There is no BaselWorld without the Happy Hearts/ Happy Diamonds, can you shed the light more on this latest collection?
Moving diamonds and hearts are two of the signature elements of Chopard. Our Happy Hearts line has naturally found its place within the Happy Diamonds collection and this year, it is enriched with two versions in diamonds and malachite or diamonds and tiger eye. I find these new pieces singularly chic and exquisitely feminine. The collection features a bangle bracelet, a ring as well as a pair of earrings and an elegant sautoir necklace.
Young and light version of the Jewellery collection is what was highlighted during the recent Basel through the newly introduced Ice Cube collection. What does this collection mean to Chopard and who is targeted with this new collection?
Since 1999, when Chopard first introduced the Ice Cube Collection, it has been a powerful, sharp, more rock than romance, mid-way between urban chic and modern glamour collection. This line is cool and trendy for young, modern, edgy as well as elegant women. It is an evolution and revolution of the existing Ice Cube. It is a must have! Also, because sustainable luxury is a priority for us, we selected Fairmined gold for this collection.
Fairmined Gold is now available in the introductory level of your collection. This demonstrates Chopard’s commitment to the clean environment approach will this approach be reflected in all of your Jewellery collections soon?
Rome was not built in one day. Our long term target is to produce all our collections using Fairmined gold but for the moment, we just don’t have enough gold!
Along with our partner Eco-Age, experts in sustainable mining practices, we have joined forces with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) to support and enable mining communities in Latin America to reach Fairmined certification. By supporting these mines which will one day get the certification, we prove our commitment. Jewelery and watches enthusiasts shouldn’t have to choose between luxury and ethic.
In 2013 Chopard started “The Journey to sustainable luxury” using the Fairmined gold. What are your other plans for future?
We launched The Journey in 2013 by using Fairmined gold and since then, a lot happened. We wanted to take the project further by having responsible “colored” stones. We started with opals from Australia which are ethically sourced and last year, during Cannes, we launched our partnership with Gemfields, showcasing High Jewelery pieces set with ethically sourced emeralds. More surprises are coming.
The Garden of Kalahari is the latest exceptional diamond collection Chopard introduced, what does this achievement mean to you? And what message does it declare?
I am really lucky to have put my hand on the exceptional 342 carats diamond which I have baptized “The Queen of Kalahari”. This is a milestone in Chopard’s journey especially for our High Jewellery creations. The message behind this discovery is that there is no limit to Mother Nature’s beauty who always surprises us with amazing discoveries and stunning gemstones such as this diamond which was created over one billion years ago.
What’s your sense of the mood during the recent Baselworld 2017?
Generally, the mood was good during Baselworld 2017. Our novelties and new collections were very well received and this is always a nice reward.
How would you describe Chopard’s presence at this year’s fair? What is your Favorite Baselworld Novelty for this year?
It is always such a pleasure to be here ! This is a tricky question. It is very hard to choose a favorite amongst our novelties as I am in love with all the pieces. But if you insist, I can say that I am over excited about the Ice Cube Pure collection! It is fresh, young and trendy.
Last Year Chopard celebrated 40 years of the Happy Diamond Collection with amazing pieces, what are you dreaming of creating next for the Happy Diamonds range?
I would say something different but within the same spirit of the freely moving diamonds. I have few ideas, but you will have to wait to discover them.
What do you think makes a watch and jewellery collection a classic and timeless one that remains relevant through the years?
Ability to remain modern and elegant through the years as well as impeccable quality are key to becoming an iconic collection.
What is your forecast for the year in terms of Jewellery directions and trends?
The ultimate jewellery trend is to stack up bangles, rings, necklaces in a glorious combo of white, rose and yellow gold with a sparkle of diamonds of course ! It creates a chic and modern glamour.
Chopard has been the official partner of the Cannes film festival, what are your plans for this years’ edition and what is the general directions of the Red and/or Green Jewellery collections?
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival and the 20th anniversary of Chopard’s partnership with this annual event. 20 years of passionately showcasing the quintessence of glamour.
Since 2007, we challenge ourselves to increase the number of jewellery pieces from the Red Carpet Collection to match the number of Festival editions to date, the number of creations that emerge from the workshop grows by one each year. Our workshops are working on 70 pieces right now !
What are the Chopard’s, challenges and opportunities in the Middle East region?
The Middle East is a well-established market for us. We have opportunities to grow our network through upcoming boutiques openings this year. Our main challenge is to remain among the top brands in the region and deliver products that exceed the expectations of our dearest Arab clientele.
How do you measure success at Chopard?
Seeing women all over the world wearing our jewelry with smiles on their faces is success for me!