- Speaker #0
The podcast that explores new luxury experiences in art, design, and fashion. Today we're diving into the story of Juliette Dubois, a modern icon reshaping what it means to build a luxury brand in the 21st century.
- Speaker #1
What if I told you that one of the most innovative luxury entrepreneurs started by selling hats in 1989 and has now built an empire that's reshaping how we experience perfume, fashion, and luxury itself? Today we're exploring a story that challenges everything we think we know about building a modern luxury brand.
- Speaker #2
You know what's fascinating about Juliette Dubois' story? She's basically running three companies simultaneously while organizing international festivals and managing a fashion school. It's like watching someone juggle flaming torches while walking a tightrope.
- Speaker #1
And what really strikes me is how she's managed to build this empire from such specific beginnings. When you look at the luxury market today, Most successful brands either have centuries of heritage or massive corporate backing. But she's carved out this unique space all on her own.
- Speaker #2
Speaking of heritage, hmm, I couldn't help but notice the parallel between her story and Coco Chanel's. Both started with hats before building these incredible luxury empires.
- Speaker #1
Exactly. And you know what's really groundbreaking? This festival, International Du Parfum, she's created in Cannes. It's not just another trade show. She's completely reimagined how people experience fragrance. We're talking about gala dinners infused with specific scents, perfume runway shows, and these incredible olfactory conferences.
- Speaker #2
Well, that's what I find so intriguing about her approach. How does someone even conceptualize a dinner that's choreographed with fragrance?
- Speaker #1
So, from what I understand, it's this incredibly intricate process where they coordinate everything. The menu, the ambient scenting. even the timing of different fragrance releases throughout the evening. And get this, she's doing all of this while managing a global operation that distributes 100,000 units worldwide.
- Speaker #2
That level of coordination must require an incredible team. How many people do you think it takes to maintain an operation of that scale?
- Speaker #1
Well, she mentioned having multiple assistants and collaborators, but here's what's really impressive. She's maintained this consistent presence at industry events. attending about one per week since 1989. That's over 1,700 events, and now she's expanding into China, where her recent runway show in Shenzhen got over 14 million views.
- Speaker #2
You know what really stands out to me? The way she's managed to bridge these different worlds, traditional French luxury and modern digital commerce, exclusive boutiques and global e-commerce, artistic vision, and commercial success.
- Speaker #1
Exactly right. And let's talk about how she's approaching education because I think this is crucial. She's not just building a business. She's actively shaping the future of the industry through her fashion and perfumery school. And now she's opening this massive 500 square meter space in Cannes that's going to showcase both her perfume collections and her personal collection of dresses.
- Speaker #2
The educational aspect really shows such long-term thinking. It's like she's creating this self-sustaining ecosystem of luxury and innovation.
- Speaker #1
And what's particularly clever is how she's integrated herself into major events like the Cannes Film Festival. She's created the Juliette Dubois Festival within it, complete with garden parties, runway shows, and this Miss Elegance July and Cannes competition. It's brilliant brand positioning.
- Speaker #2
So what do you think is next for her? She mentioned wanting to partner with a major group for distribution.
- Speaker #1
Well. looking at her track record, I think we're going to see her continue to innovate while maintaining that crucial balance between growth and exclusivity. She's already got multiple successful brands, July Saint Barthélemy, July Ingrass, and Juliette Dubois Parfums, each serving different market segments but all maintaining this cohesive luxury identity.
- Speaker #2
That kind of strategic thinking really shows up in how she's structured everything. It's like she's playing chess while others are playing checkers.
- Speaker #1
You know what's really fascinating? The way she's approaching the Chinese market. Instead of just trying to sell products, she's building cultural bridges. The fact that the Fashion Week directors from China visited her school in Cannes shows how she's creating these meaningful international connections.
- Speaker #2
And all while maintaining the exclusivity of her brand. That's not an easy balance to strike.
- Speaker #1
Looking at the bigger picture. I think what we're seeing here is someone who's really redefining what it means to be a luxury entrepreneur in the 21st century. She's shown that you can build a global brand while still maintaining that personal touch and creative vision.
- Speaker #2
Let's wrap this up by noting how she's managed to stay innovative and excited about her work even after more than three decades in the industry.
- Speaker #1
Absolutely right. Whether you're interested in fashion, fragrance, or just entrepreneurship in general, there's something really inspiring about someone who's managed to turn their passion into such a comprehensive and successful enterprise. Until next time, keep dreaming big and staying focused on your vision.
- Speaker #0
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Lookbook Inspirations. If you enjoyed it, be sure to subscribe and explore more of our luxury, design, and wellness content on Lookbook magazine. See you soon for another immersive journey.
