The richest man in France, Bernard Arnault, who also serves as the CEO of the upscale conglomerate LVMH, spent around 150 million euros ($163 million) to become the exclusive sponsor of the Paris Olympics. His products were the focal point of an extravagant display that was watched by people all around the world at the opening ceremony of the Games.
Grammy winner Lady Gaga, dressed in a black feather jacket by Dior Haute Couture over a black satin bustier, sang a passionate rendition of Renee 'Zizi' Jeanmaire's "Mon truc en plumes" (My Feather Friend).
The world's most popular female vocalist from France, Aya Nakamura, sang a medley of her greatest songs while wearing an over-the-shoulder gold, silk, and feather outfit by Dior.
French athletes were attired for the event by LVMH's Berluti brand.
After having lunch with Tesla owner Elon Musk the day before at a gathering organised by President Emmanuel Macron, Arnault watched the event from his lavish hotel, the Cheval Blanc, which has a view of the Seine.
When asked why LVMH sponsored the Games in a CNBC interview on Friday, Arnault responded, "We cannot avoid helping as we are the number one French company."However, it ought to make sense. Simply put, we won't donate money and then say, "Okay, you thank us," and go on. We want to figure out how to use the Olympics to demonstrate to the world that France is a sophisticated, artistic, and handcrafted nation in and of itself."
The celebration will include LVMH's Moët & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac served in VIP bars. The company's jewellery brand Chaumet has created medals specifically for the occasion, and the medal trays and torch trunks are branded Louis Vuitton.
Cinematic video footage of the trunks being taken down to the Seine and the fabrication of the athletes' medals was shown during the opening spectacle.
"In tonight's opening ceremony, you will see very beautiful dresses done by Dior and other houses," Arnault stated to CNBC. "It's, I think, a fantastic way to show that France is special."
(Source:www.theprint.in)
Grammy winner Lady Gaga, dressed in a black feather jacket by Dior Haute Couture over a black satin bustier, sang a passionate rendition of Renee 'Zizi' Jeanmaire's "Mon truc en plumes" (My Feather Friend).
The world's most popular female vocalist from France, Aya Nakamura, sang a medley of her greatest songs while wearing an over-the-shoulder gold, silk, and feather outfit by Dior.
French athletes were attired for the event by LVMH's Berluti brand.
After having lunch with Tesla owner Elon Musk the day before at a gathering organised by President Emmanuel Macron, Arnault watched the event from his lavish hotel, the Cheval Blanc, which has a view of the Seine.
When asked why LVMH sponsored the Games in a CNBC interview on Friday, Arnault responded, "We cannot avoid helping as we are the number one French company."However, it ought to make sense. Simply put, we won't donate money and then say, "Okay, you thank us," and go on. We want to figure out how to use the Olympics to demonstrate to the world that France is a sophisticated, artistic, and handcrafted nation in and of itself."
The celebration will include LVMH's Moët & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac served in VIP bars. The company's jewellery brand Chaumet has created medals specifically for the occasion, and the medal trays and torch trunks are branded Louis Vuitton.
Cinematic video footage of the trunks being taken down to the Seine and the fabrication of the athletes' medals was shown during the opening spectacle.
"In tonight's opening ceremony, you will see very beautiful dresses done by Dior and other houses," Arnault stated to CNBC. "It's, I think, a fantastic way to show that France is special."
(Source:www.theprint.in)