the entire planet; our engineers and sales assistants are inventing the digital experiences of the future and new ways of welcoming customers in our stores which have never been so enterprising. For me, this is the hallmark of our Group and the stamp of fine craftsmanship: at the intersection of art and technology, culture and business, past and future. It s a delicate balance: a harmonious, unified blend of ideas and dedication that harnesses artistic creativity, finely honed craftsmanship and organizational precision. It would be unthinkable, at this point, not to mention Virgil Abloh, who passed away so tragically and much too soon in 2021. The entire LVMH family is in mourning. He was a visionary, a beautiful soul and a very wise man. I know that his creative legacy will live on in the memory of our Group, just as departed masters continue to inspire up-and-coming generations of designers.

B U I L D I N G T H E A R C H I T E C T U R A L M A S T E R W O R K S O F D R E A M S

As you know, our Group has an illustrious history of constructing iconic build- ings all over the world, foremost among which is the Fondation Louis Vuitton. One of the key milestones of 2021 was the inauguration of La Samaritaine, the emblematic Paris department store, now restored to its former splendor 15 years after its closure and refurbishment. As soon as it reopened in June, this historic building once again found its place in the hearts of both Parisians and visitors to the City of Light. Since then, several million people have flocked to it, both to shop and to delight in rediscovering this French architec- tural landmark that LVMH has brought back to life. The Cheval Blanc Paris hotel, with its stunning views of the Seine and unparalleled service which is without equal anywhere in the world is also hugely successful. Its three restaurants have rapidly become essential destinations on the Paris fine-dining scene, in particular Plénitude, the gourmet restaurant run by chef Arnaud Donckele. These triumphs reflect LVMH s goal, which is to look beyond the ups and downs of 2021 at these long-term projects, patiently completed despite being delayed by the pandemic and hailed as a return to happier times as soon as they opened to the public. We live in an often uncertain world and our project schedules can sometimes encounter unforeseen twists and turns, but that only magnifies the feeling of joy when they come to fruition. So come what may, we will never shy away from undertaking ambitious projects and aiming for long-term success. In this same spirit, Dior s original store at Paris 30 avenue Montaigne reopened at the beginning of 2022 after an extensive revamp. This exceptional location, where the Maison s legacy and creativity are showcased like never before, has already become a powerful focal point for visitors from all over the world.

U N F L AG G I N G C O M M I T M E N T T O T H E P L A N E T A N D YO U N G P E O P L E

We focus on the long term and our commitments reflect this approach. Indeed, our quest for excellence and performance would not be complete without the unstinting and ever-growing daily efforts to make our corporate social responsibility a tangible reality. Preserving the environment, especially, is a priority: nature is the very substance of our products, and protecting it is essential to our Maisons long-term future.

The bedrock of our success is, of course, our Maisons talented employees. Whatever the circumstances, our exceptionally adaptable, prolifically creative staff rise to the challenge.