WASHINGTON–Joan Carl, vice chairman and controlling shareholder of D. Porthault, has been designated a chevalier in the Legion of Honor by the government of France.
In granting this honor to Carl, Nicolas Sarkozy, president of France, cited her service and commitment to France. Pierre Vimont, France’s ambassador to the United States, said Carl has made a “very special contribution to the advancement of the relationship between France and the United States.”
Since Carl became Porthault’s vice chairman in 2005, the company has opened a new flagship store in Paris, a new boutique in New York City and a separate luxury-linens boutique in Bergdorf Goodman in New York. She has been credited for the revival of the iconic French luxury-textiles brand.
Along with being credited with a revival for Porthault, Carl purchased and restored the chateau de Champigny in the Loire Valley of France. The property, whose history dates back to Roman times, is now being used to host local civic, cultural and religious events.