Kylie Minogue Shines at Paris Wine Awards with Fashion and Business Flair
Kylie Minogue, the iconic Princess of Pop, made a stunning appearance at the V d'Or Ceremony in Paris on Tuesday, where she presented the prestigious IMW Lifetime Achievement Award. The 57-year-old singer turned heads in a glamorous PVC fringed dress by Simone Rocha, paired with elegant Roger Vivier shoes, as she posed for photos backstage at the Wine Paris event. Her leggy display and sizzling snaps captured the attention of onlookers, highlighting her timeless style and confidence.
Award Presentation and Personal Connection
On the eve of Wine Paris, the world's most renowned wine show, Minogue presented the award to esteemed wine writer Andrew Jefford. In her introduction, she revealed a personal connection, noting that she had sought Jefford's advice when first considering launching her own wine brand in May 2020. "I was very nervous ahead of our first Zoom call. But he was so supportive, and kind and insightful... he gave me a lot of fortitude," she shared. Jefford, in his acceptance speech, described the moment as "possibly the most surreal evening of my life," to which Minogue humorously added, "We'll send them a selfie." The award, presented by the Institute of Masters of Wine in association with The Drinks Business, recognises significant contributions to the global wine community, emphasising vision, determination, and innovation.
Fashion and City Exploration
Later in the day, Minogue changed into a chic khaki ensemble by Simkhai, styled with Lana Wilkinson shoes, as she explored the French capital. She was spotted posing in front of the historic Arc de Triomphe, twirling in the streets and enjoying a glass of wine, exuding good spirits and elegance. Her fashion choices throughout the event showcased her versatility, from the bold PVC dress to the more relaxed yet sophisticated khaki outfit.
Showcasing Her Wine Brand Success
During Wine Paris, Minogue also highlighted her award-winning wine collection, which has sold over 25 million bottles since its launch. She looked chic in a white linen suit paired with a black lace blouse as she posed next to her Kylie Minogue stall. In another outfit, she wore a Chanel white and black floral satin blouse tucked into black trousers and towering boots, holding up a bottle of her rosé with a gorgeous smile. Her wine line includes a southern French rosé made from a blend of 80% Carignan and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged on its lees for three months in stainless steel for added complexity.
Inspiration and Production Involvement
In an exclusive interview with The Drinks Business, Minogue revealed that her inspiration for creating her own wine came from drinking Provence rosé during sweltering nights in Nashville while recording her album Golden. "It was exceptionally hot and humid that summer, and it was an exciting time, being in Nashville and writing songs with no distractions," she explained. "While dining outdoors one night, my manager Polly and I were drinking Whispering Angel to cool down from the heat, which got me thinking how great it would be to have my own rosé." Keen to be involved in all stages, she chose the bottle design and label, featuring her name in relief and her signature. Her brand has expanded to include a lees-aged Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony and a Pays d'Oc Merlot, with industry sources praising the quality and success of her prosecco.
Event Significance and Industry Impact
The V d'Or Business Awards ceremony, held just before the annual Wine Paris trade show from February 9 to 11, aims to recognise innovations and solutions in the wine and spirits industry. This includes addressing challenges such as education, climate change, new consumption patterns, and the loss of traditional expertise. Minogue's involvement underscores her transition from pop star to respected entrepreneur in the wine world, blending her celebrity appeal with business acumen.
