Interviews

Exclusive interview with Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard talks about the the partnership of the House of Chopard and the Cannes Film Festival that started 15 years ago. She explains some of the challenges Chopard has to face to keep on going successfully.

The jewellery industry is  using and testing new material in jewellery such as rubber, titanium, steel, wood carbon fibers to name few, is the House of Chopard   considering  using them in  haute jewellery  in the future?

As a matter of fact at Chopard we have already included many new materials in our jewelry. For the Red Carpet collection in 2010 we had made a sapphire flower set of necklace and earrings using titanium. Our new Precious Temptations collection has been based on using many precious multicolored stones such as rubellites, amethysts, Paraiba tourmalines and topaz.

14 years ago Chopard became the Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival and at another level you have a strong association with world-renowned supermodels and celebrities. How is this association paying dividends for the House of Chopard?

Chopard has been the official partner with the Cannes Film Festival since 1998. Since then, I redesigned the Palme d’Or and we manufacture it every year in our workshops. Each year, we hold a Chopard event called the Chopard Trophy in which we choose two young upcoming actor and actress who are awarded the Chopard Trophy. This year it was Ezra Miller and Shailene Woodley. The award was presented by Sean Penn on May 17^th. Then we always host a traditional Chopard party, and we support the the AmFAR for many years….The atmosphere is simply dazzling and glamorous, in a sense that it creates a buzz attracting people from every stance of life in every corner of the world. This element in itself is the attention that Chopard receives naturally from being so linked to the film festival. The red Carpet in itself is an eye catcher for all especially when the fabulous Penelope Cruz, Eva Herzigova, Jane Fonda or Uma Thurman wears a Red Carpet collection piece, it creates a great focus of attention on our jewellery.

Chopard has unveiled an exceptional series of 25 unpublished photographs of Marilyn Monroe and a tribute jewellery creation, how does the star influence you?  

Marilyn is an icon in her own exclusive way; she was the girl next door with exceptional beauty yet simplicity. She had the grace of a woman yet withholding the innocence of a young girl. She excelled at whatever she did, in a way that made her name hold till way after she passed away. The piece I created in her remembrance is one of classical elegance with a twist…it is made of beautiful diamonds, one of the favorite stones of Marilyn.

The House of Chopard is world renowned for its distinctive ‘jeweled watches’. How are you able to reconcile watches and jewellery into one unit and into one identity?

Whether a watch or a piece of jewelry, both require extreme detail and precision in their making.  The watch has become in a way the symbol of one’s identity and character. Those who value watches and their complication understand the sophistication that goes into the creation of this piece, so why not embellish that piece even more with diamonds or other precious gems, such as we did with the Imperiale Tourbillon which was presented in Basel this year.

How much importance do you place in the Middle East for the brand?

Chopard has its own place in the Middle East as we have for a long time a faithful clientele in the Middle East. The Middle Eastern clientele is one that seeks exceptional quality, taste, and have the essence of the `savoir vivre` by enjoying the fine luxuries. Therefore we have a strong presence in The Middle East. Between the openings of the new boutique in Bahrain earlier this year and the relooking of our Dubai boutique in the Mall of Emirates, as well as the one in Kuwait, Chopard remains busy in the region.

Do you anticipate launching a new collection specific collection or designs dedicated to the Middle East?

Ideas are always flowing so everything is a possibility.

What is your take on independent; family-owned companies such as yours vis-à-vis the large luxury conglomerates?

Independence is key to our success. As a family we make our own decisions of expansion and growth. We take small steps according to the times we live in without having to respond to outside pressures. Our expansion rate grows slowly but surely according to our own targets.

You have steadfastly shielded your independence over the century and decades. Are you going to continue to maintain your independence and are you contemplating takeovers / acquisitions in the future?

Chopard hopefully will always maintain its independence for now.

In your opinion what are the current and future challenges that Chopard is /and will be facing?

The challenge one faces is to keep up with this young fast generation that requires acquiring the object instantly. Another challenge is to keep being creative, and maintaining our high level of quality of our products to propose always new interesting creations to our customers.

Market News

Harry Winston posts 34 percent sales increase in Q1

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation posted first quarter sales rose 34 percent year on year to $192.5 million for the three months that ended on April 30. Mining segment sales jumped 44 percent to $89 million while luxury brand segment sales, which include retail, increased 26 percent to $103.5 million. Harry Winston's profit improved to $11.6 million from $3.6 million one year ago.

Oldest pearl discovered in UAE

The oldest pearl in the history of human kind which goes back to the Neolithic age some 7,500 years old was found in Umm Al Quwain, UAE. This newly discovered pearl along with other pearls found along the south western shores of the Arabian Peninsula indicates that this region witnessed the oldest clam hunting activity in the world for the value of pearls aesthetically and for special rituals.

Company News

OMEGA reveals its newest brand ambassador

Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe has been added to OMEGA’s roster of brand ambassadors and participated in the opening of the brand’s new boutique in Venice. The half-French half-Cambodian actress portrays Séverine in SKYFALL, the James Bond film to be released in November. It will mark her English-language acting debut for Ms Marlohe whose previous film roles have been in her native French.

Montblanc celebrates the official opening of its new and biggest concept store in the world

Montblanc has recently hosted an International Gala Event to celebrate the official opening of its new 4-storey store in the heart of Sanlitun in Beijing. This contemporary and imposing concept store is Montblanc’s biggest flagship in the world, a place where visitors will be invited to discover the world of Montblanc masterpieces in an interactive and innovative way. At the World Premiere of its China flagship store, Montblanc presented the entire Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, an exquisite tribute to the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly.

Piaget unveils its new concept for its boutiques

Piaget is equipping its boutiques with a new architectural concept for which the mandate was awarded to Christine Querlioz, from the Atelier Sasha in Paris. The latter has conceptualized a contemporary setting, where fine craftsmanship and elegance live side by side, harmoniously expressing the brand’s great richness. From the façade covered with black, gold and blue Sicis mosaics to the patinated walls or furniture covered in plaited oak, human touches of ingenuity are everywhere and demonstrate Piaget’s deep-felt attachment to traditional skills.

Concorso d'Eleganza winner receives a LANGE 1 TIME ZONE

During a gala dinner held at the Villa d’Este, Wilhelm Schmid, A. Lange & Sohne CEO, presented a unique piece of its LANGE 1 TIME ZONE to the winner of this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. David Cohen received the award for his Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS 6th Series Coupe with a Figoni body of 1933.

Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr. partners with Girard-Perregaux to celebrate World Oceans Day

On June 5, Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr. celebrated World Oceans Day at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, in partnership with Girard-Perregaux.  Avid environmental conservationists, Susan and David created this event to raise public awareness to the plight of ocean health and the need for its protection. Following the screening, Michele Sofisti, CEO of Sowind (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) presented Susan and David with their own Girard-Perregaux SeaHawk “Big Blue” watches, which were created to honor their environmental efforts.

Marc A. Hayek and Peter Kox wins at the Blancpain Edurance Series in Silverstone (UK)

Last weekend, the crowd witnessed the fantastic victory of Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain, and co-driver Peter Kox under heavy rain in Silverstone (UK). After 3 hours of epic racing, the two pilots climbed on the top rank in the PRO-AM category. Starting from the 7th position, the two pilots showed great racing skills by overtaking one by one all their opponents, Marc A. Hayek even overtook a professional driver in the ultimate laps.

CYRUS offers an exclusive timepiece to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

CYRUS is proud to be part of the traditional charity football match as its main sponsor as well as proposing an exceptional timepiece (limited edition of 99 pieces) for this extraordinary event. The watch was offered to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco at the end of the match which was took place at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. All proceeds from the match will go to the Foundation Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Eberhard & Co. timepiece auctioned for 54 000 Euros

On 29 May 2012, at Meeting Art Auction House Vercelli, the “Sistema Magini”, later called the “Metodo Magini” by Eberhard & Co. was auctioned for the remarkable price of 56 000 Euros. Made at the beginning of the 1940s, the 24-hour split-second chronograph by Eberhard & Co. has a chromium-plated metal case with a push button coaxial to the crown, a rectangular push button at 4 hours for the chronographic functions, and corrector push buttons at 16 and 24 hours for the quick setting of the month and date.

Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons opens new boutique in Al Ain Mall

Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons has announced the launch of their latest outlet, a dedicated boutique showcasing their finest product range at the newly-inaugurated section of Al Ain Mall. Spreading over 214 square metres, the boutique will be staffed by a team of dedicated personnel especially trained to deal with a wide variety of customers.

DeLaneau names new Communication Director

After two fruitful years of collaboration, Sparkle PR is passing the handling of media relations of the Swiss watch brand DeLaneau to Mrs. Estelle Tonelli. Mrs. Tonelli, new Communication Director, will be responsible of any queries regarding DeLaneau and its exceptional creations.

Damas opens its new store in KidZania

Damas has officially opened its establishment in KidZania® at The Dubai Mall on the eve of International Children’s Day 2012. The store, which stocks replicas of Damas’ popular jewellery for children, is designed to give children practical experience in crafting jewellery and learning about gold, diamonds and precious stones.

Product Launch

Concord launches C2 AsphaltBlack Y-12 Edition

Concord’s C2 AsphaltBlack is defined by the sleek, athletic lines of a thoroughbred shaped by unwavering determination. The new timepiece is slimmer 43mm diameter case, crafted in black PVD-Finished stainless steel. Water resistant to 100 meters and shielded from the rigors of daily life by its black and titanium grey armor, the C2 AsphaltBlack houses a 37-Jewel movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Salvatore Ferragamo introduces its 2012 Timepieces Collection

Idillio, a new collection of Salvatore Ferragamo Timepieces, is an expression of the creativity and elegance that have always defined the Florentine maison’s style. Idillio is a magnificent watch-gem reminiscent of a night sky aglow with stars, its dial studded as it is with precious stones evoking the Milky Way. It comes in three uniquely alluring models: the first, with a 34 mm stainless steel case and a full pavé of blue sapphires crossed by a luminous trail of diamonds; the second, with an IP gold case setting of rubies and diamonds; and the third, with a stainless steel case and a pavé of diamonds spangled with coloured gemstones (blue and yellow sapphires, rubies, purple sapphires and tsavorites).

Fabergé – A Catwalk Renaissance

It was a Fabergé moonstone egg bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor that captured the imagination of Olivier Rousteing for autumn/winter 2012. For his second collection for Balmain, the designer created boxy leather jackets and couture ‘sweatshirts’ topped with matelassé-inspired embroideries dense with pearl, crystal and gold beading and a powder pink tuxedo suit topped with delicate pearl and crystal quilting. With its resplendent catwalk renaissance, captured in a series of illustrations by artist Tania Ling, Fabergé is the jeweller du jour for Autumn/Winter 2012.

LIALI presents new designs of Nouf ring collection

LIALI Jewellery has presented the new designs in its exclusive Nouf ring collection. Exotic and beautiful, Nouf’s handcrafted rings feature tantalizing combinations of select white, brown and black diamonds, pink, yellow,  orange sapphires, topaz, citrines, amethysts and smoky and white quartz.

Exhibitions & Events

India participates at JCK Las Vegas 2012

This year the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has decided to declare the Indian participation at JCK Las Vegas 2012 as an INDIA SHOW which was visited by officials from the ministry of Commerce and Industry and showcased gems, jewellery and culture from India. The event also saw the presence of International brand ambassador of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Sonam Kapoor – noted Indian Bollywood Diva and fashionista.

Celebrity News

Nicole Kidman on Cartier jewels at the Cannes Film Festival 2012

On 24 May 2012, Actress Nicole Kidman attended 'The Paperboy' Premiere during 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, wearing Strap bracelets and Pair of ear-pendants by Cartier Jewels.

Salma Hayek wears Boucheron bracelet at 65th Cannes Film Festival

At the screening of 'Madagascar 3 Europe's Most Wanted' at the 65^th Cannes Film Festival on 18th May, Salma Hayek Pinault wore creations of the Maison Boucheron.  She wore a bracelet dating from 1986 in leopard-wood and yellow gold set with rubies and diamonds.

Jessica Chastain and Noomi Rapace light up the Red Carpet in Harry Winston Diamonds

To celebrate the best of American fashion and the 50th anniversary of the CFDA, Jessica Chastain chose Harry Winston Diamond Micropave Earstuds, Set-in Platinum and Diamond Crossover Fashion Ring, Set-in Platinum. Furthermore, actress Noomi Rapace sparkled in Harry Winston Diamond Princess Cut Bracelet, set in Platinum and Diamond Shinde Earrings, set in Platinum at the ‘Prometheus’ World Premiere held at Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square in London.

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