L'Oreal Group Invests in Jacquemus Retail Expansion and Future Beauty Business AOC Living

The Jacquemus label was founded 15 years ago, when the designer was age 19 and had just lost his mother in a car accident. Over that time period, Jacquemus developed like a young wine in stages of selling a few exuberant, tightly-edited collections of breezy, bold colors—largely online.

Five years ago, revenues crossed the $10 million mark, and Jacquemus mulled the opening of a store in Paris. In spring 2024, the growing cult brand Jacquemus opened stores in Dubai, Capri, and Saint-Tropez, followed by New York and London last fall.

Jacquemus annual revenue estimates had climbed to $250 million, largely self-funded from the brand’s business operations.

Sharing the Jacquemus Holiday 2024 campaign, AOC reported that the brand had maxed out its growth opportunities until it obtained a minority investor. The designer may bestow sunshine on friends — new and old — wherever he goes, but he’s also financially prudent and one might say ‘cautious’ about financing his business. His approach has put him in a strong position to retain control of his name and company.

Rumors that Jacquemus had indeed retained Rothschild & Co. to help it find a minority investor were published in WWD before the holidays. The timing was not perfect, given the luxury sector turndown expected to dent 2025 revenues for many household luxury names. And that’s before the rumblings in America under a new Trump administration.

On January 28, Jacquemus announced that it has tapped Celine North America president Sarah Benady as its next chief executive officer. There was no doubt that an announcement was coming soon in this perfectly-orchestrated business PR blitz based on business fundamentals and not marketing word salads.

The announcement came today, February 7, that L’Oréal Group has made a minority investment in Jacquemus to fund the house’s ongoing retail growth and expansion into the beauty sector.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacquemus and unleash together its outstanding luxury beauty potential. With its singular brand positioning, fueled by sensational creativity and social first playfulness, Jacquemus will perfectly complement L’Oréal Luxe’s portfolio of iconic brands and reinforce our worldwide leadership,” said Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe.