
Nicolas Altmayer
Favier’s partner, Nicolas Altmayer, was an established figure in French cinema. He produced comedy films including OSS 117 and Brice de Nice, both associated with actor Jean Dujardin.
Altmayer also co-led the production company Mandarin & Compagnie with his brother, Éric, adding another prominent creative-industry connection to the tragedy.
The investigation into the fatal collision remains the confirmed next step. Authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Sources: Provided source material, including statements from Dior, Delphine Arnault, Jonathan Anderson and Bernard Arnault, and reporting attributed to Le Monde and French regional broadcaster ICI.
