As a Swiss-born, New York transplant, Jeanbart-Lorenzotti personally embodies the Vivre attitude of exploration and individuality. Her story is typical only in that her teenage rebelliousness manifested as the desire to move to Manhattan despite stern parental disapproval. After earning a degree from Barnard College, the ambitious and classically beautiful brunette pursued a short career in investment banking at Lazard Fréres. From there, however, her story takes an expected turn.
The budding entrepreneur noticed that even New Yorkers only had limited exposure to luxury goods. Wanting to fill that gap, in 1995, she launched a glossy catalog targeted toward the affluent customer. The direct mailing, which originally only featured three brands, now boasts more than 150 labels, including Vera Wang, Roberto Cavalli, Anya Hindmarch, Ports 1961, and Andrée Putman for Christofle.
Vivre’s focus expands beyond well-known designers, though. “It has always been one of our biggest missions to have a place where artisans and young, undiscovered people could express themselves,” points out Jeanbart-Lorenzotti. “We pride ourselves a lot on that. Having a combination of the tried-and-true along with the fun and unexpected is really important.” In order to continually bring a fresh perspective to Vivre’s collection, Jeanbart-Lorenzotti spends much of her time traveling around the world searching for unique brands and artists. “The strength of the brand is that it’s global,” she says. “The business today is very different from when I started it. It’s not about access anymore. Now, there are hundreds of ways to find what you want; you can just Google it.” Instead, what Jeanbart-Lorenzotti strives to do with Vivre is to present edited and contextual lifestyle products. Not only does Vivre offer a beach-ready bikini and matching wide-brimmed hat, but also an embroidered deck chair and a coral-patterned dinnerware for entertaining.
In addition to being a successful business woman, Jeanbart-Lorenzotti has achieved something that could perhaps be considered even more difficult and elusive-socialite status. Somehow amid the responsibilities associated with heading a large company and maintaining a happy family life, she has also had the grace, flair, and-bless her-the patience to become a member of Manhattan’s shining social set. Society photographer Patrick McMullan’s lens has captured her on numerous occasions mingling with social superstars like Vanessa von Bismarck, Valesca Guerrand-Hermès, Jennifer Creel, Carlos Mota, and Lucy Sykes. Whether outfitted in an Yves Saint-Laurent evening gown, oversized, Jackie O-style sunglasses, or a colorful, floor-length scarf, Jeanbart-Lorenzotti seems to always exhibit poise and grace. Even her laugh suggests a sincerity and generosity.
As for her own style, she admits that it’s very tied to Vivre. “I love accessories and am a big collector, especially of jewelry,” she says. “I like to take a simple outfit and play around with it. Everything in life comes in layers, and my personal style changes all the time.” A regular attendee of international fashion shows, she also looks to art, décor, and what people are wearing on the street for inspiration.
Regardless of where she is-Greece, the Dominican Republic, or her office in New York-it’s very likely that she’ll have her children, Allegra and Amedeo, and her husband, Lorenzo, by her side. With one arm slung across her children’s shoulders or her face pressed close to theirs, she appears almost physically protective of the close-knit family life she has created. In anticipation of Father’s Day, the front page of Vivre online featured a close-up shot of her husband and son. “I try to weave it all together,” she says of her hectic work and family schedules, “but sometimes it’s more about work, when others it’s more about family. Instead of striving for perfection, you just try to do your best and be passionate about everything you do.”
