Francesca Bellettini, the chief executive of Yves Saint Laurent, in Paris.CreditMarco Cella for The New York Times. Bellettini, a former investment banker, had stints at Prada group and Helmut Lang. Bellettini became the Strategic Planning Director and Associate Worldwide Merchandising Director of Gucci in 2003, the Worldwide Merchandising and Communications Director of Bottega Veneta in 2010, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Yves Saint Laurent in 2013. One Year with Print $8.95 Per month Billed annually at $107.40 Cancel anytime Indeed, the CEO of French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, Francesca Bellettini, came to realize the storied firm. PARIS Francesca Bellettini doesnt style her hair. Sign In. Enduring look In 2013, she became President and Chief Executive Officer of Yves Saint Laurent. To receive the Vogue Business newsletter, sign up here. While attending a recent industry function, she said a man told her she was a"disgrace" and that her campaign"would bring down the entire City [London's financial district]." He is Belgian-born, and his first language is French, but his parents come from Agrigento in Sicily, and he grew up speaking. Over the last few years, this has hit high-end brands hard. A record number of women made Britains rich list, Yves Saint Laurents chief exec talks about managing a successful fashion business, and in one area of Silicon Valley, women rule. She sure is a powerhouse woman running a billion-dollar brand. Chief Executive Officer, Yves Saint Laurent at Kering - View - Kering org chart. Bellettini holds a degree from Bocconi University in Milan and began her career as an investment banker in London, working for Goldman Sachs, Compass Partners and others. Getty. But when BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed asked Bellettini what she . Top 5 ways to manage the board during turbulent times, Top 5 ways to create a family-friendly work culture, Top 5 tips for a successful joint venture, Top 5 ways managers can support ethnic minority workers, Top 5 ways to encourage gender diversity in the workplace, Top 5 ways CEOs can create an ethical company culture, Top 5 tips for going into business with your spouse, Top 5 ways to promote a healthy workforce, Top 5 tips for avoiding the conference vortex, Top 5 ways to maximise new parents work-life balance with technology, Top 5 ways to build psychological safety in the workplace, Top 5 ways to prepare your workforce for the AI revolution, Top 5 ways to tackle innovation stress in the workplace, Luxury camping is proving popular with eco-conscious holidaymakers, A pilot shortage could inhibit the private aviation industrys ascent, Sustainable methods and local materials are replacing exoticism in interior design, Buying a private island is a more viable goal than you might think, The dangers of the burgeoning wellness retreat industry, Franois-Henri Pinaults refined approach brings Kering success, Fashion industry seeks to shake bad reputation with CSR initiatives, A solid business foundation male make-up enters the boardroom, Fashion icon and Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld dies aged 85, Luxury goods market finally set for digital shake-up. analyse how our Sites are used. Bellettini believes having a permanent collection is vital in ensuring brand awareness and recruiting customers. Bellettini explained that she was not afraid: I am Italian, I can speak with my hands, I would figure it out. Bellettini, Rosenkranz, and Siegal shared a laugh at this response. Yet, this also meant that they could not hire more people either. Tall and slim, Ms. Bellettini is always clad head-to-toe in Saint Laurent, which she wears with the throwaway ease of any old thing. Its effective, also because the name is powerful.. The oldest executive at Kering SA is Baudouin Prot, 69, who is the Director. We are the only French couture house to be relevant in both menswear and womenswear. Secondly, as a brand, YSL has set a clear strategy dedicated to never making compromises and executing meticulously. Will Others Follow? The Saint Laurent head office is based on Rue de Bellechasse in Paris. Kering's third-quarter earnings presentation mentions a continued appeal to younger generations. The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world. As her son is somehow part of her dead lover, she falls in love with him and tries to seduce him, but he has a girlfriend named Julie. Its not a problem. , Mr. Pinault set a broad strategic vision and gave her flexibility and freedom in reaching the goals. If I can be honest, I dont think that today that campaign would even be shot.. This required their team members to take on unique responsibilities, for instance, those who work at the stores as sales assistants were trained to become sales assistants over the phone. So maybe it makes sense that in this new mothership, the result of three years of work, he prefers a hidden space over all else. Francesca Bellettini, chief exec of fast-growing Yves Saint Laurent, says a crucial part of managing a business is balance. He asked me did I want to be C.E.O. We dont do it to sell an extra bag. Indeed, such a drastic identity change is usually a big no for established brands, but the audacious move came as part of a shake-up intended to give the brand some much-needed clarity. In 2019 she was awarded the FrenchKnight of the Legion of Honour, the highest possible distinction for a civilian in the country. There, on the driveway at the edge of the sidewalk, the cobblestones under our feet rumble as we slowly start to descend: It turns out to be a platform elevator that takes us down, Bond-villain style, to a small parking lot. The chef worked in kitchens for over 20 years before buying The French Laundryand has a secret hack for ordering In-N-Out fries. Yet five years later, Kering, the Paris-based luxury group that owns Saint Laurent, Gucci and Bottega Veneta, among other brands, reported that 2017 was its most profitable year on record; YSL announced a 25.3 percent increase in revenue over 2016, the second-largest growth in the group, following Gucci. You will be notified in advance of any changes in rate or terms. 2013 - Present, 2008 - 2013, Buying & Merchandising Director, Selfridges, Creative Director, Tom Ford & Chairman, CFDA, Former Chairman & Chief Executive, Yoox Net-a-Porter Group. During your trial you will have complete digital access to FT.com with everything in both of our Standard Digital and Premium Digital packages. Why? Alex Murdaughs Trial Lasted Six Weeks. That, to me, has been what makes her such a wonderful CEO, especially in a creative field like fashion, said McInnes. However, under Francesca Bellettini's guidance, the rebadged Saint Laurent has been remarkably successful. Not everybody understood, because we are not very talkative; the more you explain, the less sexy a concept becomes. The change to Saint Laurent also reflected a decisive shift towards modernity, helping the brand reach young people who do not share the same connection to the original name as older generations. ", The priority is to make sure the leather I use is sourced correctly. Not long after the name change, the company continued its transformation by appointing Bellettini as its new CEO, replacing Paul Deneuve, who changed industries to work under Apple CEO Tim Cook. Its part of the DNA of the brand, Bellettini told Business of Fashion (BoF) in an April 2016 interview. First of all fashion, in Bellettinis words, can transform you into a dreamer. What was truly striking, however, was when Bellettini explained her out-look on life: if Plan A fails, Plan B will never be a watered-down version; instead, both paths will take her down something remarkable and exciting. Nevertheless, Bellettinis success was not easy to achieve. Such was Slimanes influence that many industry analysts predicted his departure would lead to a reversal of Saint Laurents recent growth. And she doesnt speak French. Con Laetitia Casta, Mathieu Amalric, Pierre Arditi, Nomie Lvovsky. Alex Murdaugh Receives Life Sentence: What Happens Now? Speaking of Gen Z, she says the key is to be authentic. PARIS Francesca Bellettini is riding high.. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Bloody hell!. Bellettini will succeed current chief executive Paul Deneve, who after two years at the head of the luxury fashion label is leaving for a position in the technology industry in California . While she was working as an investment banker, the fashion industry was flourishing. Comedienne Amy Schumer makes the cover of Vanity Fair, Trump supporters sell 'Trump That Bitch' t-shirts depicting Hillary Clinton as the businessman candidatestruggles to attract female voters, Women will grace 5 pound and 10 pound notes in Scotland, Howa woman rose to senior product manager from customer support at Etsy, Fire departments in the U.S. turn to women volunteers, Designer Christine Kendall sues Alexander McQueen over Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress, actress Helen Mirren, reflecting on a lack of roles for women in movies. Bellettini appointed Anthony Vaccarello as creative director in 2016. Even before Mr. Slimane decided not to renew his contract after slightly less than four years at the house, Ms. Bellettini had noticed an interesting trend in fashion magazines and shops like Colette in Paris and Bergdorfs in New York: Mr. Vaccarellos ready-to-wear was being matched up with Saint Laurents accessories. This generation doesnt appreciate being considered a target. Check if your She was a villain, then an icon. Russia's war on Ukraine latest: Putin casts war as battle for nation's survival, India FM Jaishankar says Soros dangerous, debate needed on democracy, Buffett's Berkshire profit falls on investments, currencies, Bill Gates buys Heineken stake, despite saying he's 'not a big beer drinker', Elon Musk recruits team to develop OpenAI rival - The Information, Hedge fund manager Chris Hohn demands Airbus drop Atos deal - letter, Elon Musk's challenge: Stay ahead of the competition, ISS urges Apple shareholders to vote for CEO Tim Cook, other execs' pay packages, Elon Musk accuses media of racism after newspapers drop 'Dilbert' cartoon, French media billionaire Niel fails with bid for TNT television frequence - Arcom. The Italian executive, who took over the Kering -owned brand in 2013 and has since overseen a tripling of its sales, was joined by family, colleagues and members of the Saint Laurent galaxy at the. President and Chief Executive Officer, Yves Saint Laurent. Bellettini has overseen a radical rebranding, overhauling the company from within Image: Nico. Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT, Purchase a Trial subscription for $1 for 4 weeks, You will be billed $69 per month after the trial ends, Russian far-right fighter claims border stunt exposes Putins weakness, Germany seeks to buy Leopard tanks from Switzerland, Germany and Italy stall EU ban on combustion engines, Ukraine asks EU for 250,000 artillery shells a month, Russia on alert after reconnaissance group crosses over from Ukraine, Panic station at Fox News: how the Murdochs agonised over Trumps loss, Saudi owner of Londons most expensive house sued over alleged unpaid private jet bills, UK cabbage king turns to plant-based proteins, UK housing market braced for make-or-break spring, Airlines plan to sue Dutch government over Schiphol airport flight cap, There are no domestic equity investors: why companies are fleeing Londons stock market, Live news updates from March 3: Amazon pauses HQ2 construction, UK regulators launch LME probe, Deluge of inflation data pushes US borrowing costs to 2007 levels, FCA regulator blamed for Arms decision to shun London listing, Clutching Warrens letter, Im still positive on stocks, Joe Biden teaches the EU a lesson or two on big state dirigisme. OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom These days, Saint Laurent chief executive Francesca Bellettini spends more time fielding questions about her former colleague, current Celine creative director Hedi Slimane, than she would perhaps like. But in spite of this natural reaction, one brand has defied the trend. By Laure Guilbault November 15, 2021 Courtesy of Saint Laurent Francesca Bellettini (FB): Saint Laurent's retail performances in China absolutely surpassed the pre-COVID-19 situation, boosted by Chinese consumers buying locally. Diversification has been one key to the houses current success. Rebecca Faria, a 29-year-old Brazilian. When she saw an article of clothing she really liked, she could not hold herself from saying I really liked that, without thinking about what her comments impact could be. Have a good Tuesday! She was appointed president and CEO of Yves Saint Laurent in 2013. Email us at feedback@voguebusiness.com. Her major renovation of the companys organisation not only consolidated the brands new image, but also allowed Saint Laurent to reach a whole new audience. This mistake turned into an important lesson, contributing to Bellettinis success in balancing the creative and business parts of the fashion brands she worked with based on mutual trust and respect. Bellettini decided that experience in finance would bolster her chances of pursuing her dream of running a company -- and so, she dove into a very new universe of Goldmach Sachs International. The biggest move to bring clarity back was changing the brand name. According to the fashion house's CEO, Francesca Bellettini, the Vaccarello era at the fashion house will be a . Bellettini also believes that no job is a waste of time, even if we have to deal with bosses that we do not like. Sales have just hit the 1.5 billion mark; her ultimate goal is to double it. Her poise, her elegance, her drive, all with an overwhelming optimism. That means you risk having more leftovers. Plan B was to study Mechanical Engineering at Bologna University and work for Ferrari; she had a bright laugh when describing how she aspired to be on the side-lines of the track changing the racing wheels of the cars. By Roza Kovak. 25 April 2016. She joined Kering in 2003 as Strategic Planning Director and Associate Worldwide Merchandising Director of Gucci. Around 60 per cent of Saint Laurent's clients were locals in 2020, according to Morgan Stanleys estimates. She has what she calls de-stressful activities three mornings a week: running as much as six miles along the Seine or kickboxing with a personal trainer. Le grand appartement: Dirigido por Pascal Thomas. All rights reserved. We use A University of East Anglia researcher, Helen Bear, is developing technology to enable computers to read lips. Moderated by Emma . YSL continues to grow that number. And she had done it all while navigating the departure of Saint Laurents star designer, Hedi Slimane, and the transition to a relatively low-key unknown, Anthony Vaccarello, a change of creative leadership that had the industry predicting disaster for the brand. Francesca Bellettini (born 18 April 1970) is an Italian business woman. It was pissing me off a little bit, she said. Bellettini is the kind of person who is goal driven and focusing on pushing forward towards that goal, said McInnes. At the forefront of this strategy is balance. Flexibility has been another. Francesca Bellettini was considered an odd choice for the heritage house but shes led it into the billion-euro club. . Right now, Bellettini is actively trying to learn French with the goal of becoming an Okay French speaker by the end of 2021. How Saint Laurent Became a $3 Billion Powerhouse. Mr. Vaccarello and Ms. Bellettini have since become soul mates. Lauren Sherman. It isn't easy. Thats when Mr. Pinault noticed her. Thanks to the law of 1948 and to her grandmother, the nominal tenant who is always absent, Francesca Cigalone and all her tribe (thoughtless husband, orphan sister, self-centered film maker and his mistress of the day, eccentric granny, friends, friends of the friends . Bellettini notes that tourists and local customers shop differently: tourists are in search of a better price but know what product they want, while locals are more selective. On March 10th, hundreds of excited audience members watched the zoom stage open to reveal a sneak peek of the Yves Saint Laurent headquarters in Paris; sitting in her chic pantsuit and shining a wide smile was Francesca Bellettini, CEO of YSL. Parent company Kerings 2016 results, for example, revealed the brands comparable revenue surged by an astonishing 33.9 percent across all product categories and geographic regions. She is determined never to panic or bow to public pressure out of fear. She has been the chief executive officer of Yves Saint Laurent since 2013. Part of establishing Saint Laurents new image has been a focus on permanent collections. But the largest companies in Silicon Valley are trying to change that, using virtual sports platforms to drive adoption and profit in this new world. One featured a model in a fur jacket and fishnet tights reclining with her legs spread wide open; the other, a model in a leotard and roller-skate stilettos bending over a stool. Showing Editorial results for francesca le. He met with Ms. Bellettini secretly, and after several interviews, including one with Franois-Henri Pinault, Kerings chairman and chief executive, was offered the job. organisation He never frightens you, she said. Rosenkranz and Siegal moved on to the audience Q&A section of the talk, where they noted that Fashion@Brown had received pages and pages and pages of submitted questions. This, Bellettini maintains, also translates to improved business from travellers a key strategy given the huge potential of travel retail. You may cancel your subscription at anytime by calling Creative director Hedi Slimane left to take the reins of Celine and she recruited Vaccarello to succeed him. Daniel Lee's surprise exit from Bottega Veneta, The Long View by Vogue Business: The fashion CEOs take on resale, LVMH fashion sales climb despite concerns in China, Saint Laurent is the new rising star at Kering. Can New Bottega Balance Hype, Heritage and Rapid Growth. Saint Laurent wanted to be a billion-dollar company. Belletini also serves on the executive committee of France's Fdration de la Haute Couture et de la Mode and in July 2019 was elected president of theChambre Syndicale de la Mode Fminine, the country's governing body for womenswear. Non-Executive Director at Ferrari - View - Ferrari org chart. He was required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Bellettini started Bocconi University and completed her education with a year abroad at the University of Chicago where she was introduced to the world of investment banking. Enter your email to receive editorial updates, special offers and breaking news alerts from Vogue Business. Why is Anthonys ready-to-wear always pictured in the magazines with our bags and shoes? Francesca Bellettini is also on the board of Technogym SpA, Yves Saint Laurent UK Ltd. and Ferrari NV. This massage technique is attracting fans across Hollywood, including Ariana Grande, Kourtney Kardashian and Sean Diddy Combs. "I most often work in places that are torn by war, natural disasters or epidemic, but I'm incredibly at peace amid the chaos," she said. She climbed the ladder at Kering starting in 2003, when she joined as strategic planning director and associate worldwide merchandising director of Gucci. Francesca Bellettini, Yves St Laurent SA: Profile and Biography - Bloomberg Markets Subscribe Live Now Bloomberg TV+ Power Players:Chris Robshaw Bloomberg Radio Bloomberg Daybreak Asia. It helps that were open, that we tend to smile, that we have this funny accent, she said, smiling. Silicon Valley always seems to be abuzz about the limited number of womenin the tech industry. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. During the later stages of the conversation, when asked about the secrets of her success, she elaborated on how the relationship between the creative and business parts of a fashion brand is the single most important factor. Smaller categories such as silk, jewellery and eyewear are also booming, contributing to growth. Moderated by Emma Rosenkranz 23, vice-president of Fashion@Brown, and Dani Siegal 24, social media coordinator, Ms. Bellettini gave an inspiring talk which spoke to her courage, integrity, and drive. It makes us simpatico. The worst thing you can do with your teams is to create a culture of fear.. One of the few female CEOs leading a fashion brand, Francesca Bellettini started her career as an investment banker before switching industries. You may change your billing preferences at any time in the Customer Center or call Painted black lacquer with gleaming white markers, its more appropriate for an upscale bondage club than a place to stash the companys off-duty town cars. Yet, what was most eye-opening was when Bellettini explained that, in fact, we must focus on choosing a job that suits us the most; we must focus on finding work that ignites a spark. You may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online. But I dont have to do something to please someone or some client.. Bellettini took it to that level within a three-year period. This has been a big strength during the pandemic, when tourism stopped. 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. After looping across the vast courtyard of the former 18th-century abbey, through the showrooms, we pass through the front gate at the rue de Bellechasse. Why Barnes & Noble Is Copying Local Bookstores It Once Threatened, What Floridas Dying Oranges Tell Us About How Commodity Markets Work, Watch: Heavy Snowfall Shuts Down Parts of California, Watch: Alex Murdaugh Found Guilty in Murders of His Wife and Son. FOR those predicting another seismic shift in brand identity at Saint Laurent - following the departure of Hedi Slimane last month and the appointment of Anthony Vaccarello - you will be in for a surprise. We talk a lot about strategy, where we want to go. Standard Digital includes access to a wealth of global news, analysis and expert opinion. When the number of Chinese tourists coming to Paris plummeted in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in January and November of 2015, Saint Laurent refocused its Paris stores on attracting France-based clients and ramped up the business in China. Browse 110 francesca bellettini stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Francesca Bellettini is appointed president and chief executive. Some mourned the YSL moniker, while others embraced the freshness of the new name and new look. A brand without clarity, at the end of the day, becomes just a commodity, said Bellettini at the Financial Times Business of Luxury conference in 2016. Bellettini noted how, guided by YSLs commitment to its team, they managed to not fire anyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. This inspired Bellettini to, in 1999, join the Business Planning and Development division of the Prada group. In an exclusive interview with Vogue Business, CEO Francesca Bellettini shares her plans to continue growth while sticking to the brand's DNA. Under CEO Francesca Bellettini and designer Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has more than doubled sales in 5 years and is on track to surpass $3 billion in 2022. Leather goods represents the lions share of Saint Laurents sales (71 per cent of the business in 2020), which puts it in the league of brands with the highest percentage. We are delighted that you'd like to resume your subscription. Their brand offers an escape to people, which during this unparalleled time in our world, is vital. Reach out to me, at: laura.cohn@gmail.com or @laurascohn. For cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the Settings & Account section. It earned the brand criticisms. This is to ensure the offer is reflecting the current vision of the brand. Francesca Anderson, the rich wife of an older millionaire, can't cope with the death of her lover, who is the father of her only son, James. The decision was to invest. In 2019 she was awarded the French Knight of the Legion of Honour, the highest possible distinction for a civilian in the country. The looks Anthony does for the shows are incredibly complete jewellery, shoes, etc. Her father, whom she adored, was an accountant at a lumber company; her mother, a school administrator.