The world of 90s supermodels usually feels like a closed circuit of glamour and tight-lipped secrets. But when it comes to Linda Evangelista son, Augustin James Evangelista Pinault, the story is way more human than the headlines suggest. Honestly, if you only remember the explosive 2011 court case, you're missing the best part of the narrative. It’s not just about billionaire drama anymore. It’s about a kid who grew up in the crosshairs of a massive fashion empire and a "supers" legacy, only to become a remarkably grounded 19-year-old.
Augustin—or "Augie" as his inner circle calls him—was born on October 11, 2006. For years, his paternity was the industry’s biggest "open secret." Linda stayed quiet, protecting him from the circus. But eventually, the truth came out: his father is François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering. Yeah, the guy who runs Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga.
The Mystery Father and That Famous Court Battle
You’ve probably heard the rumors that things were messy at the start. They kinda were. When Linda first filed for child support in 2011, it sent shockwaves through Manhattan. People were obsessed with the $46,000-a-month request. It sounded wild. But Linda’s argument was basically that a billionaire's son should live like a billionaire’s son. She wanted 24-hour security and nannies to keep up with her erratic modeling schedule.
What’s interesting is that this wasn’t a "scandal" in the traditional sense. Pinault wasn't married to Salma Hayek when Augie was conceived. He and Linda had a four-month fling in late 2005. He started dating Salma shortly after. It was just a complicated timeline.
💡 You might also like: Bobby Sherman Health Update: What Really Happened to the Teen Idol
Why the "Love Child" Label is Totally Outdated
If you look at the family now, in 2026, the term "love child" feels almost insulting. This is a fully integrated, modern blended family. Salma Hayek didn't just accept Augie; she basically adopted him into her heart. There's this legendary story Linda told Vogue about being sick during Thanksgiving. Salma didn't just send flowers. She hopped on a plane with her daughter, Valentina, showed up at Linda's house, and cooked the entire dinner herself.
That’s not PR. That’s real life.
Augie's Life Away from the Runway
Despite being the son of a woman who "doesn't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day" and a man who owns half the luxury market, Augie isn't a "fashion kid."
📖 Related: Blair Underwood First Wife: What Really Happened with Desiree DaCosta
- He’s a sports nut. Linda once joked to Harper's Bazaar that she spends her time at games and wearing jerseys because he just doesn't care about the catwalk.
- He’s her "light." During Linda’s horrific ordeal with a botched CoolSculpting procedure that left her "deformed" and reclusive, it was Augie who helped her find the courage to go public.
- He’s a USC student. Following his high school graduation in June 2025—where both Linda and the Pinaults were front and center—it’s been widely reported he’s heading to (or is currently at) the University of Southern California.
The 2024-2025 Red Carpet Shift
For a long time, we barely saw him. Linda kept him shielded. But lately, Augustin has been popping up more. He’s 19 now. He’s tall. He’s got that distinctive Evangelista bone structure—the nose and those piercing eyes are unmistakable.
You might have seen him at the 2024 Groundbreaker Awards or the National Breast Cancer Coalition Gala in 2025. He usually wears a navy or black suit, looking slightly shy but totally comfortable next to his mom. It’s a stark contrast to the way some "nepo babies" chase the lens. He seems like he’s there to support her, not to be the main event.
What Most People Miss
The real takeaway here isn't the billion-dollar child support or the luxury brands. It's the grace. Linda and Salma Hayek have managed to co-parent in a way that puts most Hollywood exes to shame. They aren't "rivals." They're a team. When Augie turned 18 in late 2024, Salma posted a tribute to him that was just as sweet as Linda’s.
👉 See also: Bhavana Pandey Explained: What Most People Get Wrong About the Original Bollywood Wife
It’s easy to look at a kid like Linda Evangelista son and think "lucky him." And sure, the money is there. But growing up as the "secret" son of a billionaire and then watching your mother go through a very public physical and emotional trauma? That takes a different kind of strength.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you're following this family's journey, keep an eye on these specific touchpoints that define their public presence:
- Look for the "Kering Foundation" events. This is usually where the whole family—Linda, François-Henri, and Salma—appears together for charity. It's the best place to see their dynamic.
- Focus on the philanthropy, not just the fashion. Augie has been increasingly involved in his parents' charitable work, particularly around women's health and breast cancer awareness.
- Respect the privacy. While he's 19, he still doesn't have a massive public Instagram presence. He’s clearly choosing a path that values education over influencer status for now.
The story of Augustin James Evangelista Pinault started with a legal battle, but it’s turned into a masterclass in how to build a family when the world expects you to fall apart.