When you hear the term "stepdaughter," your brain probably goes straight to some weird Cinderella trope. Or maybe you picture a cold, distant relationship fueled by tabloid drama and awkward holiday dinners. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to Mathilde Pinault and her famous stepmother.
Mathilde is the daughter of French billionaire François-Henri Pinault and his first wife, Dorothée Lepère. But for over a decade, she’s been the hijastra de Salma Hayek, and their bond is actually one of the most refreshing things in Hollywood (and the global fashion scene).
It isn't just about the red carpets or the front-row seats at Gucci. It's a real, grounded connection that seems to keep the young heiress sane while navigating a world where her father owns basically every luxury brand you’ve ever lusted after.
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Who Is Mathilde Pinault, Anyway?
Born in 2001, Mathilde is currently 24 years old. While the world sees her as a "fashion heiress," she’s spent most of her life trying to be an athlete. Specifically, a high-level equestrian.
She started riding Shetland ponies when she was just 4. By age 10, she was at a pony club outside Paris, and by 12, she was jumping. She’s often said that the stable is the only place she feels truly herself—away from the flashbulbs and the "Pinault" name.
"Riding has a therapeutic dimension for me. I am in a bubble. I ignore everything." — Mathilde Pinault to Paris Match.
She isn't just "playing" at being a rider either. She has represented France in international tournaments and has her sights set on major competitions like the World Cup and even the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Salma is usually her biggest cheerleader, often posting videos of Mathilde nailing a circuit with captions like "Congratulations, champ!"
The "Step-Mother" Dynamic That Defies Tropes
Salma Hayek married François-Henri Pinault in 2009. At the time, Mathilde was just a young girl. Instead of the typical friction, Hayek leaned into the role with a lot of warmth.
Salma has been very vocal about how she views her blended family. She once told Red magazine that while she only had one biological child (Valentina Paloma), she considers herself to have four children. That includes Mathilde, her brother François, and her half-brother Augustin James (whose mother is supermodel Linda Evangelista).
A Pragmatic Mentor
Mathilde doesn't just see Salma as a "bonus mom." She sees her as a mentor. She has talked about accompanying Salma to movie sets and watching her work. Mathilde noted that Salma taught her how to "mute the volume of difficulties" and tackle obstacles piece by piece.
It's a very practical, almost business-like approach to life that you wouldn't necessarily expect from a Hollywood star. Salma helps her manage the "Pinault" pressure. Being the daughter of the man who runs Kering (the parent company of Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen) isn't exactly a low-stakes existence.
The Hijastra de Salma Hayek and the Fashion World
Let’s be real: when your dad is the CEO of Kering, you’re going to be well-dressed. But Mathilde and Salma have turned their public appearances into a masterclass in "blended family chic."
Whether it’s the UK premiere of House of Gucci or the Venice Biennale, they often coordinate without looking like they’re wearing matching costumes. In 2024, they showed up to the Biennale in fringe Balenciaga gowns—Salma in a deep blue and Mathilde in a shimmering silver. They looked less like "step-relatives" and more like a high-fashion duo.
- Milan Fashion Week 2023: Mathilde, Salma, and Valentina sat front row at Gucci, proving the "it girl" status is a family affair.
- Saint Laurent AW 2023: They appeared in dark, coordinated leather looks that went viral on TikTok and Instagram.
- Daily Life: Mathilde has mentioned she can go from meeting Anna Wintour to having a coffee with friends in a Parisian cafe within two hours. That's a wild range.
Education and a Future Outside the Spotlight
Despite the modeling gigs and the brand ambassadorships (she’s worked with equestrian brands like Dada Sport), Mathilde is surprisingly academic. She studied at Emlyon Business School in France.
She's making it clear that she doesn't feel forced to take over the family business. Her father has apparently been very flexible about her career path. If she wants to spend her life in a saddle rather than a boardroom, the family is on board.
Why This Relationship Matters
In a culture that thrives on "family feuds," the hijastra de Salma Hayek narrative is actually quite wholesome. It shows a successful, high-profile woman making space for her husband’s children without erasing their own mother or creating competition.
Mathilde has described Salma as having a "flame that soothes" her. In the high-pressure world of billionaire heiresses and European "It Girls," that kind of emotional support is probably worth more than any diamond necklace in the Kering vaults.
Actionable Takeaways for Blended Families
- Focus on shared interests: For Salma and Mathilde, it’s fashion and career pragmatism.
- Support the passions: Salma’s public cheering for Mathilde’s equestrian career shows she values Mathilde’s individual identity.
- Acknowledge the biological parents: There’s no evidence of Salma trying to "replace" Mathilde’s mother, Dorothée Lepère; instead, she added another layer of support.
If you’re looking to follow Mathilde’s journey, keep an eye on international show jumping results. You might just see a Hollywood A-lister in the stands with a camera, screaming for her favorite rider.