SIDNEY TOLEDANO AND PETER MARINO TO BE HONORED AT 2017 TROPHÉE DES ARTS GALA

SIDNEY TOLEDANO AND PETER MARINO TO BE HONORED AT 2017 TROPHÉE DES ARTS GALA

Monday, November 13, 2017 at The Plaza Hotel in New York

On Monday, November 13, 2017, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) will honor President and CEO of Christian Dior Couture Sidney Toledano with the 2017 Pilier d’Or and architect Peter Marino with the 2017 Trophée des Arts at The Plaza Hotel.

The annual FIAF Trophée des Arts Gala evening will raise funds to support FIAF's educational and cultural programs and is co-chaired by Nancy Cain Marcus, Nicole Salmasi, Lauren Santo Domingo, Janine & J. Tomilson Hill, William & Clémence Von Mueffling, Robert & Elisabeth G. Wilmers.

The Junior Committee Co-Chairs include: Jacques Bolelli, Helene Comfort, Eugenia Comini & Edward Bayliss, Stephanie Binder-Elbaz & Benjamin Elbaz, Alexandra Kerry, Charles & Cécile de Lardemelle, Jeanne & Alexandre Leviant, Marie- Noëlle & John Pierce and Jordan M. Phillips.

“We are delighted to honor these two visionaries and longtime collaborators on this special evening of French and American friendship. Both artistic architect Peter Marino and revered corporate leader Sidney Toledano have gathered New York’s most prominent Francophiles and philanthropists to celebrate their unique relationship and to support FIAF,” said FIAF President Marie-Monique Steckel.

Sidney Toledano, 2017 Pilier d’Or: Sidney Toledano is President and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, a symbol of French excellence and refinement. His arrival at the company in 1994, under the guidance of Bernard Arnault, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of LVMH, marked a turning point in the development of the venerable couture house. He succeeded in modernizing its image while maintaining its status as a leading ambassador of French luxury in the world.

Highly cultured, he has surrounded himself with some of the greatest, creating the conditions necessary for the optimal expression of their talents. He spearheaded the growth of women’s fashion with John Galliano, Raf Simons, and now Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first woman to lead the fashion house. He orchestrated the revival of men's fashion with Hedi Slimane and then Kris van Assche. And he was the initiator of a fine jewelry department with Victoire de Castellane.

Over two hundred international locations have been opened during his time at the House, including nearly 30 boutiques in the United States.

This year, the house of Dior celebrates its 70th anniversary with a breathtaking exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which is currently setting visitor attendance records.

The Pilier d’Or, established in 2006, recognizes a leading business figure, diplomat, or philanthropist for outstanding contributions to the French-American community. Former honorees include Jean-Paul Agon (L’Oréal), Pierre Bellon (Sodexo), Thierry Breton (ATOS), Paul Desmarais Jr. (Power Corporation of Canada), Carlos Ghosn (Renault-Nissan Alliance), Fabrice Grinda (Internet Entrepeneur and Investor), Alexandre de Juniac (Air France – KLM), Jean-Bernard Lévy (Vivendi), Christophe de Margerie (TOTAL), and Bernard Poussot (Wyeth).

Peter Marino, 2017Trophée des Arts: Widely credited with redefining modern luxury through equal emphasis on architecture and interior design, the New York based architect Peter Marino has created it all: residences, stores, cultural and hospitality projects throughout the world.

Known for integrating art with architecture, Peter Marino has commissioned more than 300 site-specific art installations, many from celebrated contemporary French artists. His extensive design and cultural contributions to France include – besides his work with Dior: boutiques for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Céline, and Guerlain; the Cheval Blanc hotel in Paris’s historic La Samaritaine: residences in Paris, Cap Ferrat, St. Tropez; and restorations of Château Rauzan- Ségla, Manoir de la Pipardière, and Château de Blérancourt.

Marino designed the 2010 ‘Les Lalannes’ retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and is planning a porcelain exhibition for the Château de Chantilly for 2018.

Created in 1992, the Trophée des Arts distinguishes an artist who exemplifies FIAF's mission of French-American friendship and cross-cultural exchange. It has been bestowed upon French and American artists and cultural icons, including: François Cluzet, Alain Ducasse, Jacques Grange, Marc Jacobs, James Ivory, Angélique Kidjo, Philippe de Montebello, Charlie Rose, Robert Wilson, Françoise Gilot and most recently Jeff Koons.

ABOUT THE 2017 TROPHÉE DES ARTS GALA

What: 2017 Trophée des Arts Gala honoring Peter Marino and Sidney Toledano (DIOR)

When: Monday, November 13, 2017 at 7pm (cocktails) and 8pm (dinner) Where: The Plaza Hotel – Fifth Avenue and Central Park South

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ABOUT FIAF

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is New York’s premiere French cultural and language center. FIAF's mission is to create and offer New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. FIAF seeks to generate new ideas and promote cross-cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression. www.fiaf.org

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