Homecoming Queen

Valérie Samuel, the granddaughter of Fred Paris founder Fred Samuel, tells Terence Lim what it means to return to the jewellery brand she grew up with

- Terence Lim

FOR VALÉRIE SAMUEL, RETURNING to work for French jeweller Fred Paris in 2017, after over 20 years away, is more than just another career move. The brand’s artistic director and vice president is, after all, the granddaughter of late founder, Fred Samuel. This makes her return to the fold of the jewellery house very much a homecoming.

“Fred Samuel was very much inspired by the south of France, which he loved so much. Many of his creations were inspired by the French Riviera, which meant being inspired by the sun, the light and the sea,” says Valérie in an exclusive e-mail interview with Singapore Tatler. “Thus, our collections are full of light, modernity and sunshine. I have been influenced by my grandfather and his vision. I carry his values because I grew up with them.”

While it is uncommon for a descendant to return to their family business after its sale to a conglomerate, Valérie’s appointment indicates that the LVMH group’s management recognises the value of the creative flair that the Samuels bring to the brand. (LVMH acquired the brand in 1995.)

Take the Pain de Sucre collection, for instance. The signet ring with a gemstone cabochon was taken from Fred Samuel’s archival drawings and relaunched in 1997 with an interchangeable central stone. The collection has since become a key pillar of the brand, underlining how forward-thinking Fred Samuel’s designs were.