As the matriarch of the Assouline empire, Martine Assouline is the ultimate arbiter. Here, the maven shares her insights on the art of giving.
Martine Assouline
Why do you think the spirit of giving is more important now, more than ever?
Social media opens our eyes to so many lives in distress that we can no longer only serve as witness, we want to act. For the more fortunate among us, the importance of giving back becomes obvious as an attempt to reset the balance.
What are some of the causes you support and why?
A few years ago, my son Alexandre arranged a partnership with Assouline and One Tree Planted, a nonprofit environmental charity that plants trees in countries around the world. As a publishing company, our synergy with the organization is obvious, and we are committed to helping create a more sustainable world. Personally, I am chair of the Paris Brain Institute America, a foundation whose goal is to join forces between France and America to better understand the brain’s functions and possibilities and, most importantly, research solutions for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are touching more and more people worldwide. On another scale, I practice a regular discipline to help environmental, health, and educational causes through social media. It is a direct and fast way to spread awareness and participate.
How do you advise others to decide which causes to support and find their philanthropic passions?
I spread awareness for causes that I consider urgent and true. I think that each person must intrinsically feel which efforts to support. When you support a particular cause, you become part of a community. It’s a great feeling, and with time and more involvement, it can open the door to meeting new people and new information, which has happened for me with my involvement in the Paris Brain Institute America.
FOR THE LITTLE ONE
“A good pair of Nikes for my grandson Lennon.”
FOR THE TEEN
“One year of martial arts classes for Charlie, my 12-year-old granddaughter, a red Uniqulo Cap signed by Roger Federer for Marcello, Charlie’s cousin, who is the same age.”
FOR A FRIEND
“The book CODOGNATO Masterpiece.”
FOR THE SPOUSE
“A moment to celebrate life— dinner at Le Bernardin with an excellent bottle of Bourgogne.”
STOCKING STUFFER
“Elsa Peretti’s red Heart Paperweight from Tiffany’s.”
HOUSEWARMING GIFT
“Assouline’s Moon Paradise candle, or Gstaad Glam candle.”
PHILANTHROPIC GIFT
“Something tied to what’s inspiring me at the moment, like a book for my godchildren from CHILDREN’S Fund in Senegal, of which I’ve been a member for 25 years.”
Photography by: PHOTO BY OLIVER PILCHER
