A joke by Emmanuel Macron added a nice touch to the ceremony: Nicolas Ghesquière, a designer highly appreciated by Brigitte Macron, received the insignia of knight of the Legion of Honor. The president recounted that his wife had just described him as the “second man of her life” — a phrase full of humor, at an official moment where fashion and family life delicately intersected.
In brief: this honorary distinction recognizes the 35 years of career of the artistic director of the women’s collections of Louis Vuitton. It also highlights the professional and friendly bond that unites the designer to Brigitte Macron, without ever lifting the veil on the family’s private life.
Nicolas Ghesquière honored by Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée
During the award ceremony organized at the Élysée, Emmanuel Macron presented Nicolas Ghesquière with the insignia of knight of the Legion of Honor. The designer had been appointed in the promotion on January 1, 2026, in recognition of 35 years of service. An official acknowledgment for a major career in French and international fashion.
The president punctuated his official homage with a mischievous remark: he found it particular to honor someone who is used to looking at his wife “from all angles.” Then he relayed Brigitte Macron’s words, who had just introduced the designer as the “second man of her life.” The press also recounted this moment, notably the account of the distinction.
Why does Brigitte Macron refer to the “second man of her life”?
The phrase does not denote a romantic relationship: it humorously emphasizes the special place of the designer in Brigitte Macron’s wardrobe universe. Nicolas Ghesquière heads the women’s collections of Louis Vuitton, and his creations regularly accompany the first lady’s public appearances. The presidential quip plays on this professional closeness, without transforming a long-standing complicity into a revelation about their intimacy.
Their meeting dates back to the time when Ghesquière worked at Balenciaga. In May 2017, he recounted to the Journal du dimanche that Brigitte Macron had come to greet him after a fashion show and had confided that she purchased his clothing. A lunch then strengthened their relationship. Gala’s report recalls this anecdote which became the highlight phrase of the evening.
A stylistic loyalty visible since the 2017 campaign
Even before the couple moved into the Élysée, Louis Vuitton silhouettes were already associated with Brigitte Macron’s appearances during the 2017 presidential campaign: structured jackets, dresses, and coats signed by the house featured in her public choices. This continuity explains why Ghesquière’s name comes up so often when discussing the first lady’s style.
This is not an insignificant detail in a position where every outfit is photographed and commented on. But media interest in fashion should not erase the line between public image and private life. The ceremony primarily celebrated the work of a designer, while Emmanuel Macron’s joke added a light touch to this official tribute.
The distinction, a moment of French news and fashion
This moment caught attention because it combines a republican distinction with a story familiar to the public: that of a style creator and the designer who signs some of her outfits. The recognition granted to Nicolas Ghesquière also reminds us of the place of French creation in official events, where clothing sometimes becomes a subject in itself.
To follow other public appearances of Brigitte Macron and members of the Macron family, including Sébastien Auzière, check out the subjects dedicated to her outfit choices during a gala and to her meeting with Queen Letizia. To discover more articles about Sébastien Auzière and the Macron family, visit sebastien-auziere.fr.
