Musings With Messika
Emirates Woman|April 2018

With the Messika Jewellery boutique opening in The Dubai Mall, Valerie Messika sits with Emirates Woman and charts her 13-year career in fine jewellery. She tells us about creating discreet luxury, the creative freedom she enjoys and why the people of Dubai feel like family to her

Georgie Bradley
Musings With Messika

Where are you originally from?

My father is from Tunisia and my mother is French and I grew up in Paris. I am a Parisian girl at heart.

How did you become a jewellery designer?

I joined my father in the business 13 years ago – after my studies and work in the luxury field, my father asked me to work with him in diamond dealing and I said 'ok, I'll do that' but I didn’t want to focus on this idea that ‘diamonds are forever’ – I wanted to grow beyond that. After working with him for two years, I travelled all over the world and I found there to be a gap in the jewellery market for cool and casual everyday pieces – like buying a bag or a pair of shoes but still focused on diamonds.

How often do you come to Dubai?

Quite often as of now, but it will soon increase because we are opening an office here as well as the new boutique the extension of The Dubai Mall. I love coming to Dubai, there’s an openness here that I enjoy. I feel like the people of Dubai are like my family.

Tell us about the collection?

The collection aims to be a second skin for the wearer. The pieces can easily slide on and off, they’re not complicated – they are delicate, you almost forget you’re wearing it but it still stands as a unique piece. It’s not too flashy, it’s discreet luxury. I strike to make pieces that you wouldn’t want to keep in the safe.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EMIRATES WOMANView all
Ride the Wave
Emirates Woman

Ride the Wave

Hanalei Reponty-Gudauska could surf before she could walk. Embodying her love for the beach and water, she founded sustainable swimwear brand Abysse with her mother, Raphaele. At the heart of the brand is the aim to: “Produce less, produce well.”

time-read
6 mins  |
July/August 2021
The Vacation Uniform
Emirates Woman

The Vacation Uniform

Totême and MATCHESFASHION conjure the perfect summer capsule collection

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
Summer Skin
Emirates Woman

Summer Skin

The best in beauty to give you a make-up free, fresh summer glow

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
Style & Substance
Emirates Woman

Style & Substance

With a focus on slowing fashion down, Dear Frances is the footwear brand delivering along with sleek and sophisticated styles

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2021
The SUMMER Escape
Emirates Woman

The SUMMER Escape

Channel effortless ease with Isabel Marant’s new eyewear collection for SS21

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
The Body Glow
Emirates Woman

The Body Glow

An edit of superlative products to let you shine inside and out this summer

time-read
2 mins  |
July/August 2021
Impactful Skincare
Emirates Woman

Impactful Skincare

Sunday Riley is all about making an impact. The cruelty-free skincare brand “powered by science, balanced by botanicals” is dedicated to delivering measurable results

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2021
Making Waves
Emirates Woman

Making Waves

Guia Cleps, Founder of Italian swimwear brand Reina Olga, on what inspired her to create form-fitting designs that champion every body shape

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2021
Heat Proof
Emirates Woman

Heat Proof

The best SPFs to protect your skin

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
A Greek Odyssey
Emirates Woman

A Greek Odyssey

A temple of relaxation, Amanzoe

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021