Ultimate delicacy, splendor, luxuriousness, pure elegance undeniably define Reza Haute Joaillerie. Every item is unique first and foremost thanks to the use of awe-inspiring, natural, precious gems, unconventional materials, complicated jewellery techniques, meticulous handmade work, impeccable craftsmanship. Bold, innovative, with a touch of modern vision, this is how Olivier Reza, the actual CEO and designer of the Maison names his style. It is always a game of imagination, combined in the most creative way that Mr. Reza uses for making extraordinary pieces. The spirit of refinement and sophistication accompanies each detail which is an important part of a jewel signed Reza. In my exclusive interview with Olivier Reza made at the prestigious TEFAF in Maastricht, discover the new Reza style and contemporary, artistic approach of high jewellery making.
L.C.: Could you introduce yourself, your work and your world?
O.R.: I am the CEO and designer of REZA. After a career in banking, I took over the company in 2008 after my father’s retirement the year before. In my creations, I only design pieces that will do justice to the precious stones that we decide to mount, coming from the heritage left by my father, consisting in one of the world’s largest inventories of unheated and untreated colored gemstones.
L.C.: Each collection you make shows us your amazing creative universe. Where do you get inspiration?
O.R.: My inspiration is constantly floating, it is never the same. Of course, there are consistency and some trends however: they are mainly art, which I find in places like TEFAF – where we exhibit 3 times a year (once at the historical Maastricht exhibition, and twice in NYC) – where I am surrounded by beauty. I would say that nature also is a source of inspiration for me, as well as people and emotions.
L.C.: Mr. Alexandre Reza used to say that the stone drove jewelry design. Do you agree with him ? What is your opinion about it?
O.R.: Absolutely. You can’t ignore the material, its shape and its intensity. It should drive your inspiration.
L.C.: What are your favourite stones? Why? What is your way of evaluating gems?
O.R.: I’m not a man of favorites. I love beauty. I evaluate gemstones based on the emotion they provide and their potential in a jewelry setting.
L.C.: You are a contemporary art collector. Does it influence to your design style when creating a jewel?
O.R.: Absolutely, art is a big inspiration for me.
L.C.: How do you define Reza’s style now which is undoubtedly different from what it was several years ago? (Please, define it using three key words)
O.R.: Indeed, I would say that my designs are innovative, and different from what REZA used to be. The pieces I design for the REZA woman and the REZA man are elegant, unique and different.
L.C.: Describe the woman wearing Reza jewellery. In your opinion what is a must-have jewellery item for any woman? Why?
O.R.: Our customers like to treat themselves differently, and to wear something special, without being ostentatious. The REZA woman is elegant, at any given time. She cares about who she is, and how she projects herself. Of course, she loves and likes to wear beautiful things. She wants to have something different, and something unique.
L.C.: What are the keys to success in this very special sector of exclusive high jewellery?
O.R.: Focus, patience and trust. Trust in yourself and in your work, and having great people working with you.
L.C.: What are some changes you hope to see in the jewellery industry(in the nearest future)?
O.R.: More transparency and more platforms where clients can get educated on what they should look for when purchasing jewelry.
L.C.: Your motto.
O.R.: Never surrender.
2 April 2018/Lusine Chilingarian
Photo Courtesy of Alexandre Reza
http://www.alexandrereza.com
