DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE JEWELLERY WITH CHOPARD
Newly 40 (and just as fresh-faced as when her career began in 1993), the beautiful Marion Cotillard is a jack-of-all-trades, master of every one. She is an actor, singer-songwriter who plays four different instruments, a mother, environmentalist, activist and, most recently, jewellery designer. Cotillard has teamed with artistic director and co-president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele, on a range of high-end sustainable jewellery — the aptly named Green Carpet Collection. In an exclusive interview, she sits down with us to share her views on fashion and design.
Did you ever imagine that you would become involved in designing jewellery? Was it one of your childhood daydreams?
Not at all. When Caroline Scheufele suggested that I design a piece of jewellery, I thought it was an excellent way of supporting Chopard’s ethical commitment, but I would never have imagined that such a thing would happen! I don’t really do much design work. When I have done do in the past, it has always been in response to requests from humanitarian organisations for very specific projects.
Were you given carte blanche?
No, there were definite specifications. I had to use small diamonds as well as opals that were sustainably mined from a family-owned mine in Australia. So I had access to traceable stones. I immediately thought of a piece of jewellery for the hand, a bracelet connected to a chain and a ring — I don’t really know why. When I saw the finished product it was exactly what I had in mind.
Have you had different style periods in your life?
Yes. Like everyone, I tried different things when I was at school. I remember going to class one day wearing a shiny blue leotard and an orange cardigan with black spots. It was completely off the wall! And yet, I have never been eccentric. I couldn’t say with any degree of certainty if I have a particular style, except maybe the notion of a mixture of genres and a somewhat masculine edge with regard to my everyday wear.
Who are your favourite designers?
I have always loved Vivienne Westwood, both for the impression she makes and her views. I adore Hussein Chalayan and Valentino — the things they make are magnificent. But I am not an expert when it comes to fashion; I don’t keep up with it and I never watch shows. And I have the great good fortune to work with Dior and Raf Simons.
If you had to name a female role model who you find beautiful, who would it be?
Julianne Moore. I think she has incredible class and humanity.
