FRANCE. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Philippe Charriol, the founder of the Geneva-based luxury Swiss watch brand Charriol. In travel retail he was perhaps better known for the Parfums Charriol line of fragrances made under licence by Cofinluxe.
According to an AFP report, the death occurred following an accident on the Le Castellet track in the south of France. Circuit director Stephane Clair was quoted as saying: “During a car-racing session that was taking place on the Paul Ricard circuit… French driver Philippe Charriol was the victim of an accident on the Mistral straight.”
Charriol, aged 77, died of his injuries after being taken to hospital in Marseille, the town he hailed from.
“It is a 45-year-old page of friendship that turns…”
In a heartfelt tribute, Cofinluxe President and Directeur Général Jean-Pierre Grivory said: “I was devastated when I learned this morning the terrible news that Philippe Charriol passed away in a car accident yesterday during a race. I still can’t believe it. Philippe departed while pursuing one of his great passions. He had the art of ‘vive la difference’ and he will leave a terrible void to those who love him.”
“As for me personally, far beyond the licence that was born from our personal ties, it is a 45-year-old page of friendship that turns – but will stay forever in my memory and in my heart. His enthusiasm and his creativity will remain the DNA of the brand he created under his name that we have the duty to make survive and develop in dedication to his memory.”
For many years, Cofinluxe hosted a long-standing Sunday evening welcome cocktail at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, where Philippe Charriol was regularly present alongside Jean-Pierre Grivory.
The Moodie Davitt Report offers its sincerest condolences to Philippe’s wife and three children.
