This fall, Barcelona hosted a major event for the jewelry industry. Last October 19 festival reopening boutique By Chopard on Barcelona’s exclusive Paseo de Gracia. It is the latest addition to the network boutique of the firm and, according to the company’s vice president and creative director, Carolyn Scheuffel, welcomed “a unique home away from home.” A place that the Swiss businesswoman described to us as “the meeting place between Catalan art and the elegance of Chopard”. Those who immerse themselves in it will be taken to a place D high jewelry And Fine watchmaking With reference to the city of Barcelona and the movement, combined like never before Art Deco CatalanA historical period that marked the innovative design of new openings.
© ChopardWe spoke to the creative director of the legendary house to find out The depth of its new idea generation process boutiqueWhat we can find inside it and what it is The meeting point between Barcelona and the Chopard universe. We also take the opportunity to immerse ourselves in other company milestones, such as the launch of collections Caroline’s Couture and serves as the official sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival. And, of course, we investigate The future of jewelry and watchesHow Scheufele is impressing a new generation and what steps Chopard is taking to be part of its global commitment to sustainability and transparency.
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© ChopardHOLA.com: First of all, Ms. Carolyn, how are you feeling after the reopening? boutique From Barcelona?
Carolyn Scheufel: Very excited! On October 19th we recently inaugurated the reopening boutique From Barcelona. Located on Paseo de Gracia, it presents a New ideas and innovative designs Inspired by cities and movements Art Deco Catalan. This is our latest addition boutique Chopard, which we always imagine as a unique and warm home away from home.
What will potential customers get when they sign up? boutique? What kind of experience awaits you inside?
Restored in harmony with its surroundings as an authentic family home, our new boutique It has a unique design that stimulates movement Art Nouveau Catalan, of which Antoni Gaudi was one of the most influential architects. this boutique Barcelona is the meeting place between Catalan art and the elegance of Chopard.
What does Barcelona share with the Chopard universe?
A sense of creativity and soul joie de vivre; Barcelona is full of art and architecture that gave birth to historic design movements. Additionally, the city has a vibrant energy that I think echoes Chopard’s life-embracing attitude.
© ChopardWhat was the process of making? boutique To showcase fine watchmaking and fine jewelery with reference to Catalan modernism?
The goal was to create the perfect showcase for Chopard’s iconic creations while paying homage to Catalonia’s craftsmanship and unique design. As a first impression, in the lobby, the marble floor is entirely from Spain: white marble from the province of Almeria and red marble from Alicante.
This is an echo of the use of red brick stone that was often used in its buildings heyday of Art Nouveau Catalan. This area is dedicated to showcasing Chopard’s expertise and craftsmanship in the art of fine watchmaking. Then, upon entering the main room, you will see wooden marquetry made of oak wood in two different tones, reminiscent of Catalan mosaics. The mix of historical ornamentation and luxurious details creates a sophisticated atmosphere of timeless beauty, perfect for showcasing the company’s women’s collection. houseas happy sport, Ice cube, happy heart And happy diamond icon, among others
In addition, we have a beautiful room VIP The first floor is dedicated to high jewelery which displays a magnificent marquee inspired by Catalan modernism and pays homage to Gaudi’s era with a modern touch.
© ChopardWhich of these references do you stick with and which do you feel most familiar with?
I am particularly sensitive to our references Art NouveauKnown as Catalan Modernism, it embraces natural curved shapes and intricate designs. One of the design details I love the most is our respect for hand fans: they are an essential part of Spanish culture, especially among women. As a symbol of femininity, fans often display elaborate decorations, such as floral motifs, prints inspired by nature, and scenes from everyday life.
© ChopardWe know that there is a VIP area dedicated to high jewelery exhibitions. How was it thought out? What do we find different in this?
Stairs lead to the third space, the VIP room, which I particularly like. The mirror on the staircase creates an immersive environment, while the bronze texture adds a distinct visual impact, a subtle feature of the staircase design. boutique Chopard. The VIP Room itself is a vibrant space dedicated to our high jewelery collection.
The marquee’s asymmetrical stained glass mosaic pays homage to Gaudi’s era with a modern touch and is inspired by the facets of a diamond that reflects light in many colors. Designed by an artisan in the Chopard Geneva workshop, this beautiful canopy embodies the precision and skill of Chopard’s high jewelery creation, where each piece bears witness to its commitment to excellence. Skylights let in light from above, Creating an elegant and contemporary environment.
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© ChopardAnother milestone in the Chopard universe
How did the idea of introducing new Chopard products with Haute Couture shows come about?
Haute Couture and High Jewelry are like two sisters; Both share the same founding values of fine handmade craftsmanship, precious materials and unique pieces. I always thought it would be completely natural to put them together and I really enjoyed designing the collections Caroline’s Couture.
Chopard and Seventh Art: The brand is an official sponsor of the Cannes International Film Festival, what does this mean for the company? What does the seventh art Chopard offer?
When I was asked to redesign the iconic Palme d’Or trophy for the first festival, I was extremely excited. Twenty-six years later, our collaboration with the Cannes Festival is one of the highlights of our creative process, as it gave birth to our high jewelery collection. red carpet. Unveiled every year on the red carpet, worn by the most glamorous actresses and celebrities, it is a grand international showcase for Chopard; The whole world is watching us! I am passionate about the seventh art. Cinema is an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
© Getty ImagesChopard’s past, present and future
How would you say jewelry has evolved since Chopard came on the scene?
I like to think we’ve given a new, more playful interpretation of jewelry that’s feminine and wearable from day to night. Our happy attitude fosters a positive and carefree outlook, something that is not necessarily shared by others house More traditional.
Where do you think jewelry and watches meet?
Craftsmanship excellence and respect for our artisans are eternal Chopard values that will never change. On the other hand, we have evolved with time and with the changing expectations of our clients.
© ChopardDo they both have the same price as a few years ago? How does Chopard address the new generation?
We have been pioneers in meeting the needs of a younger generation of consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z: they especially crave authenticity and quality, and this is part of our DNA. One of our proudest achievements is our long-term commitment to sustainability and transparency, as we call it A journey of sustainable luxury.
How did Chopard immerse itself in sustainable luxury? How has the process of making a piece changed as artisans took into account changes in production?
We envisioned our transition to sustainability in 2013 and have never looked back since. One of our milestones is to source 100% ethical gold starting in 2018. This means that all the gold used to make our watches and jewelry is either certified recycled gold or responsibly sourced through partnerships with accredited artisanal mines. For our artisans, knowing that the precious materials they create are sustainable gives them a sense of pride and confidence in Chopard’s values.
