LVMH: Arte documentary explores Bernard Arnault’s rise

The Arte documentary series ‘L’Empire LVMH’, directed by Jennifer Deschamps, explores the rise of Bernard Arnault and the construction of the global luxury conglomerate LVMH. The two-part film traces Arnault’s journey from his early business years in the United States to his acquisition of the textile company Boussac Saint-Frères in France.

The documentary details how Arnault, described as a financier with a predatory approach to business, dismantled Boussac to retain brands like Christian Dior and Le Bon Marché. It further examines his eventual takeover of Louis Vuitton, which solidified his influence in the luxury sector.

Beyond a personal biography, the film aims to illustrate the evolution of global capitalism, globalization, and the shifting landscape of the luxury industry through various French political eras, including the presidencies of Mitterrand, Sarkozy, and Hollande.