WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
AN EMBLEM OF DISTINCTION Rich in heritage and history, experts in craftsmanship and adored by some of the most prestigious families of the past (and present), it’s safe to argue Chaumet is one of the most iconic jewellery houses of all time. Dating back almost two-and-a-half centuries, the Maison’s CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt discusses with us why Chaumet is – and always has been – an emblem of excellence. 30 emirateswoman.com
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What does Chaumet’s brand represent? A Maison of heritage and history which is almost two-and-a-half centuries old, whose history is intertwined with the history of France, which has served very prestigious clients, first as the jeweller to Emperor Napoleon and the Empresses, then to the royal families, to the great families who have succeeded in business, in all the countries of the world. But it is also a Maison whose clients have been great artists, musicians and writers because it is not only a Maison of distinction but also a Maison of culture. But to survive and go through the decades and centuries, Chaumet is also a Maison that has known how to adapt, to live with its time, to adapt to the times, to the fashions and to the desires. It is therefore a Maison that combines tradition and modernity, that remains faithful to its style, its spirit, its culture, but at the same time knows how to please the customers of the different times, adapting, renewing, combining a long time with the creativity of the present time Talk us through the history of this iconic jewellery house. Born before the French Revolution, Chaumet took off with the first Empire as the jeweller to Emperor Napoleon and Empresses Josephine and Marie-Louise. It then crossed the eras and periods and was again a very essential Maison in the Second Empire. And although very Parisian, this Maison was very early open to the world. It knew how to take an interest in different cultures, to respond to the expectations and special orders of the great clients who typically came to Place Vendôme, the place of reference for Haute Joaillerie, where Chaumet created its first address in 1809. This openness to the cultures and customers of the world is very important because it has remained faithful to its style, its taste and its themes, but its vocabulary has been enriched over time and its creativity has been nourished endlessly. How do you ensure you continue the legacy of such a historic Maison? Several things are essential. First of all, a good knowledge or understanding of the Maison, its history, its stylistic repertoire. This is made possible by the extraordinary quantity and quality of heritage preserved at 12 Vendôme, our iconic address. Everything has been preserved since the birth of the Maison in 1780. Without repeating what has been done, by nourishing today’s creativity with this knowledge of designers and jewellers, the Maison draws on its roots to reinvent itself. Second, are we up to the standards of our predecessors? Are we up to their standards, their creativity, their virtuosity? Or, in other words, do we think that what we are doing today will be seen in 20 or 50 years as being worthy of what has gone before us? This combination of knowledge, understanding as well as a humble approach are very important to continue on this legacy we believe.
FAS H I O N
5/31/22 4:29 PM
