Who Is Dorothée Lepère? All About François-Henri Pinault’s Ex-Wife

Many people know François-Henri Pinault, the billionaire CEO of Kering and husband of actress Salma Hayek. But before that high-profile marriage, he was married to Dorothée Lepère, a woman who has since lived a very different life away from fame. While she is often remembered as François-Henri Pinault’s ex-wife, there’s so much more to her story.

Dorothée Lepère has made a name for herself in her own way. She is a professional interior designer, a loving mother, and someone who prefers a peaceful, private lifestyle. Even though she once walked among some of the world’s most powerful circles, she now leads a quieter life focused on creativity and family.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Dorothée Lepère. We’ll talk about her early life, her career, her relationship with François-Henri, her children, and what her life looks like today in 2025.

Dorothée Lepère Quick Bio

Dorothée Lepère’s Early Life In Paris

Dorothée Lepère was born on 10 March 1965 in Paris, France, a city known for its art, design, and elegance. She grew up in a French household and follows the Christian faith. From a young age, she seemed to have a strong eye for beauty and design, which later influenced her career.

Not much is known publicly about her early education, but her calm personality and refined taste suggest a background shaped by culture and creativity. Living in Paris, she would have been surrounded by inspiration—from architecture to fashion and interior spaces. This environment likely helped shape her future career as a designer.

As of 2025, Dorothée is 60 years old and still lives in Paris. Even though she stays away from the public spotlight, she continues to carry herself with the same grace that once made her a standout figure among Europe’s elite families.

Career As An Interior Designer

After her divorce, Dorothée didn’t choose the easy road of living off past fame. Instead, she focused on building something for herself. She became a self-employed interior designer, using her skills and love for home decor to create beautiful spaces for others.

Interior design isn’t just about decorating a room. It’s about creating comfort, balance, and personality within a space. Dorothée’s work reflects that mindset. She’s known for bringing calm, elegance, and warmth into her projects. Whether it’s a modern apartment or a classic Parisian home, she adds a personal touch that makes her work stand out.

Her design business allows her to work on her own terms. It also gives her the freedom to live quietly while still being creative and independent. She may not post about her work on social media, but her clients and peers recognize her unique style and dedication.

Philanthropy And Support For Women

Besides her work as a designer, Dorothée also takes part in philanthropy. She supports causes that are close to her heart, especially those related to women’s rights and well-being. One of the groups she’s connected to is the Kering Foundation, which was started by her ex-husband.

The Kering Foundation focuses on helping women who face violence, discrimination, and other struggles. Dorothée has quietly supported this work, even after her divorce. Her involvement shows that she continues to care about making a difference in people’s lives.

Helping others has always been a part of Dorothée’s values. Even though she doesn’t speak about it often, those close to her know she’s deeply committed to doing good. Her actions speak louder than words, and that’s what makes her role in philanthropy so meaningful.

Relationship With François-Henri Pinault

Dorothée’s life changed in the 1990s when she married François-Henri Pinault, the man who would later become one of the most powerful names in fashion and luxury. They tied the knot in 1996, when François-Henri was still growing into his role as a business leader.

During their marriage, François-Henri was working under the influence of his father, François Pinault, who built the massive luxury empire now known as Kering. As his responsibilities grew, so did the attention on their family. But Dorothée always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, supporting her husband quietly.

After being together for eight years, the couple divorced in 2004. It wasn’t a public or messy breakup, but it did mark a big shift in both of their lives. While François-Henri would later marry Salma Hayek in 2009, Dorothée took a different path—focusing on her own peace and purpose.

Life After Divorce

Divorce often brings a lot of change, but Dorothée handled it with grace. Rather than trying to stay in the public eye or compete with the spotlight her ex-husband attracted, she focused on her own passions and her children.

She moved forward quietly, setting up her interior design business and raising her kids in Paris. She didn’t chase fame or media attention. Instead, she embraced a private lifestyle that gave her room to grow, heal, and enjoy life on her terms.

Now in 2025, she remains out of the celebrity world but continues to build a life that reflects who she truly is—independent, creative, and calm. Her story reminds us that moving on doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be peaceful and strong.

Dorothée Lepère’s Children

Dorothée and François-Henri Pinault have two children, and both are finding their own paths in life. Their first child, François Pinault Jr., was born on 22 December 1997. He is now 26 years old and lives a quiet life, away from the media. He prefers to stay out of the spotlight, just like his mother.

Their second child, Mathilde Pinault, was born in 2001 and is now 23 years old. Mathilde has taken a more public route. She is a fashion model and an equestrian athlete who has competed in major horse-riding events like the Longines Global Champions Tour. She also became a brand ambassador for Dada Sport, a stylish French brand.

Mathilde is not just about fashion. She is smart and driven, having studied at Emlyon Business School in Lyon. She often speaks about her dream to compete in the Olympics one day. Her mother’s support and quiet strength have clearly influenced her journey.

Net Worth And Lifestyle

You may wonder how Dorothée lives today. While she doesn’t show off her lifestyle, she is believed to have a net worth of around $20 to $25 million as of 2025. This comes from her successful interior design business and the support she received after her divorce.

She lives in Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where she continues to work and raise her family. Unlike her ex-husband, who is worth over $24 billion, Dorothée prefers a more relaxed and grounded life.

Even with all her resources, she lives simply. Her focus is not on luxury or fame, but on living with meaning, spending time with her children, and working on projects she loves. Her lifestyle reflects quiet confidence and personal joy.

Public Image And Private Life

Even though she was once part of a high-profile family, Dorothée Lepère has always stayed private. You won’t find her giving interviews or attending celebrity events. She doesn’t post much online and avoids the spotlight completely.

This choice makes her story even more powerful. While many people chase fame, Dorothée has shown that it’s okay to step back and choose peace instead. Her image is one of elegance, dignity, and strength—not because she’s everywhere, but because she chooses when and how to be seen.

Today, she is admired not just for who she married, but for the life she has built on her own. Her story is quiet but full of meaning.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Dorothée Lepère? She is more than just the ex-wife of a billionaire. She is an artist, a businesswoman, a mother, and a woman who values peace over publicity. Her life shows us that success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s about building a world that feels right to you.

From her beginnings in Paris to her career in design, from her marriage to her calm life today—Dorothée’s journey is inspiring in its simplicity and strength. She reminds us that you don’t need headlines to matter. You just need to live with purpose and heart.

We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. Ready to take the next step? Stay tuned as we continue sharing more real stories that deserve to be told.

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