There are heirs apparent. Then there are Amanda and Alexandre Mille. The eldest and third of Richard Mille's children, respectively, the siblings have lived a life far from the world of luxury. They never saw the powerhouse their father built as a place where they would someday belong. "We grew up very separate from this side of our father's world. In fact, I was oblivious to the significance of the brand before I started working in the company," recalls Alexandre, who wore G-Shocks and Flik Flak watches in his youth. The watchmaking company was simply Dad's "secret garden", in Amanda's words. "He never spoke about it while we were spending time together."
"We were lucky," says Amanda. She has seen how the burden of legacy weighs on others. "The brand was never waiting for us, and we weren't waiting for the brand. Our involvement just happened naturally." In the first instance, Amanda was carving out her own career in various areas of the hospitality trade by the time her father founded the company in 2001. Despite being the eldest, joining - let alone leading the company never crossed her mind. Alexandre, who holds a degree in law and political science, went to film school, inspired by the films of Stanley Kubrick to specialise in directing.
Their separate journeys leading towards the management of their father's eponymous company - with Amanda as the brand and partnerships director, and Alexandre as the brand director - are not directed by a lust for power or wealth. "We were encouraged to live our own lives, discover more about ourselves, and find out what we want in life - what makes us happy," shares Alexandre. And it is precisely this pursuit of happiness that brought them, albeit in a roundabout way, to their father's company.
COME AS YOU ARE
Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
