Interview: Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti
by allthebest • 7 Sep ’07 • Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, interview • 15 Comments
Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti is the visionary and the driving force behind Vivre, the ultimate luxury retail experience. She has been hailed as a “mail-order magnate” by TIME and “one of the fashion industry’s ten most stylish women” by VOGUE.
In my humble opinion, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti embodies and defines the words style and class. Every photo I have ever seen of Eva depicts a beautiful, impeccably well groomed woman, and I especially love the way Eva pairs bold jewelry and accessories with classically tailored clothing.
Born and raised in Switzerland, Eva’s familiarity with the European culture and her multilingual command of five languages has uniquely positioned her at the center of the international luxury market.
When ever I visit Vivre I always feel like a child at Christmas—full of wonder and excitement. It’s simply the best!
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
Having that strong conviction that makes you think that anything and
everything is possible!
How did you come up with the idea for Vivre?
Why I started Vivre is an interesting question. After growing up in
Europe and working as an investment banker at Lazard Freres in New
York, I was surprised that a country as wealthy as the United States
didn’t have as much exposure to the luxury brands in their stories
as Europeans did. People really didn’t know about them or have many
stores where they could buy them. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we
could bring these brands into their homes?
What is your favorite luxury in life?
I’d have to say my favorite luxury in life is having a fantastic
dinner or lunch with my friends.
What is your most prized possession?
There are so many but one that always stands out to be is a figurine of
Maria that my grandmother gave me when I was young. It is incredibly
old and made of ivory.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My children
Who are your style icons?
Maria Felix for her exuberant and extravagant approach to life.
The Marchesa Luisa Casati for her eccentricity
Frida Khalo for her passion and inner strength to surmount
Babe Paley- for her simplicity, strength and elegance
How would you describe your own personal style?
Style to me is in the way you do everything in life. It is an
expression of details that are unexpected, individual and often
acquired. I am always trying to mix pieces in an imaginative way. I
feel that jewelry is a form of art that should be complemented by a
background of simple clothing.
I’d describe my own personal style as tailored and chic, always including a touch of something unique to accent what I’m wearing, whether it be an interesting piece of jewelry, a beautifully designed handbag or a fabulous shoe-it should be a piece that highlights your outfit and expresses your personality.
What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
Espresso!
What is your favorite hotel in the world?
What a hard question, I have so many. I adore the Hotel de Russie in
Rome, Amanyara in the Turks & Caicos, and of course the Cove on
Paradise Island where our first boutique, Escape by Vivre is located!
Interview by Ronda Carman
I adore Eva’s wonderful sense of style! Vivre is just the BEST!!
I agree!
Vivre is the new Horchow. I love the depth of her product mix. Retailers and Marketers spend a lot of time on creating the “in store” experience, which I think is great; but Vivre does it without a BRICK and MORTAR which I think is brilliant.
Ronda do you know if she has plans to open a store?
Sarah,
I only know of ESCAPE by Vivre at The Cove Atlantis. Let me inquire…
I love looking at Vivre even if I’m not buying anything. It’s so full of great ideas!
Funny story, I actually intreviewed to work at Vivre many years ago but the pay was so low I could never have managed it. C’est la vie!
Great interview Rhonda. I enjoyed reading about Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti and perusing all the wonderful goodies on the Vivre web-site.
She rocks–love her style, love her answers, love her hair.
And I second her on the Hotel de Russie. That was our first stop on the honeymoon and it was incredible.
I love your interviews–always with the most intersting people. Keep them coming!
Great interview, she sounds like an interesting woman.
I’m addicted to Vivre and even when I’m not buying I use it for inspiration. Part of me would like our site, Delight.com to grow up to be like Vivre. It’s a joy to explore. Thanks so much for the interview. I found I do have one thing in common with Eva…we both can’t live without expresso!
she’s gorgeous. her impeccable taste aside, she’s gorgeous!
Thanks Brilliant Asylum, I will add Hotel de Russie to my list!
Thanks Laura! Nice blog btw!!
Thanks Suzy! That makes 3 of us who can’t live without expresso Lynda!!
I agree Franki she IS she’s gorgeous!
I love Vivre products, but there customer service is terrible. No one, and I mean NO ONE answers or returns calls.