Conserving the past for future generations—Hashirin Nurin Hashimi looks at the role of private giving in the preservation of cultural heritage
EVER SINCE THE FIRST STONE WAS laid in 1163, the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has become an enduring symbol of France— and its most popular tourist destination—that has borne witness to centuries of history, from the coronations of kings and emperors to the liberation from German occupation during the World War II. So imagine the horror when flames engulfed the 856-year-old masterpiece of Gothic architecture just days before Easter in April. The building’s spire later collapsed before the fire destroyed the church’s wooden roof. Thankfully, Notre Dame was saved from total destruction.
French president Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral and immediately launched an international fundraising campaign for its restoration. Within days, more than ¤1b was raised from some of the country’s wealthiest families, among them François-Henri Pinault of Kering, which owns fashion labels including Gucci and Saint Laurent, who started the ball rolling with a ¤100m donation; while Bernard Arnault of LVMH, home to such brands as Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, gave ¤200m.
The lightning speed of how the funds started rolling in just hours after the catastrophe sparked controversy, among them criticism on the priorities of philanthropists when it comes to charitable giving—but that is a story for another day. What is pertinent to note here is the affection luxury fashion houses have for the preservation of historical landmarks. Cases in point: Fendi and the Trevi fountain, Bvlgari and the Spanish Steps, and Tods and the Colosseum.
Chanel has pledged ¤25m for the four-year restoration of the Grand Palais, which is expected to start in December 2020. The French Maison is also backing the new exhibition spaces at Palais Galliera, which is set to become the first permanent fashion museum in France when it reopens in January.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream