If François-Henri Pinault has anything to boast about, beyond his success as one of the world’s most powerful business figures, it’s his beautiful, close-knit family. The French magnate is the father of four children, and although they come from different relationships, they share a notably strong bond. Much of that harmony can be credited to his wife, Salma Hayek, who has long championed unity and warmth within the family. Recently, Pinault’s eldest daughter, Mathilde, offered a rare and intimate look into that world, sharing candid, heartfelt moments with the people closest to her.
On December 16, Mathilde surprised her followers by opening up her most personal photo album to date. “Better on film camera,” wrote the 23-year-old equestrian, seemingly referencing the aesthetic of the images she shared. The post opened with a relaxed portrait of Mathilde herself, dressed in a gray graphic T-shirt and dark sunglasses, casually showing off her long legs.
The second photo was perhaps the most meaningful, a tender snapshot of two of the most important men in her life, her father and her brother, Augustin James. In the image, François-Henri is seen embracing his son as they sit at a table together. Augustin, 19, whom the businessman shares with supermodel Linda Evangelista, beams with a wide smile, clearly savoring the moment with his father.
Salma Hayek also stood out as one of the post’s undeniable stars. The Mexican actress once again proved that beauty and photogenic ease go hand in hand, looking effortlessly stunning in a candid shot taken as she adjusted the buckle on her shoes. While Mathilde didn’t offer details about the moment, the image appears to have been captured at a special occasion. Hayek was wearing a flattering cocktail dress and polished makeup, glowing in the unguarded frame.
Mathilde rounded out the album with additional images of herself, both solo and in company. Some showed her spending time with friends, while others highlighted her greatest passion, horseback riding. She also included behind-the-scenes glimpses from what appeared to be a photo shoot. Notably absent from this particular carousel was her younger sister, Valentina Paloma, Salma Hayek’s daughter, with whom Mathilde shares a close relationship.
Life Lessons Mathilde Learned from Salma Hayek
This isn’t the first time Salma Hayek has appeared on her stepdaughter’s social media. Over the years, Mathilde has often shared glimpses of the warm relationship she enjoys with her stepmother. The daughter of Dorothée Lepère, Mathilde spoke candidly a few years ago about that bond, opening up about the valuable lessons Hayek has taught her.
“I owe Salma a great lesson,” Mathilde told Vanity Fair in 2022. “She’s a diva, she has a complicated life, but she taught me how important it is to simplify doubts and fears, how to scale them down to the simplicity of everyday life. I call her often, and when something isn’t working, she has the ability to take the weight out of difficulties and turn them into obstacles you can face step by step.”
In the same interview, the equestrian and model also reflected on her siblings, noting that despite their differences, they’ve taught her the importance of living in the present moment. In addition to Valentina Paloma and Augustin James, Mathilde is also the sister of François, the eldest son of the French businessman.