French Power Woman Albane Cleret Looks to Export Brand

Although she always works behind the scenes, Albane Cleret has become the highest-profile party planner in France. In Cannes, Cleret hosts her Club by Albane, a pop-up version of her Parisian members-only institution that brings together the creme de la creme of the French entertainment industry, from actors to producers and distributors. It counts 450 members, and Cleret releases only 10 new member cards per year.

Cleret has managed to attract key sponsors to back her venture, notably Chopard, BMW and Moet & Chandon.

Cleret said she started “globalizing” the club two years ago and the proof is at Cannes: This year she’s hosted parties and/or dinners for Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society,” Shane Black’s “The Nice Guys,” Xavier Dolan’s “It’s Only the End of the World,” Sean Penn’s “The Last Face” and Stephanie Di Gusto’s “The Dancer.”

Her Cannes-set Club by Albane, which is built for the occasion on top of the Marriott Hotel on the Croisette, is a costly operation. Cleret said the club is also looking to play a bigger role in the industry. It started by hosting junkets during the day and has become an oasis for members, with famed hair stylist Anthony Cristiano in attendance, and a restaurant featuring dishes by chic Parisian eatery L’Avenue.