- The Glitterati
THE GLITTERATI QUESTIONNAIRE
10 QUESTIONS FOR ALICE FOURNIER, FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF HER EPONYMOUS JEWELLERY LINE BASED IN PARIS.
Alice Fournier has always had a taste for beauty, a sense of transmission and a passion for know-how. She has taken the time to gain experience and to nurture her creativity at length before taking the leap to create her own line. Her vision: "Atypical and centered on stones, colour and daring combinations”.
Raised on the shores of Lake Geneva, Alice began sharpening her eye at a very young age by immersing herself in art books and exhibitions. Early on, she joined Chopard for an internship in the archives, then in the workshop. “There, I discovered gemology." Revelation! The desire to create and to do something with her hands has motivated her since childhood, "I understood that jewellery is not just a story of design and pageantry but a complete know-how which is based above all on the material: that of the stone." High standards and curiosity led her to New York where she studied at the Gemological Institute of America where she discovers the history of the trade but above all, she understands the scientific aspect of fine and precious stones.
Alice in her office and some of her colourful creations.
Back in Europe, Alice settles in Paris and returns to the Ecole du Louvre to refine her techniques ranging from drawing to manufacturing.
After a stint as a designer in the creation studio of a Parisian brand, she moves on to one of the leading European gemstone merchants, running their Paris office. "This gives me access to gems of incredible quality and originality, which sometimes we do not even suspect exist." She said her face lighting up while discussing all of the amazing stones she saw.
Alice decides that the time has come to spread her wings and fly, she launches her brand Alice Fournier Joaillerie designing pieces which combine contemporary elegance with classic delicacy, an assertive identity with original and yet universal styling. But not only. Alice has an extra push: her passion which nourishes her creativity and the collections she creates.
1. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My inspiration always starts with a stone but is nurtured by nature and travel.
2. WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF LUXURY?
Time! Managing my time as I please and taking the time to look and listen is a real luxury!
3. WHICH JEWELER OR WATCHMAKER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE, WHY?
Taffin, JAR, Bhagat, and Cartier for their innovative designs, their storytelling and their sensitivity.
4. IN YOUR NEXT LIFE YOU ARE A JEWEL OR OBJECT, WHAT ARE YOU, WHY?
Earrings! First, there would be two of us which is always more fun, but also to be at the right height to see and hear everything...
5. SET A DINNER TABLE FOR 6: ALIVE OR DEAD - WHO ARE THE 5 MOST INTERESTING/FUNNY/TALENTED INDUSTRY PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR TABLE WITH?
Suzanne Belperron
Jeanne Toussaint
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Mikimoto Kokichi
Robert Goossens
6. YOUR DREAM JOB IT WEREN'T THIS ONE
Food critic! Beyond stones, I think gastronomy is my second passion.
7. YOUR GREATEST JEWELLERY/WATCH MEMORY/EXPERIENCE TO DATE?
I have a lot of great memories! But one moment that has particularly stayed with me was the day I met Thierry Robert. I had heard a lot about this great gentleman who was in charge of stone purchasing for Maison Boucheron for almost 40 years, after taking over from his father who held the same position! I was totally fascinated by his journey of fantastic longevity which is so rare these days. In short, Monsieur Robert, had become a rock star for me! Years later, I started working for a large supplier of colored stones, and our paths crossed regularly. He always received me in an elegant and warm manner, telling me great anecdotes about the job "in the good old days"! These are precious moments that inspire me a lot.
8. YOUR FAVOURITE GEMSTONE?
Padparadscha sapphires. I have goosebumps when I think of them. But also spinel, the color spectrum & the brilliance is just amazing
9. YOUR MOTTO FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
10. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
To be curious, always and all the time! I have often been told that it takes 10 years to know the trade ... Personally, between the history, the stones, the techniques, the materials, and everything there is in the world of jewellery, I think you never stop learning in this profession, and that's a great thing!