THE WHAT? Bernard Arnault has received France’s highest civilian award; the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. The LVMH Founder was decorated in the annual New Year’s Day honors list.

THE DETAILS Arnault has previously been named a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor, according to a report published by WWD. Co-worker Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH’s EVP of Human Resources and Synergies was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in this year’s honors roll.

THE WHY? The Grand Cross award is granted to those who have served a minimum of three years in the rank of Grand Officer – an indication of the flawless performance of one’s trade. As the owner of some of the country’s most valued and globally recognised brands, Arnault has proven his ‘eminent merit’