A
s stars have stunned on the red carpet for the glittering opening of the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival, de Grisogono’s creations have always been a firm one-to-watch brand, every single year. With new dazzling creations constantly spotted around the necks and ears of celebrities (this year included Eva Longoria and Dubai-based content creators, Ola Farahat and Rania Fawaz), we caught up with de Grisogono’s first female CEO, Céline Assimon, in the midst of the festival.
Here, Céline describes the importance of de Grisogono’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival, the High Jewellery collection and what she’s most impressed by on the red carpet…
Why is it important for de Grisogono to be present in Cannes for the Film Festival?
The Cannes Film Festival is the occasion for us to invite our most important clients to a number of private and exclusive events where they are given the opportunity to discover our latest creations and live the glamour of the city during this special moment.
de Grisogono is at the Cannes Film Festival every year. What will you be showcasing at the 72nd ediiton?
For the last 17 years, the Cannes Film Festival has been the event of choice for us to launch our High Jewellery collection. Cannes is synonymous with red carpet fashion, and it is the perfect showcase for High Jewellery. This year, we wished to pay tribute to the pioneers of cinema who created Technicolour films and changed the history of seventh art, just as de Grisogono has always been a pioneer in the High Jewellery and Jewellery worlds through its daring colour combinations. That is why we are unveiling our Haute Joaillerie pieces in technicolour mode and it’s all about colour contrast and layering.
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What characteristics does the brand share in common with the 2019 Cannes Film Festival?
The Cannes Film Festival celebrates the art of cinema, as well as quintessential glamour and beauty. This highly sophisticated context is very dear to us as it is a perfect occasion for our High Jewellery to be brought to life on inspiring and self-confident women who run the red carpet, attend gala dinners and live the glamourous life of Cannes during the Festival. Our High Jewellery incarnates the philosophy of the red carpet which is an occasion for new couture creations to be worn for the first time, paired with exceptional and magnificent jewels.
The collection is amazing! What are some of your favourite pieces for the 2019 Cannes Film Festival?
It is very hard to pick only a few! I am mesmerised by our cushion-cut emerald ring and its iconic black diamonds, bearing an ultra-chic contrast. The intensity and the purity of the green gem is really enhanced by the black setting, creating our famous chiaroscuro effect. Amongst my favourite rings is also the brilliant-cut diamond set within cabochon-cut and diamond-cut rubies. I love its asymmetrical effect and find it very bold and assertive as well as ultra-feminine. Also, I adore the volume and rhythm offered by our emerald-cut yellow diamond earrings, entirely set in black diamonds. I find the contrast between the colours evoking day and night quite rock’n’roll!
For the Cannes Film Festival, how do you choose the celebrities that will front your pieces?
Often we will work with the stars beforehand to create unique and special pieces for them. What is important is to find the perfect match between the personality of the celebrity and the piece she will wear. Jewellery is a highly personal subject and the right piece can enhance one’s character and feelings. 
You must enjoy dressing up for the red carpet…
Absolutely! The red carpet is a wonderful occasion to showcase our High Jewellery creations. I am impressed by the strong personalities and self-confident beauties, and there are so many in Cannes! There’s a growing empowerment of women who are actresses and film-directors, and I think each one of them brings her own light to the red carpet.
You are de Grisogono’s first female CEO! How has your experience been so far?
I am grateful and very honoured to have been chosen to lead de Grisogono onto the next chapter of its history. This maison has made me dream ever since I discovered its High Jewellery creations, almost 20 years ago. Its creativity, its feeling of freedom, the generosity of its volumes and colours attracted me right away. I am very blessed to be surrounded today by some incredibly talented artisans and designers. The brand celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and keeps a young and vibrant spirit. I am proud to be part of the adventure as the brand moves on to its next decade.
What’s next for de Grisogono?
My ambition is to keep building on the foundations of the maison. High Jewellery was, and always will be, at the heart of the brand, but today’s customers also want more versatile pieces — pieces which can accompany them from dawn to dusk, from breakfast to the boardroom and then on to cocktails.
Now, discover some of the best red carpet looks from the 2019 Cannes Film Festival’s Opening Ceremony.
