Face to face with Valérie Messika, founder, CEO and Creative Director of the high jewelry brand of the same name.
Valérie Messika and the connection with Italy
What relationship do ypu have with Italy, with the city of Milan in particular?
There are many ties that unite me with Italy. The language, the music and my passion for Italian food have always made me consider Italy as one of my favorite destinations. Looking forward to a long weekend, I imagine myself leaving for Rome or the Amalfi Coast, magical places that never cease to enchant me. Furthermore, for four years, my bond with Italy has further strengthened; in fact, my father and my family chose to move to Milan, an incredibly dynamic city.
A world of watches and his father's legacy
Chiara Pisa was born and raised in a world made of watches, like her mother... a bit like her, Valérie, with a father who was an expert in diamonds , who grew up 'breathing' the art of jewelery since childhood. What does it mean to collect this legacy and what is the most important advice your dad has given you over the years?
My childhood certainly influenced me. When I created my line of diamonds, I tried to eliminate the setting as much as possible to give the diamond direct contact with the skin, like a tattoo. When I founded the brand, it was necessary to create a strong DNA, to remain faithful to.
I don't think I would have ever had the courage to start this adventure in the world of jewelery without the legacy and expertise of a profound knowledge of the sector. My father passed down to me his passion for diamonds , a passion that has animated him since I knew him and which, today, also flows through my veins, allowing me to establish a deep bond with the queen of gems which, by its nature, it has the power to enchant anyone.
It's hard for me to take into account all the advice my dad has given me over the years, thanks to his wisdom and incredible instincts. When I told him that I wanted to launch a jewelry brand with the family name, an action that would certainly have repercussions on his diamond business, he did not hinder me, only recommending two important directions that, even today, after 20 years, are have proven to be fundamental:
“If you want to exist, you have to find your own way without running the risk of copying someone. Secondly, you have an important heritage behind you, an excellence, that of the diamond. Remain faithful to this stone and make it your signature"
To this day, I still continue to choose to work exclusively with diamonds and not with the other three precious stones: ruby, sapphire and emerald.
Valérie: a model of female entrepreneurship and leadership
First business woman in France, owner of a jewelry house . Do you think a 'female' approach to entrepreneurship and leadership is increasingly developing?
I have never had a leader's approach, at least as it is usually understood. I have never created business plans. I followed an intuition undoubtedly suggested by a lucky star. The key to our success is being outside the box, not being afraid to dare and not being forced by any rules.
I was able to bring the different elements together while maintaining a bold approach, pushing my team to think differently; I like to listen and I favor emotional intelligence. This particular form of empathy leads me to surround myself with faithful people, perfectly in line with my entrepreneurial project, which has gradually become theirs too.
His creations are characterized by decisive and modern lines, always recognisable. What are your sources of inspiration ? Which female role model do you have in mind?
I draw inspiration from high fashion and the skilled hands that work there, I have tried to bring the contemporary rhythm of fashion back into jewellery. The bijou represents the one or the one who wears it, not the other way around. I want to offer women an accessory capable of giving a touch of style, a particular light, security and not just a jewel for eternity.
To continue in this direction it is essential to question ourselves, to push beyond the limits of what is expected and known. I always think about the next step, what comes next.
Which Messika collection best reflects your personality?
Like all women, I too have many facets. Move , our iconic motif with its loose diamonds which is featured and included in many of the Messika collections, well represents my desire to never stop, with an eye always projected towards the future.
Messika between challenges and plans for the future
Part of Messika's success is its continuous innovation which is found both in the product and in the very soul of the brand. What does it mean to be innovative and what was the biggest challenge you faced?
We are certainly talking about a challenge, but an incredibly stimulating challenge that focuses solely on the diamond. A constant reinvention, every day. Starting this adventure, I had the opportunity to start from a blank sheet of paper; it was a great fortune and also a great freedom considering that the world in which I move is marked by codes that have been rooted for decades, if not centuries. I was therefore able, unlike historic maisons, to give shape to new stylistic codes, new ways of wearing jewellery, preferring a cooler image less tied to the past.
Messika is growing internationally… what are your plans for the future ?
We are fortunate to enjoy significant success on all continents. Our recent arrival on the Chinese market, which accounts for 50% of their business for many fashion houses, leads us to imagine a significant impact on the growth of our brand.
