France’s Nobel economics laureate Philippe Aghion has credited his creative upbringing for shaping his groundbreaking ideas on innovation, growth and economic freedom.

Speaking from his apartment in Paris’ Latin Quarter after being awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday, Aghion reflected on his family’s influence — particularly his mother, Gaby Aghion, founder of the renowned fashion house Chloé.

“I grew up with innovators. My mother invented luxury ready-to-wear,” said the 69-year-old economics professor, who shared this year’s prize with Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University and Peter Howitt of Brown University for research redefining how technological progress fuels prosperity.

Aghion paid tribute to his mother’s pioneering spirit, noting that her vision transformed women’s fashion by introducing ready-to-wear luxury as a freer, more feminine alternative to traditional haute couture.

“Before, there was only haute couture — luxury ready-to-wear didn’t exist,” he explained. “Through Chloé, she imagined how women could be free — they shouldn’t have to change outfits four times a day. She envisioned liberated, emancipated women.”

In his Paris home, a table stacked with books on art and liberty still reflects the world of ideas that continues to inspire his work.

Aghion fondly recalled growing up surrounded by artists and designers, including the late Karl Lagerfeld, who was closely associated with Chloé. “Karl used to help me with my German homework,” he said with a smile.

Source: AP