Messika founder Valerie Messika grew up playing with diamonds instead of dolls thanks to pop Andre, a diamond dealer. As an adult, Messika started designing finished jewelry instead of just selling the loose stones that her father did, ultimately creating her signature minimalist look of three moving diamonds representing Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Her aesthetic is micro-set stones in thin, fashion-forward 18k gold settings that offer a modern, comfortable wear. “Valerie’s into fashion and art and works closely with her cousin Didier Cherqui on designs, driving around Paris looking for inspiration,” remarks a spokesperson. The company is 10 years old this year and entered the U.S. market last fall. See Messika in person in Hall 1.1, stand B05.
Starting retail price: €800 in 18k gold
Accounts: Seven in the U.S., including Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia, Pa., and 250 abroad
Trade fairs: Baselworld
Retailer buy-in: $60,000
Contact: Messika, Paris; 33-01-48-01-96-53; messika.com
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