The 50 most influential French people of 2018

Vanity Fair France has released its list of the French people who were the most influential this year.

Emmanuel Macron, Kylian Mbappé et Céline Sciamma Source: Reuters, FIFA, SBS

Vanity Fair has published its list of the most influential French people in the world.

In first position, we find fashion designer and photographer Hedi Slimane. He rose to fame as creative director for Dior Homme and Yves Saint Laurent, before taking the reins of Celine earlier this year. "Hedi Scissorhands transforms everything he touches into gold, and plays on an even field with the most powerful," writes journalist Virginie Mouzat about the man who dresses the biggest celebrities, including Lady Gaga.

Writer Leïla Slimani (Prix Goncourt 2016 for Chanson douce) is in second position. Mouzat writes that she "embodies a certain image of the French women of letters in the world: talented, open and engaged."

And in third position is young football player Kylian Mbappé, who made history with his goal against Croatia in the World Cup final. 

To complete the top 10, filmmaker Céline Sciamma, president Emmanuel Macron, scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier, climate negociator Laurence Tubiana, Festival de Cannes' director Thierry Frémaux, humanitarian Sophie Beau and the French football team manager Didier Deschamps.

To see the whole top 50, go to Vanity Fair.