In a strategic move reshaping the landscape of luxury investments, L Catterton, the investment arm of LVMH, has made waves by acquiring a minority stake in the fast-growing Parisian leather goods brand Polène.
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This development marks a significant shift as Polène bids adieu to its ties with Otium Capital, the investment domain of Pierre-Édouard Stérin.
As earlier reported by L’Informé, the management company Eutopia, an offshoot under the Otium Capital umbrella, has relinquished its minority stake in Polène to L Catterton.
Founded in 2016 by a trio of siblings, the French brand has carved a niche for itself with leather goods that harmonise minimalist aesthetics with bold creative expressions.
Central to Polène’s ethos is the meticulous selection of premium materials while keeping prices relatively affordable compared to other accessory brands in the luxury category.
As it looks to expand its global presence, Polène opened its debut store in Asia in 2023, located in Tokyo’s trendy Aoyama district. Last June it opened a second Asia flagship, this time in Seoul.
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The brand says its leather is exclusively sourced from tanneries in Spain and Italy, and pieces are crafted in a Spanish enclave, Ubrique. Prices of Polène handbags start at USD460. Since its inception, Polène has also unveiled a new line of jewellery, gilded with 24-carat gold and crafted by artisans in Italy.