Valmont CEO Guillon talks skin care, innovation
When it comes to luxury skin care, Valmont is often considered to be one of the biggest names in the business. The Swiss brand aims to be a leader in skin-altering tinctures of various types — and one of their main markets of focus is right here in Vancouver.
We caught up with Sophie Guillon, the CEO of Valmont Cosmetics, to talk skin care, innovation and why this city is a perfect fit.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Valmont?
A Valmont as a brand is a Swiss leader in cellular cosmetics — the kind of cosmetics which reeducate the skin cells to function properly, thanks to the use of specific ingredients concentrated at a high level such as our signature DNA. Born almost 35 years ago, the company conceives and manufactures products and professional services which fight against all signs of aging on the face, hair and body.
Q The brand has a unique presence in Vancouver. What more can you share about that?
A Valmont and the Valmont Group consider luxury as rarity, hence dictating a highly selective distribution policy. We do work with a collection of very high-end and exclusive stores and spas in the city, selected upon values like personalized service and cosmetics expertise. In 2017, we decided to take a step further in our commitment to Vancouver and open our own boutique, La Maison Valmont, in Oakridge Mall. This exclusive retail space features all our brands in a dedicated environment, highlighting their specificities and unveiling their respective talents, in a decor imagined by our artistic director, who is also my husband and president of the group, Didier Guillon.
And what has been the reaction to the store since it opened?
Super positive. The boutique sales team, under the magical supervision of Daisy Wu, our partner, shows utmost knowledge upon all our brands, delivers personalized consultations to address any skin condition, are able to build home care skin care programs and recommend subsequent professional treatments to be received on the premises.
What’s new for the brand?
The AWF5 range for the face. AWF (Anti-Wrinkle Factor) has been a very successful and efficient line for Valmont over the past few years. We have decided to reformulate it using updated ingredients at utmost concentration levels, to upgrade its efficacy over five major aging factors: eliminate wrinkles, fight against oxidants, boost elasticity, regenerate the skin matrix, and plump it as well. A stunning formula combined in two collections, the first one targeting a V-line lifting effect, the second a V-shape plumping effect.