Returning to Paris Fashion Week this season, Jisoo is carrying a profound sense of loss as she makes the trip without her longtime companion and friend Mathilde Favier, who suddenly passed away in August.
On the evening of September 29 (KST), Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027 will welcome one of the season’s most anticipated events with Dior’s latest collection under creative director Jonathan Anderson. The show is drawing particular attention for its star-studded Asian guest list, including Global Ambassador Jisoo, Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat, as well as Jang Wonyoung, who will attend a Dior show for the first time following the end of her partnership with Miu Miu.
While several Korean stars departed on September 28, Jisoo left on the morning of September 25 to attend a Dior Beauty schedule in London before traveling to France. Recently, the eldest BLACKPINK member opened up to fans through private messages, revealing the heavy emotions she was experiencing ahead of the highly anticipated show.
Jisoo said she had just completed her fitting for the upcoming Dior show. Although the fitting went smoothly, the singer admitted that she was overcome by an indescribable sense of sadness and emptiness.
“When I arrived and went for the fitting, I felt a little sad. This trip to Paris feels somewhat different because the friend who always welcomed me is no longer here. But everyone took such good care of me, so we all managed to smile again and successfully finish the fitting. When I saw the people I had always experienced all of these moments with before, I suddenly felt that empty space so clearly, and it made me sad,” Jisoo shared.
After reading her heartfelt words, fans understood the sense of loss Jisoo was experiencing. This trip to Paris feels particularly different because of the absence of Mathilde Favier, Dior’s longtime public relations executive, who had been a close companion and source of support who warmly welcomed Jisoo whenever she arrived in France.
On August 18, news that Mathilde Favier had suddenly died at the age of 57 following a tragic traffic accident in France sent shockwaves through the global fashion industry. Regarded as a symbol of elegance and dedication, as well as an important bridge between international stars and Dior, her passing brought immense grief to those within the French fashion house and its wider community.
For Jisoo, Mathilde Favier had long been far more than a familiar professional partner. Through her role overseeing international celebrity relations, Favier personally looked after and supported Dior’s ambassadors. Whenever Paris Fashion Week arrived, the sight of Mathilde—with her distinctive short hair and elegant demeanor—holding Jisoo’s hand, gently guiding her and carefully escorting her through chaotic crowds became an unforgettable image. Her attentive care went beyond a purely professional relationship, reflecting genuine affection and deep mutual appreciation.
When she first received the unexpected news of Favier’s passing, Jisoo shared photos of their memories together alongside an emotional farewell. She recalled how Mathilde had welcomed her with warmth from the very beginning of her journey with Dior, helping turn Paris into a second home through joyful birthday celebrations and intimate gatherings that felt like family. Jisoo had been eagerly looking forward to seeing her again in Paris this season, making the loss even more painful.
Before becoming a key figure in Dior’s global VIP relations, Mathilde Favier spent 11 important years working at Prada and Miu Miu. Her passing has left a significant void for those who worked closely with her. Jisoo’s appearance at Dior’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, despite the quiet grief she carries with her, reflects her professionalism while also serving as a meaningful tribute to a late friend who supported and believed in her throughout her fashion journey with Dior.
Sources: k14