Video Interviews

World-renowned gallerist and businesswoman Dominique Lévy brings themes and subject matters together in ways that challenge conventions and evoke powerful emotions. In this interview at the French Institute Alliance Francaise in NYC, Lévy discusses pivotal moments in her career, the role of mentors, the art of negotiation, and her relationship with artists and collectors.

As President and CEO of PayPal, Dan Schulman has been vocal about giving capitalism an “upgrade” and leading towards a more inclusive and equitable future. At the FrenchFounders conference, co-presented with BNP Paribas, he takes us behind the scenes and describes how he instills these values at the heart of PayPal’s culture.

Frédéric Malle founded the Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle in 2000, and in 2015 the Estée Lauder Companies acquired his company. Malle spoke at FIAF for the launch of his book: “Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle: The First Twenty Years”. Partnering with the greatest perfumers around the world, Malle has built a magnificent collection of fragrances. This lively conversation covers creativity, collaboration, sensuality, and attitude.

Laure Heriard Dubreuil has channeled her passion for style into a growing empire of unique and groundbreaking concept stores, the first of which launched in 2009 – The Webster Miami. The store’s aesthetic and curated collection of pieces is based in Dubreuil’s own sense of style. It’s also grounded in her deep understanding of the industry, which she discusses here.

Writer, actress, and former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Joan Juliet Buck, tackles life with all of her senses: An eye for color, a nose for stories, an ear for the unheard of, a seductive touch, and a taste for adventure. On the occasion of the publication of her memoir, The Price of Illusion, Buck details her remarkable life full of eccentric personalities, priceless opportunities, and unexpected outcomes.

Agnès b. is a designer, filmmaker, activist and patron of the arts. Mention her name and people immediately call out their wardrobe favorites: the snap cardigan, oversize white shirt, striped t-shirt. For someone with such a strong stylistic signature, you may be surprised to learn that agnès doesn’t care for fashion. “Fashion does not interest me, only style,” she says. In this conversation, we explore inspiration, creative habits, and building a global brand.

“There has never, never been a great house without first a great owner,” says architect and designer Thierry Despont, who has designed homes for Bill Gates, and whose renovation projects include the Woolworth Building, the Ritz Paris, and Claridge’s London, among many others. In this humor-filled talk, Despont discusses his creative process, the relationship between design and architecture, and giving shape to people’s dreams.

Sébastien Bazin, Accor’s chief executive, was a keynote speaker at The French Founders conference. In this very open interview (in French), we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, the future of hotel design, and his leadership style in times of transition.