Dominique Watine Arnault was Bernard Arnault’s younger sister, who was a famous head of LVMH. She had a quiet but fascinating life. While her brother was among the wealthiest in the world, Dominique contributed as well to the world of luxury. Her life is not popular knowledge, but it is worth knowing.
Quick Facts About Dominique Watine Arnault
| Full Name | Dominique Édith Sylvie Arnault |
| Birthdate | Circa 1950 |
| Age at Death | 55 years old |
| Date of Death | March 1, 2006 |
| Occupation | Auction House Owner, President of Fred (LVMH-owned jewelry brand) |
| Husband | Reportedly Marc Watine |
| Children | Ludovic Watine Arnault, Stéphanie Watine Arnault |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Jean Léon Arnault (father), Marie-Josèphe Savinel (mother) |
| Siblings | Bernard Arnault (brother) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Family
Dominique was born in Roubaix, France. Her name was Dominique Édith Sylvie Arnault. She belonged to a shrewd and successful family. Her father, Jean Léon Arnault, had worked in the fields of construction and business. Her mother, Marie-Josèphe Savinel, also belonged to a family with a shrewd business background.
Dominique was Bernard’s lone sister. They both grew up in northern France. They were educated by their family to think big and work hard. This influenced both of their lives in the future.
Career in Art and Jewelry
Dominique had a great eye for beauty. She loved art and design. She started her career by opening an auction house called Etude Dominique Watine Arnault. Many people in the French art world respected her for her taste and ideas.
She later became president of Fred, a famous Parisian jeweller brand. Fred belongs to LVMH, her brother’s company. Dominique worked at the company until her death. She assisted in expanding the brand and was noted for having a great sense of fashion.
Personal Life and Children
Dominique was married (according to sources to Marc Watine, though not confirmed extensively). She had two children:
Ludovic Watine Arnault (born ca. 1982–1983)
Stéphanie Watine Arnault (born ca. 1985–1986)
Both of them have remained close to the business heritage of the family. Upon Dominique’s death in 2006, they received some financial rights in Arnault family holding company. They don’t participate in business decision-making but still remain as part of the family setup.
Relation to LVMH and Agache
LVMH is owned by the Arnault family in a company called Agache. Dominique’s children, Stéphanie and Ludovic, jointly own 19% of Agache. This entitles them to receive dividends but not to manage the company.
Only Bernard Arnault’s five children, Delphine, Antoine, Alexandre, Frédéric, and Jean, have a right to run Agache. It is all under the family succession plan, which states that only direct lineage can run the firm. No shares can be sold prior to 2052.
Although Ludovic and Stéphanie are not members of LVMH’s management, they are still a part of its heritage through their mother.
READ ALSO: Bernard Arnault Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Memory
Dominique died on March 1, 2006, aged 55. Her life was too short, but her work is still a testament to art, beauty, and family pride.
Stéphanie, her daughter, has followed in her footsteps into the world of luxury. She launched Clos19, a digital boutique and site that sells fine drinks, experiences, and gifts. It is connected to LVMH’s luxury spirit brands.
Ludovic was involved in the art world, capitalizing on his mother’s interests.
