Jisoo, a member of BLACKPINK, the South Korean girl group that became one of the world’s most recognized K pop acts with a major presence in the U.S. and global entertainment markets, is mourning the death of Mathilde Favier, a Dior executive who helped shape the singer’s relationship with the French luxury industry.
Favier’s death comes as the relationship between K pop and global luxury brands has become one of the most important shifts in fashion marketing. As Korean artists built international fan bases through music, social media and global tours, European luxury houses began turning to them as worldwide brand ambassadors rather than focusing only on traditional fashion figures or Hollywood celebrities.
The partnership between Jisoo and Dior developed during this broader transformation. Dior, the French luxury fashion house owned by LVMH, appointed Jisoo as a global ambassador in 2021, at a time when BLACKPINK’s influence had expanded well beyond South Korea. For luxury companies competing for younger consumers across markets including the U.S., Europe and Asia, artists with global followings became a way to connect fashion, entertainment and digital culture.
Favier was one of the Dior executives responsible for maintaining that relationship. While her role was connected to the brand’s global communications, her relationship with Jisoo grew beyond professional schedules. During Jisoo’s visits to Paris for Dior events and activities, Favier became a trusted presence who supported the singer personally, leading fans to affectionately call her “Jisoo’s Paris mom.”
Jisoo shared an emotional tribute following the news of Favier’s death.
“My dear Mathilde, it is so difficult to find the words to say goodbye,” Jisoo wrote.
She recalled how Favier welcomed her from the beginning of her journey with Dior, saying she would always remember the warmth, kindness and support she received over the years.
“From the very beginning of my journey with Dior, you welcomed me with warmth and kindness,” Jisoo wrote. “Over the years, we shared so many special moments together, and I will always remember the care, love and support you gave me.”
Jisoo said Favier made Paris feel like another home, remembering birthdays they celebrated together, time spent with their families and the personal memories they created in France.
“You made Paris feel like another home,” Jisoo wrote. “I will forever cherish the birthdays we celebrated together, the time we spent with our families and all the precious memories we shared there.”
She added that the goodbye was especially painful because she had been looking forward to meeting Favier again in Paris and celebrating together.
Jisoo described Favier as “a truly beautiful person inside and out” and said she felt fortunate to have known her. She also sent condolences to Favier’s family and those who loved her, saying she would always preserve their memories.
Along with the message, Jisoo shared photographs of herself and Favier together. The images showed the two smiling and walking side by side, reflecting the close relationship they developed over years of working together.
According to local reports, Favier died on Aug. 17 in a traffic accident in France’s Deux Sèvres region. She was 57. Her husband, French film producer Nicolas Altmayer, who was traveling in the same vehicle, also died. Local prosecutors are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
The fashion industry has also paid tribute following the news. Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson remembered Favier as “elegance itself,” honoring her warmth, energy and dedication to the fashion world.
Favier’s death highlights the people behind the growing connection between Korean entertainment and global luxury brands. As K pop continues to influence consumer culture in markets around the world, relationships such as the one between Jisoo and Dior show how modern luxury marketing is increasingly built not only around products, but around the global cultural figures who represent them.
