Dorothée Lepère: Family, Career and New Beginnings of François-Henri Pinault’s Wife

Dorothée Lepère is a French interior designer and businesswoman who became known to many people as the first wife of François-Henri Pinault, the powerful CEO of luxury fashion group Kering. While she was once married to one of the richest men in France, Dorothée has chosen to live a quiet life away from cameras and public attention. Her story shows us how someone can build their own path after divorce and focus on what truly matters to them.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Dorothée Lepère |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1965 |
| Age | 59 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Interior Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Education | Degree in Interior Design |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | François-Henri Pinault (married 1996-2004) |
| Children | Two (François Pinault and Mathilde Pinault) |
| Company | Madame Dorothee Pinault (freelancing company) |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Current Residence | Offaly, France |
Early Life and Education
Dorothée Lepère was born in 1965 in Paris, France, the beautiful city known for art, fashion, and culture. She grew up in this romantic city, but not much is known about her parents or family background. Dorothée has always been a private person who prefers to stay away from the spotlight.
She completed her education in Paris, attending high school before deciding to follow her passion for design. She studied interior design at university, which helped her develop the skills she uses in her career today. Even though the name of her university is not known to the public, her education gave her a strong base for her future work.

Marriage to François-Henri Pinault
In 1996, Dorothée married François-Henri Pinault, who would later become one of the most powerful people in the fashion industry. At that time, François-Henri was working in his father’s business, which would later grow into Kering, the company that owns famous brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.
During their eight years together, the couple had two children. Their son, François, was born in 1998, and their daughter, Mathilde, was born in 2001. For a while, they appeared to be a happy family. However, in 2004, Dorothée and François-Henri decided to end their marriage. The reasons for their split have never been shared publicly, but sources suggest they had different personalities and views on life.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from François-Henri Pinault, Dorothée made a clear choice to step back from public life. Unlike many people who were once married to famous or wealthy individuals, she did not seek attention or try to stay in the public eye. Instead, she focused on raising her children and building her career.
François-Henri moved on and eventually married Hollywood actress Salma Hayek in 2009. They have been together ever since and often appear at fashion events and red carpet occasions. Meanwhile, Dorothée has not been linked to any romantic relationships since her divorce. She seems happy living a single life with her children by her side.
Career as an Interior Designer
Dorothée Lepère is a talented interior designer who runs her own business. She registered her company, Madame Dorothee Pinault, on January 1, 2007, just a few years after her divorce. Through this company, she works on home decoration projects, helping people create beautiful living spaces.
Her education in interior design gave her the knowledge to understand color, space, and style. She uses her creativity to turn houses into homes that reflect the personality and needs of her clients. Though she keeps details about her business private, those who know about her work say she is skilled and professional.
Working for herself gives Dorothée freedom and independence. She can choose her projects and work at her own pace. This career path suits her personality well, as she values privacy and prefers to work behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight.
Relationship with Her Children
Even though Dorothée Lepère lives a quiet life, she maintains a close and loving relationship with both of her children. Her son François and daughter Mathilde have grown into successful young adults.
François Pinault, born in 1998, has chosen to live a private life much like his mother. He keeps away from social media and public events, focusing on his own path. There are reports that he has joined his father’s business world, but he rarely appears in public.
Mathilde Pinault, born in 2001, has become more visible in recent years. She has a passion for two things: fashion and horse riding. Growing up as the daughter of the Kering CEO, Mathilde has attended many fashion shows and events. She has appeared at Paris Fashion Week and worked with fashion brands. However, her true dream is to become a professional equestrian athlete. She started riding horses at age five and has competed in important competitions around the world. Mathilde hopes to compete in the Olympic Games one day.
Both children have good relationships with their mother and father. They also get along well with their stepmother, Salma Hayek, and their younger half-siblings.
Personal Life and Values
Dorothée Lepère lives in Offaly, France, where she enjoys a peaceful life away from the busy world of celebrities and fashion. She is described as a kind person who believes in helping others and spreading happiness. Though she does not talk about it publicly, sources say she supports causes related to human rights and women’s rights.
Standing at 5’6″ tall with brown hair and dark eyes, Dorothée has a natural elegance that does not depend on expensive clothes or fancy events. She focuses on her work, her family, and living a meaningful life according to her own values.
Unlike many people who were once married to billionaires, Dorothée has never sought attention or tried to use her past to become famous. She earns her own money through her interior design business and lives independently. Her estimated worth is around $500,000, which she has earned through her own hard work.
The Pinault Family Today
While Dorothée Lepère lives her quiet life in France, the Pinault family has grown larger over the years. François-Henri Pinault is now married to Salma Hayek, and they have a daughter named Valentina, born in 2007. François-Henri also has another son, Augustin, born in 2006, from a relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista.
Despite the complicated family structure, all the children seem to get along well. Mathilde has been photographed many times with her stepmother Salma and her half-sister Valentina at fashion events. They appear to have a genuine friendship and support each other.
François-Henri Pinault is one of the wealthiest men in the world, with a fortune worth billions of dollars. His father, François Pinault, founded the family business that grew into Kering and Groupe Artémis. The family owns not just fashion brands but also wineries, art collections, and Christie’s auction house.
Conclusion
Dorothée Lepère’s story shows us that it is possible to live a happy and successful life away from fame and public attention. After her divorce from one of the world’s richest men, she chose to focus on her career, her children, and her own happiness. She built a business doing something she loves, raised two wonderful children, and created a life that feels true to her values. While the world knows her as François-Henri Pinault’s first wife, Dorothée Lepère is much more than that. She is a businesswoman, a mother, a designer, and someone who shows that success does not always mean being in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Dorothée Lepère?
Dorothée Lepère is a French interior designer and entrepreneur who was married to François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of luxury group Kering, from 1996 to 2004. She now runs her own home decoration business and lives privately in France.
2. How many children does Dorothée Lepère have?
Dorothée Lepère has two children with François-Henri Pinault: a son named François (born 1998) and a daughter named Mathilde (born 2001). Both children have good relationships with their mother.
3. What does Dorothée Lepère do for work?
She works as a self-employed interior designer and owns a freelancing company called Madame Dorothee Pinault, which she registered in 2007. She helps people decorate their homes and create beautiful living spaces.
See more amazing Information visit Fact News



