Film producer Nicolas Altmayer and Dior PR director Mathilde Favier die in car crash

Collision in Deux-Sèvres

French film producer Nicolas Altmayer, 61, and Christian Dior public relations director Mathilde Favier, 57, died in a road collision in western France on Monday, 17 August 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 16:00 near Thouars in the northern Deux-Sèvres department. According to Niort deputy prosecutor Nicolas Leclainche, their vehicle collided head-on with a heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction while overtaking another car. The prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation into involuntary manslaughter by a driver to determine the exact circumstances.

Production career of Nicolas Altmayer

Altmayer led the independent production company Mandarin & Compagnie alongside his brother Éric Altmayer. Over several decades, the studio produced successful French comedies and author-driven dramas. Their catalogue included Michel Hazanavicius's OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and James Huth's Brice de Nice, both starring Jean Dujardin, alongside Fabien Onteniente's Jet Set and 3 Zéros. Altmayer also produced multiple films directed by François Ozon, such as Young & Beautiful, Summer of 85, The New Girlfriend, Frantz, and Mon crime. In 2017, the Altmayer brothers received the Daniel Toscan du Plantier Award from the César Academy. Recent productions included Julia Ducournau's Alpha, the biopic Monsieur Aznavour starring Tahar Rahim, and Franck Gastambide's television series Validé.

Following the announcement, François Ozon shared a tribute to the producer on X:

Shock and sadness. Nicolas Altmayer was a great producer. A supporter and a friend.

Franck Gastambide also posted an emotional statement, describing Altmayer as a central adviser across his career:

Behind all my films and series, there was a great man, my historic producer, Nicolas Altmayer. I did nothing in my life without talking to him, without asking for his advice. He was my mentor, he was the father I would have liked to have.

Mathilde Favier's career at Dior

Favier served as public relations director at Christian Dior Couture, building relationships between the fashion house, international actors, and cultural figures for runway presentations and red carpet appearances. Born in Paris to interior designer Françoise Favier and half-sister to Dior high jewellery designer Victoire de Castellane, she entered the fashion industry at age 14 as an apprentice under Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, introduced by her uncle Gilles Dufour. She previously worked at Glamour magazine and led communications at Prada before moving to Dior. In 2024, Flammarion published her book Mathilde à Paris, co-authored with Frédérique Dedet.

Tributes across the fashion industry

LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault released a statement honouring Favier's dedication to the brand:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and sudden death of Mathilde Favier, who devoted so many years to putting her passion, energy and talent at the service of the House of Dior. I send my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Dior chief executive Delphine Arnault offered condolences to Favier's two children, Héloïse and Carlo, along with her mother, sisters Victoire and Pauline, and extended family. Creative director Jonathan Anderson described Favier as the embodiment of haute couture, expressing gratitude for the warmth, energy, and dedication she brought to the house's creative teams.