Renzo Rosso Receives Legion of Honor
ROME — “For once in my lifetime, I dedicate this honor to myself, for all the sleepless nights, sweat and tears, and hard work over the years,” said a beaming Renzo Rosso after receiving the Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur decoration, or the Knight of the Legion of Honor, from the French ambassador in Italy Martin Briens.
That said, the founder of the OTB Group also thanked his team and his family and circle of friends who gathered at the stunning frescoed Palazzo Farnesina in Rome on Monday evening for their support. Rosso was visibly moved and proud, flanked by his wife Arianna Alessi and three of his seven children, Stefano, Andrea and India.
“The French Republic pays homage not only to a great entrepreneur whose career has developed between Italy and France, active in a sector of excellence shared by our two countries, fashion, but also celebrates a personality, a man who has understood how important a sense of responsibility is for an entrepreneur,” Briens said.
During his speech he listed several of Rosso’s professional achievements and his commitment to social issues with the Only the Brave Foundation, to sustainability, to the restoration of the Rialto bridge in Venice, to the support of young designers through the ANDAM Fashion Award and his investments in local soccer teams and hospitality ventures. The ambassador underscored the connection with France not only with Maison Margiela, which holds its fashion shows in Paris, but also through the group’s license with L’Oréal. OTB also controls the Diesel, Marni, Jil Sander and Viktor & Rolf brands, and it has a stake in Amiri, the latter two also showing in Paris. Manufacturing arms Staff International and Brave Kid are also part of OTB.
“This recognition is not only a milestone, but also an encouragement to further strengthen our presence in France, to reinforce our commitment to young people and to those facing difficult situations, and to continue our journey towards sustainability with determination,” said Rosso, who has built an international group that in 2024 recorded sales of 1.7 billion euros.
Established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte, this is France’s highest distinction conferred in recognition of both military and civilian merit. Previous recipients include Delphine and Antoine Arnault, Marco Bizzarri, Kim Jones, Pharrell Williams, Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti, Sir Paul Smith, Vera Wang, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Diane von Furstenberg to name a few.
