Module XVII·Article I·~2 min read

French in the Luxury Sector

Luxury, Hospitality, and Diplomatic French

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French in the Luxury Sector: LVMH, Hermès, Kering

Why French = Luxury?

France is the world capital of luxe: around 75% of the global luxury goods market is accounted for by French and Italian brands, with French brands dominating in fashion, beauty, and gastronomy.

Key groups:

  • LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton): Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, Bulgari, Tiffany, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy, Sephora
  • Kering: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Pomellato
  • Hermès: the only independent family-owned company among the top luxury firms
  • Chanel: independent, one of the most valuable brands in the world
  • L'Oréal Luxe: Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Giorgio Armani Beauty

Key Luxury Vocabulary

Fashion / Mode

FrenchTranslation
la haute couturehaute couture (unique handmade pieces)
le prêt-à-porter de luxeluxury ready-to-wear
la maison (de mode)fashion house
le créateur / le couturierdesigner / couturier
la collectioncollection
le défilé (de mode)fashion show
l'ateliersateliers (couture production)
le savoir-fairecraftsmanship, expertise
l'artisanat d'excellencemasterful craftsmanship
la sellerieleather craft (Hermès)

Gastronomy

FrenchTranslation
la gastronomie / la haute cuisinegastronomy / haute cuisine
le chef (étoilé)(starred) chef
les étoiles MichelinMichelin stars
le terroirterroir (place of origin)
le millésimevintage (for wine)
la cave à vinswine cellar
le sommeliersommelier
l'accord mets-vinspairing of dishes and wines

Communication in Luxury

Describing products:

  • “Cet article est réalisé à la main dans nos ateliers.” — This item is handmade in our ateliers.
  • “Chaque pièce est unique, fruit d’un savoir-faire transmis depuis des générations.”
  • “La qualité des matières premières est au cœur de notre excellence.”

Client relationship:

  • “Nous vous proposons une expérience sur-mesure.” — We offer you a bespoke experience.
  • “Votre satisfaction est notre priorité absolue.” — Your satisfaction is our absolute priority.
  • “Permettez-nous de vous accompagner dans ce choix.” — Allow us to accompany you in this choice.

Luxury in UAE and GCC

Dubai is one of the largest global markets for luxury goods. French brands are actively present:

  • LVMH sales growth in the Middle East: +25%+ annually
  • Boutiques in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Avenue at Etihad Towers
  • Key client: local HNWIs + tourists (Russians, Indians, Chinese, Saudis)

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