If you’ve been keeping an eye on the red carpet lately, you might have noticed a very familiar face standing next to Salma Hayek. It’s her daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault. But 2024 has been a weirdly pivotal year for her. While most "nepo babies" are busy launching skincare lines or thirsty TikTok careers, Valentina is doing something actually... smart?
She’s 17 now. Well, technically she just hit that milestone in late 2024, and it’s basically changed the entire dynamic of how her mom talks about her. Salma actually went on Today recently and admitted she’s struggling with "separation anxiety." It's relatable, honestly. Even if your mom is a global icon and your dad, François-Henri Pinault, runs a luxury empire like Kering (think Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent), leaving for college is still a huge deal.
Why 2024 is the Year Valentina Pinault Steps Away
Most people expect Valentina to just slide into an acting role. She has the look. She has the connections. But in a surprising twist, Salma revealed that her daughter isn't interested in the easy path.
According to Salma’s October 2024 appearance with Hoda and Savannah, Valentina is heading to college to study Political Science.
Wait, what?
Yeah, you’d think she’d be at NYU Tisch or something similar. But no. She told her mom that while she wants to eventually direct, she thinks film is "in her blood" and doesn't need to be studied as a major. Instead, she wants to spend her university years learning something "more complicated." That’s a pretty bold take for a teenager.
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- Major: Political Science
- Minor: Film
- Ultimate Goal: Directing (not just acting)
- Current Focus: Finishing her final year of high school and prepping for the "big move"
She’s basically told the world that being a "face" isn't enough. She wants the brains behind the operation.
The Style Evolution: Beyond the Gucci Hand-Me-Downs
We can't talk about Salma Hayek’s daughter in 2024 without mentioning the fashion. Being the daughter of the guy who owns Gucci has its perks. But she isn't just wearing whatever is on the mannequin.
Earlier this year, we saw her at the Kering for Women Dinner in New York. She looked like a complete pro. She’s moved away from the "mini-me" looks of her childhood and into this very specific, Gen-Z-meets-Parisian-Chic aesthetic. Think dark lace, vintage silhouettes, and messy-on-purpose hair.
Remember the 2023 Oscars? Valentina actually wore a red Isaac Mizrahi gown that Salma originally wore in 1997. In 2024, she’s continued this trend of sustainable (well, "billionaire sustainable") fashion by raiding her mom’s massive archive of '90s couture.
It’s a vibe.
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The Family Dynamic is... Surprisingly Normal?
Okay, maybe not "normal" like "frozen pizza on Tuesdays" normal. But for a family with a combined net worth that could probably buy a small country, they seem tight.
In September 2024, Salma posted a heart-wrenching tribute for Valentina’s 17th birthday. She called her a "wise soul full of magic." But the real tea is how Valentina is with her siblings. She’s part of a blended family that includes:
- Mathilde Pinault: Her older half-sister who is a professional equestrian and model.
- Augustin James Evangelista: Her half-brother (whose mom is supermodel Linda Evangelista).
Actually, speaking of Linda, there was a super sweet moment in late 2024 where Valentina and Linda were spotted together at a Fashion Week event. It’s one of those rare Hollywood moments where there’s zero drama between the "ex" and the "new" family. Valentina seems to be the glue in that situation.
Is she still living in London?
Mostly, yes. The family spends a ton of time in London and France, which is probably why she’s trilingual. She speaks English, Spanish, and French fluently. Imagine being 17 and able to argue with your parents in three different languages.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her
The biggest misconception is that Valentina is just another socialite waiting for a reality show.
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Honestly? She’s barely on social media. Her Instagram is private or very low-key. In a world where every celebrity kid is trying to be the next Charli D'Amelio, Valentina is curiously quiet.
She’s "obsessed" with beauty products, though. Salma mentioned that Valentina is a total nerd when it comes to Korean skincare and "products you can't even imagine exist." She’s basically Salma’s personal beauty consultant at this point.
How to Follow Her Journey (The Right Way)
If you're looking for Valentina to drop a "Get Ready With Me" video anytime soon, don't hold your breath.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Red Carpets: She usually only appears at events that matter to her family—like the Kering Foundation galas or her mom's major premieres.
- Keep an eye on Film Festivals: Since she wants to be a director, look for her name in the credits of short films or indie projects in the next couple of years.
- Don't expect a public IG: She seems to value her privacy, which is probably why she stays so grounded despite the insane wealth surrounding her.
Valentina Paloma Pinault is clearly playing the long game. She’s using 2024 to transition from "Salma's kid" to an actual student of the world. Whether she ends up in the UN or behind a camera at Cannes, she's definitely not following the standard Hollywood script.
Keep an eye on those director credits—we might see "Pinault" in the director's chair sooner than you think.