Who Is Anne Dewavrin? All About Bernard Arnault’s First Wife

Anne Dewavrin is best known as the first wife of French businessman Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH. They married in 1973 and had two children, Delphine and Antoine Arnault, before ending their marriage in 1990. Anne later married Patrice de Maistre and has kept most of her personal life private.

Quick Facts

Anne Dewavrin’s Early Life

Anne Dewavrin comes from northern France. One secondary source reports that she was born in Roubaix, France, on May 19, 1950.

Another source reported that Anne turned 72 in 2022, which also supports a 1950 birth year. However, her exact birthday is not as strongly documented.

If the reported May 1950 date is correct, Anne is 76 years old in 2026.

Very little information is publicly available about her childhood. The names of her parents and siblings have not been reliably reported.

Her Education and Career

Anne’s educational background is not publicly documented. There is no reliable information about the schools or universities she attended.

Her profession is also not publicly confirmed.

Anne is sometimes connected with fashion because of her influence on her daughter Delphine, but there is no evidence that Anne herself had a professional career in the fashion industry.

Marriage to Bernard Arnault

Anne married Bernard Arnault in 1973. Both were reportedly in their early twenties at the time.

Bernard had recently completed his engineering education in France and was beginning his professional career.

Their marriage lasted about 17 years and produced two children, Delphine and Antoine.

The couple ended their marriage in 1990.

The reason for their divorce has not been publicly confirmed.

Anne and Bernard’s Daughter Delphine Arnault

Anne and Bernard welcomed their first child, Delphine Arnault, on April 4, 1975.

Delphine later became a major figure in the luxury fashion business.

She joined the board of Louis Vuitton in 2003 and was appointed executive vice president of the company in 2013. She later became the head of Christian Dior Couture.

Delphine has spoken about how her mother influenced her interest in fashion.

Anne Influenced Delphine’s Love of Fashion

Delphine developed an interest in fashion as a teenager.

She has recalled seeing her mother wearing beautiful dresses and suits while she was growing up. Anne also gave her daughter style advice.

These experiences helped develop Delphine’s interest in clothes and fashion.

Delphine also grew up in a musical family. She started playing piano at around five years old and continued until her early twenties.

Anne and Bernard’s Son Antoine Arnault

Anne’s second child, Antoine Arnault, was born on June 4, 1977.

Antoine also became involved in the family’s luxury businesses.

His roles over the years have included chairman of Loro Piana, chief executive of Berluti, and a senior communications and image position connected with Louis Vuitton.

Anne has occasionally appeared publicly with Antoine as an adult.

Who Is Bernard Arnault?

Bernard Arnault is a French businessman best known for leading LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s largest luxury goods groups.

The group is connected with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tiffany & Co.

Bernard became one of the world’s wealthiest businesspeople as LVMH expanded.

Anne was married to him during an earlier part of his business career, before he reached his later level of international fame and wealth.

Bernard Arnault’s Second Marriage and Children

After his marriage to Anne ended, Bernard married Canadian concert pianist Hélène Mercier in 1991.

Bernard and Hélène have three sons: Alexandre, Frédéric, and Jean Arnault.

Together with Delphine and Antoine, Bernard has five children.

Several members of the Arnault family have gone on to hold positions within the family’s luxury businesses.

Anne Dewavrin’s Second Marriage

Anne remarried in 2001.

Her second husband is Patrice de Maistre, a French financial professional.

Patrice worked as a chartered accountant and was associated with Deloitte. He later became a wealth manager for wealthy clients.

One of his most prominent clients was Liliane Bettencourt, the L’Oréal heiress.

Anne and Patrice do not have any publicly known children together.

Patrice de Maistre’s Legal Case

Patrice de Maistre became involved in a major legal case connected with his work for Liliane Bettencourt.

The case attracted significant attention beginning around 2010. He was accused of taking advantage of Bettencourt’s vulnerability while managing her wealth.

There were also allegations concerning political campaign financing connected to former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

On May 28, 2015, a Bordeaux criminal court convicted Patrice in the case. The supplied reports say he received a 30-month prison sentence, a substantial fine, and an order to pay damages.

Patrice appealed his conviction. He and Bettencourt later reached a settlement to end their dispute.

There is no indication in the supplied information that Anne herself was accused of wrongdoing in the case.

Anne Was Photographed During the Investigation

Anne rarely attracted media attention herself, but she was photographed during the investigation involving her husband.

On July 9, 2010, she was seen leaving her home in Paris with her dog after police searched the headquarters of Patrice’s firm.

Anne did not become a regular public figure during the case.

Anne Dewavrin’s Public Appearances

Anne has occasionally attended public events with members of her family.

On May 13, 2014, she was photographed at The Strange City exhibition in Paris.

She appeared there with her son Antoine Arnault and her second husband, Patrice de Maistre.

Anne and Patrice have also been photographed at a gala in Paris supporting L’Association Le Pont Neuf.

These appearances have been relatively uncommon.

Her Relationship With Her Family

Available information shows that Anne remained involved in the lives of her adult children.

Her influence on Delphine’s interest in fashion has been publicly discussed by Delphine herself.

A small family detail also appeared in a 2017 interview involving Antoine and his wife. They discussed height markings kept in their home for family members. Anne’s height had been marked there along with their children’s and family friend Karlie Kloss’s.

Anne is also a grandmother through her children, although a complete list of her grandchildren is not provided in the available sources.

Where Is Anne Dewavrin Today?

Anne has maintained a private life for many years.

She has been associated with France, but her exact current residence is not reliably confirmed.

There is also little reliable information about her current daily activities.

Unlike Bernard and their children, Anne has not maintained a major public or business profile.

Anne Dewavrin’s Net Worth

Anne Dewavrin’s personal net worth is not reliably known.

There is no verified information about her income, investments, property, divorce settlement, or other assets.

Bernard Arnault’s wealth should not be used as an estimate of Anne’s personal fortune.

Social Media

Anne does not appear to have a verified public social media presence.

No confirmed Instagram, Facebook, X, or other personal account has been identified.

Interesting Facts

• Anne Dewavrin comes from northern France.
• Her birth year is reported as 1950.
• May 19, 1950 is her reported birth date.
• Roubaix is reported as her birthplace.
• She married Bernard Arnault in 1973.
• Anne and Bernard had two children.
• Delphine Arnault was born on April 4, 1975.
• Antoine Arnault was born on June 4, 1977.
• Delphine has credited Anne’s style with influencing her interest in fashion.
• Anne and Bernard ended their 17-year marriage in 1990.
• The reason for their divorce has not been publicly confirmed.
• Anne married Patrice de Maistre in 2001.
• Patrice worked as a financial professional and wealth manager.
• Anne has occasionally appeared publicly with Antoine and Patrice.
• Her profession and education are not publicly confirmed.
• Her personal net worth is not reliably known.

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