IN THE HAUTE SEAT
BAZAAR sits down for a tête-à-tête with the founding CEO of eponymous brand Richard Mille.
accomplished in many different ways. New types of ceramics can be polished like metal and given colour, showing that high-tech materials can be very feminine. Women love having choices, and I want to provide them with every possible choice: from extremely complicated watches to high jewellery timepieces, [or a watch with a] case of pink sapphire.
What is the secret to your success in this segment?
I believe in a universal design concept where a technical approach can become a common language of style, even between sexes. This approach ties in perfectly with women of today who are often leading active lives or have high-level job commitments.
Richard Mille has always had cutting-edge innovation at its core. Why is this integral to the brand’s DNA?
I began my brand because I could not find the watch of my dreams; a watch that was forward-looking in terms of everything. This urge of mine became the essence of the brand’s identity. Success is never guaranteed and I have had to work very hard to achieve the brand recognition [we have]. Now, only 16 years of age, the brand occupies a premier position in the watchmaking world. What should women know about the brand? I love women passionately, and also have a lot of experience with the jewellery industry from my previous job experiences. You will not find any watch at any other brand that combines feminine sexiness with a highly technical approach. We are working hard at the factory to raise the level of creation to remain at the frontline.