LVMH Backs French Knitwear: Luxury Ventures Invests in Molli

LVMH continues to spread its tentacles. The French luxury giant’s private equity arm, LVMH Luxury Ventures (LLV), has put the spotlight on a new independent firm. Molli, which specializes in high-end knitwear, has received a minority investment from the fund, with the aim of supporting its international expansion plan. The amount of the transaction has not been disclosed.

The deal represents the first external capital inflow since the brand was relaunched in 2014 by Charlotte de Fayet, the company’s CEO. The executive previously developed her experience in companies such as Danone or Kraft Foods Group, in addition to having held various positions of responsibility in the marketing division of French cosmetics giant L’Oréal.

Since its re-foundation, the company has grown from two stores to operate four of its own in Paris, plus a space in the luxury department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, and nearly 100 multi-brand outlets worldwide. Its distributors include 10 Corso Como in Seoul, Space 519 in Chicago and Vanille & Lilas, part of the Les Airelles hotel group.

In fiscal 2024, Molli exceeded €8 million in turnover and expects to end 2025, closing in August, above €10 million. France continues to be its first market, with 65% of the total, but international growth, especially through ecommerce, is gaining weight. The online channel currently accounts for 35% of sales, while the United States accounts for 15% of business and is positioned as the company’s leading market outside France.

LVMH Luxury Ventures has already entered the capital of brands such as Gabriela Hearst or Aimé Leon Doré

In April, the company opened a more than 1,000-square-foot flagship store on Rue François 1er in Paris, just a few meters from Avenue Montaigne. The store, designed as a model for future openings, has attracted a new international clientele, especially from the Persian Gulf.

The resources provided by LVMH Luxury Ventures will be used to drive this international business expansion, with new outlets inspired by the François 1er format, as well as to develop new knitting techniques and expand the management team. Among the next steps, Molli plans to strengthen its omnichannel strategy and expand its presence in European capitals. The Middle East is also on the brand’s radar.

The brand maintains its production in France and Italy, working with long-established suppliers. Its current offering includes women’s collections, accessories and the traditional newborn garments that made it famous at the end of the 19th century, when it was founded in 1886.

LVMH Luxury Ventures, created in 2017, takes minority stakes in high-potential independent brands. The vehicle has invested in firms such as Officine Universelle Buly, Gabriela Hearst, Our Legacy and Aimé Leon Dore, with deals ranging from €5 million to €25 million.