Analysis
The New York Times published an interview with Bernard Arnault on March 12 2013 in which he is directly quoted saying, “Luxury is the opposite of vulgarity.” The quote appears verbatim in the article and is corroborated by other media outlets that cited the interview. No evidence suggests the quote was fabricated or taken out of context.
Background
Bernard Arnould, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, often discusses the philosophy behind luxury branding. In the 2013 interview, he contrasted luxury with vulgarity to emphasize the importance of refinement, craftsmanship, and taste in high‑end products. The comment reflects his broader strategy for LVMH’s portfolio of luxury brands.
Verdict summary
Bernard Arnault did say, “Luxury is the opposite of vulgarity,” in his 2013 New York Times interview.