Valérie Messika has single-handedly made high jewellery effortlessly cool…
The Founder and Artistic Director of Parisian jeweller, Messika, launched the brand in 2005, and since then, her designs have been worn by everyone from Gigi Hadid to Kate Moss-who recently co-designed a collection.
Valérie was always destined to join the world of jewellery, her father was in the business and some of her earliest memories are of bonding over diamonds: “when I was a little girl, I remember him bringing home incredible diamonds and he would let me play with them,” Valérie muses.
“My vision is that our diamonds must be bold, innovative, and easy to wear. I love that jewellery is a form of expression and one’s personality can shine through. Messika jewellery is designed to be worn every day by every woman ,we design statement pieces, but our jewellery is timeless too.” Valérie champions the wearability of diamonds every day, wherever you are, and is the best ambassador for this mantra, “diamonds can be worn every day. By day, combine them with a pair of jeans, your favourite sneakers, and a cosy jumper!”
For both work and play, Valérie loves to travel: “it is the greatest way to open your mind to the world’s surroundings. Travel allows me to keep searching and finding inspiration, through architecture, and by meeting so many different kinds of people.”
Equipped with a stack of her signature diamond bangles, we delve into Valérie Messika’s travel pysche…
What is the first trip you remember taking?
A safari in South Africa. It was incredible!
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
My most memorable trip was when my family and I went to the Maldives. It is my favourite place and it is the perfect blend between luxury and nature. Your days are spent barefoot, going on boat trips and enjoying incredible sunsets whilst having dinner on a beach. There is nothing better than this to feel recharged and energised!
Where or what is your escape?
I enjoy going to my country house as it is only two hours away from Paris. I try and spend weekends there whenever I can!
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If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
I love travelling but if I had to pick one location, it would be Japan. I find the culture so fascinating and exciting – it is on my bucket list!
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
My idea of a luxury holiday is to spend time with my family and most of all, create precious memories with my two daughters.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I love travelling and consider myself fortunate to be able to travel regularly thanks to work. I get my inspiration from discovering new places and new cultures.
My top bucket list destination is…
I would love to travel to Japan, Lapland, and Australia one day!
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Definitely Kate Moss!
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What’s on your travel playlist?
Any Daft Punk songs. I love remixed songs from the 80s but also love French music, Angèle in particular.
How do you switch off?
By escaping to our country house to enjoy quality time with my loved ones.
What is your number one packing tip?
Only take what is necessary, never too much.
What is your favourite ever hotel?
The One&Only Hotel at Reethi Rah in the Maldives. It is in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by nature.
Who is your favourite travel companion?
My husband, always. He is fun and is always up for discovering new places. We usually rent a convertible and drive for hours exploring our surroundings.
What is your most treasured purchase from your travels?
A vintage ring I got in India.
What are your jet lag recovery tips?
Spending some downtime with your family. For me it is about taking care of my two daughters, it makes me feel rested after a long trip.
Where is home and what are your must-do’s for any tourists visiting?
Paris is home. I love art and for those who do too, I would recommend going to the Musée Picasso. I love going to this museum, especially since its renovation. I go there for inspiration; it is so peaceful and quiet.
First thing that comes to your mind?
Hand-luggage essentials?
Creme Abricot by Christian Dior. I love the smell of it.
Packing: roll or fold?
Roll.
Inflight book or inflight film?
Film.
Music or podcasts?
Music.
Time filler on a long-haul flight?
Sleep, listen to music, and check my emails whenever in-flight Wi-Fi allows.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Champagne, always!
Beach or City Break?
Both, it depends on my current mood.
Ultimate holiday treat?
A good hike, visiting exhibitions or an oxygen facial at the spa.
Holiday read of choice?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
Any Questions or Tips to add?