In a heartwarming display of blended family unity, supermodel Linda Evangelista, billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault, and actress Salma Hayek came together to celebrate the high school graduation of Augustin James Evangelista Pinault, their shared son and stepson, respectively. The ceremony, held at the prestigious Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey, on June 1, 2025, was a rare public occasion where the family, once marked by legal disputes, presented a united front filled with pride and joy.
Linda Evangelista, 60, took to Instagram on June 2 to share a series of touching photos from the event. Among the images were snapshots of Augustin, 18, proudly holding his diploma, alongside his father François-Henri Pinault, 63, and his stepmother Salma Hayek, 58. Evangelista’s caption read, "Then this happened. 🎓♥️✨🙏🏻 I’m one proud momma. Blessed blessed blessed…" These words echoed the sentiment of a mother deeply moved by her son's milestone and the harmonious family dynamic on display.
Salma Hayek followed suit on June 3 with her own Instagram tribute, writing with evident affection, "Augie!!! We are so PROUD of you congratulations for becoming the extraordinary young man that you are and managing to still be our lovely boy and congratulations to Linda, Francois and all the parents who got our babies up to this point. Easier said than done." Hayek’s post celebrated not only Augustin’s achievements but also the collective effort of the parents who raised him.
The graduation was held at Dwight-Englewood School, a renowned private prep school known for its rigorous academics and notable alumni. Tuition for middle school alone reaches $59,235 annually, underscoring the privileged environment in which Augustin was educated. The school’s reputation for excellence made it a fitting venue for the celebration of this family milestone.
Augustin's parents, Evangelista and Pinault, had a brief but intense relationship from 2005 to 2006. The supermodel gave birth to Augustin in October 2006, initially keeping Pinault’s paternity a secret. It wasn’t until a child support lawsuit filed by Evangelista in 2011 that Pinault’s role as Augustin’s father became public knowledge. The ensuing legal battle was notably contentious, with Evangelista reportedly seeking $46,000 a month for their son's care.
During the 2012 trial, Pinault admitted to breaking up with Evangelista after learning she was pregnant just four months into their relationship, stating, "I didn't even know her." His lawyer suggested that Pinault had even pressured Evangelista to have an abortion, a claim that added to the bitter nature of the proceedings. Despite his immense wealth—estimated at $17.5 billion—and his role as CEO of Kering (a luxury conglomerate owning brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent), Pinault was criticized for his frugality regarding expenses for Augustin. In 2010, he reportedly spent $260,000 on gifts for himself but could not recall what he had bought or how much he had spent on his son.
Nevertheless, the family appears to have moved past these difficulties. Evangelista and Pinault now share a cordial co-parenting relationship, which includes Hayek, who married Pinault in 2009. The couple has a daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, born in September 2007, just months after Augustin’s birth. This makes Augustin and Valentina close in age, further intertwining the family bonds.
Evangelista has spoken publicly about the positive relationship she shares with Hayek. In a 2023 interview with Vogue, she recounted a touching Thanksgiving story: "I was sick at Thanksgiving. And Salma got on the plane with her daughter, came here, and made Thanksgiving dinner." Evangelista detailed how Hayek prepared a feast, including Mexican chicken with truffled potatoes, cooking the entire meal herself despite her busy schedule. "No help," Evangelista emphasized, highlighting the genuine care and effort Hayek invested in supporting her during a difficult time.
Fans and followers have praised the blended family’s dynamic, often commenting on social media about the warmth and civility displayed. One Instagram user wrote, "What a beautiful example of a blended family. Gorgeous," while another added, "How beautiful that his dad and Salma can be part of the event! Everybody wins." Such remarks underscore the rarity and importance of such harmonious relationships in blended families, especially those in the public eye.
Augustin’s upbringing has been marked by a desire for normalcy despite his famous lineage. Evangelista has shared that she and her son often sit in the nosebleed seats at events, preferring to avoid the spotlight. "I wanted to have a very normal upbringing for my child," she said, illustrating her commitment to shielding Augustin from the trappings of celebrity.
Salma Hayek, who has embraced her role as stepmother, has also publicly supported Evangelista. In 2023, Hayek promoted Evangelista’s photography book on Instagram, calling it the perfect gift for fans of fashion and photography. The two women have been seen exchanging warm embraces and kind words on social media, reflecting a genuine bond beyond their shared connection to Pinault.
In October 2024, Hayek expressed gratitude to Evangelista and actress Penelope Cruz at the Innovator Awards, thanking them for their support and friendship. The camaraderie among these women, all prominent figures in their fields, reflects a modern narrative of sisterhood and mutual respect.
As Augustin steps into adulthood, his family’s story stands as a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the evolving nature of blended families. From contentious beginnings to moments of shared celebration, the journey of Evangelista, Pinault, and Hayek highlights the complexities and rewards of co-parenting in the spotlight.
On this proud occasion, the photos of Augustin surrounded by his mother, father, and stepmother tell a story far richer than a graduation ceremony alone. They reveal a family that, despite past hardships, has found harmony and happiness in raising a remarkable young man together.
