By Invitation Only: Fabien Vallérian

by invitation only is a series that gives paid readers a behind-the-curtain look into the lives, interests, and perspectives of creative professionals shaping the art world today.

This week on by invitation only we speak to Ruinart’s International Director of Arts & Culture, Fabien Vallérian, who oversees the Maison’s long-standing engagement with contemporary art. Ruinart is the world's oldest established Champagne brand and has been collaborating with artists for over a century, beginning with its first commissioned poster by Alphonse Mucha in 1896. Today they continue that legacy through an annual artist residency programme called Conversations with Nature.

Last week, Ruinart’s Conversations with Nature artist for 2026, Tadashi Kawamata, showcased preparatory works in the Ruinart Art Lounge at Frieze Los Angeles, offering a first glimpse of the large-scale, site-specific installations he plans to execute throughout the year.

Here, Fabien shares how he discovers and selects artists to collaborate with, and how he aims to build lasting partnerships while anchoring each commission in the Maison’s history and commitment to nature.

• Follow Fabien @fabienvallerian

• Follow Tadashi Kawamata @tadashi.kawamata

• Follow Ruinart @ruinart

Let’s get into it…