Interview: Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti is the visionary and the driving force behind Vivre, the ultimate luxury retail experience. She has been hailed as a "mail-order magnate" by TIME and "one of the fashion industry's ten most stylish women" by VOGUE.

In my humble opinion, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti embodies and defines the words style and class. Every photo I have ever seen of Eva depicts a beautiful, impeccably well groomed woman, and I especially love the way Eva pairs bold jewelry and accessories with classically tailored clothing.

Born and raised in Switzerland, Eva's familiarity with the European culture and her multilingual command of five languages has uniquely positioned her at the center of the international luxury market.

When ever I visit Vivre I always feel like a child at Christmas—full of wonder and excitement. It's simply the best!

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
Having that strong conviction that makes you think that anything and
everything is possible!

How did you come up with the idea for Vivre?
Why I started Vivre is an interesting question. After growing up in
Europe and working as an investment banker at Lazard Freres in New
York, I was surprised that a country as wealthy as the United States
didn’t have as much exposure to the luxury brands in their stories
as Europeans did. People really didn’t know about them or have many
stores where they could buy them. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we
could bring these brands into their homes?

What is your favorite luxury in life?
I’d have to say my favorite luxury in life is having a fantastic
dinner or lunch with my friends.

What is your most prized possession?
There are so many but one that always stands out to be is a figurine of
Maria that my grandmother gave me when I was young. It is incredibly
old and made of ivory.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My children

Who are your style icons?
Maria Felix for her exuberant and extravagant approach to life.

The Marchesa Luisa Casati for her eccentricity

Frida Khalo for her passion and inner strength to surmount

Babe Paley- for her simplicity, strength and elegance

How would you describe your own personal style?
Style to me is in the way you do everything in life. It is an
expression of details that are unexpected, individual and often
acquired. I am always trying to mix pieces in an imaginative way. I
feel that jewelry is a form of art that should be complemented by a
background of simple clothing.

I’d describe my own personal style as tailored and chic, always including a touch of something unique to accent what I’m wearing, whether it be an interesting piece of jewelry, a beautifully designed handbag or a fabulous shoe-it should be a piece that highlights your outfit and expresses your personality.

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
Espresso!

What is your favorite hotel in the world?
What a hard question, I have so many. I adore the Hotel de Russie in
Rome, Amanyara in the Turks & Caicos, and of course the Cove on
Paradise Island where our first boutique, Escape by Vivre is located!

Interview by Ronda Carman