Franca Sozzani Receives Légion d’Honneur at the Élysée Palace, Si Newhouse Calls Her 'Infallible'

Nicolas Sarkozy awards Franca Sozzani the Legion of Honor. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images

Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani received France’s Légion d’Honneur at the Élysée Palace in Paris yesterday, awarded to her by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Her perfect pin looked perfect with the gold-embroidered Dolce & Gabbana dress she wore to celebrate the occasion.

Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman of Condé Nast International, had many choice words for France. They include:

" The press sometimes describes Franca Sozzani as the Pope of fashion. Why is she perceived this way? Maybe because Franca is Italian and very powerful with a worldwide influence. Maybe because, like the Holy Father, she is universally known by her first name. Or maybe because when she speaks, she is considered to be....infallible.

All of these things are true. But they do not go far enough in explaining Franca’s uniqueness and why she is so deeply admired, respected and loved.

Always outspoken, recently on her blog about International Women’s Day celebrations.

Rather than the celebration of mimosas, this should be a day of protest, a silent but concrete protest, in the name of which we should all support the countless associations struggling in defense of women. Supporting the needs of other women is more significant than routinely giving them good wishes.