Empress Of Style

The story of Chaumet wouldn’t have been told without Empress Joséphine, who is a long-time muse and anchor of the french jeweller

- Caroline Suganda

The relationship of Empress Joséphine and Chaumet is one that is closely interlinked — neither would have their story told without mentioning the other. After all, Chaumet’s founder Marie Étienne Nitot had the privilege of creating amazing jewels for her, some of which have even been immortalised in paintings. So it’s not surprising that the story of Joséphine, along with her multi-faceted character and personality, continues to be revisited as an ongoing inspiration for modern-day collections. Here, Chaumet’s CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt talks about the legendary French Empress who inspired its latest eponymous jewellery collection, Joséphine.

One would think that there’s only so much inspiration you can draw from Chaumet’s muse Joséphine, but the French jeweller has proven that the late Empress is an endless mine for the brand. How does Chaumet do this?

As you say, it is an endless inspiration; her personality was really unique and multifaceted. She was very much ahead of her time, and I dare to say that she was very modern. But what is even more important is to understand that we do not just confine ourselves to the reality of the time she was alive 200 years ago.

With the help of many experts and historians, as well as the Joséphine & Napoléon exhibition we are planning to host at our flagship boutique at 12 Place Vendome (that recalls the Emperor and Empress’ life whose important moments were highlighted by Chaumet jewels), we enhance our understanding on her personality, approach and I would say, her philosophy, as well as the key facets of her life and ways to connect with the people around her, with nature and her role in the society, in order to capture her style and soul.