by Mouna Harati

During Spring 2015 Paris Fashion Week, Azyaa Mode sat down with Messika jewelry founder Valerie Messika to discuss inspirations, her strong family bonds and how her jewelry is magically as light as a feather.

 
Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms, where do you find yours?
I get my inspiration from a lot of things, at all times, my eyes are constantly on the lookout! I am always looking for inspiration in my travels, through architecture, interior design (which I am crazy about), by walking on the streets and looking at other people’s attitude and style.
 
Your jewelry feels amazingly light and almost like second skin. Is that your signature?
My jewelry philosophy is elegant diamond pieces to be worn on an everyday basis. It’s a mix between timeless and contemporary pieces but always with a twist of modernity.
A few years ago I noticed that there was a gap that needed to be filled between big jewelry houses that offered mainly very formal and classical pieces and other jewelry brands that offered costume jewelry made without precious stones. Jewels are made to bring sparkles and joy to women at any time and not only on special occasions, I like the idea of being able to wear diamonds daily, especially with casual outfits such as jeans.
 
Throughout your collections, one can feel a strong sense of family. Is that something that influences your work?
Yes for sure, my family is really important to me. My little girls inspire me every day. Also my Father, my husband and my cousin are working with me, I can’t imagine my life without them. It’s really helpful to develop a business to know that your partners love and support you, whatever is happening.
 
Do you ever plan on working with precious stones besides diamonds? If so, which one’s first?
No, Diamond is our DNA.
 
Can you tell us a bit more about your latest collection, Angel?
Angel is one of my favorite collections. The style falls between contemporary jewelry and fine jewelry. United to each other, this collection’s marquise cut stones subtly draw in the form of diamond wings. Defying traditional codes, these creations display a rock and quirky spirit and give women a chic and casual look. In my new advertising campaign, Mario Sorrenti shot the gorgeous Malgosia Bela wearing Angel “Toi&Moi” ring and amazing earrings. It is a mix between elegance and glamour.
 
How was it working with such a renowned fashion photographer like Mario Sorrenti?
It’s was amazing, I was in New York with him and model Malgosia Bela for the shooting of the new campaign. It was like a weekend with friends, fun but too short.
 
You have managed to create an identity (brand) fairly quickly for yourself; do you think your father was a helpful influence?
My Father is a "wise young man", he has the energy of a teenager, and a soul of an old men. We share a lot of ideas, even if we do not always agree.
 
What jewelry would you recommend to brides?
I would recommend a beautiful solitaire but with a twist of audacity and modernity in the design. I’m thinking about our Joy collection, with its “nothing but diamond” design or the Eden collection with the tiara, for modern princesses.
 
What do you prefer, white, yellow or rose gold?
I really love white and rose gold mixed. But in summer, yellow gold looks amazing while you are sunbathing.

Ever plan on coming to the Middle East? If so, where would be your first stop?
Yes, I will be coming to Middle East in 2015, and I’m already very excited, I can’t wait for it.
My agenda is not confirmed 100%, but certainly my first stop will be in Dubai.