Pivoting to Hong Kong: MESSIKA brings Parisian elegance to Hong Kong

Diamonds run in Valérie Messika's DNA. Not literally, of course, but as the eldest daughter of legendary diamond trader Andre Messika, her interest in cut, colour, clarity and carats formed at an early age — with the best kind of mentor a future jewellery designer could ask for. After graduating from CELSA in Paris, she went on to join her father in travelling, negotiating and learning the ins and outs of the business.

By the time she became founder and creative director of her own brand, MESSIKA, in 2005, she had long developed a distinct perspective and style, and used that to carve out her niche in the industry. 

“There was a real fear and apprehension around diamonds, and most women only really wore the diamond for their engagement ring or for very traditional evening wear,” says Messika. “A lot of women also thought of it as a stone to wear when they were ‘older’, as they had this notion that it aged them. That’s why I started MESSIKA Paris, as I really wanted to change this idea and break down any sort of age or style barriers that had been put up.”

Today, as the only woman in France leading her own jewellery Maison, MESSIKA's youthful, wearable and "by a women, for women" approach has made it a favourite of A-listers around the globe, from Beyoncé to Kendall Jenner to Jessica Jung.

This past November, MESSIKA made its Hong Kong debut, opening its flagship boutique in Harbour City and defying the challenges of a year that many would prefer to forget. Even for a brand with global recognition, Messika was pleasantly surprised at the warm reception from her new Hong Kong market.

“As a young Maison founded in 2005 and a new player in Asia for less than a year, we were surprised by the actual number of people that already knew us. Some already saw our iconic Move collection design on overseas trips, others on red carpets adorned by celebrities and many follow us on our social media," she says, adding that it shows how Hong Kong consumers are "aware and up-to-date."

Messika has long admired Hong Kong. She recalls one personal memory from her first visit to the city that still resonates to this day.

“The very first time I went to Hong Kong, I was invited to the table of an adorable woman, a talented local design decorator. Her loft-style apartment was located at the very top of Victoria Peak. The view was just breathtaking! The apartment was naturally decorated with incredible taste, a perfect balance between modernity and local craftsmanship, a very symbolic image of what Hong Kong stands for: fascinating modernity and iconic classicism,” says Messika.

While her designs have indeed become a household name for wearers in the rarified air of Hollywood red carpets and views from The Peak, Messika’s goal has always been to create pieces with a spirit that celebrates the personality and spirit of all women.

“I create elegant diamond pieces to be worn on an everyday basis. A modern mix between timeless and contemporary pieces, but always with a little twist,” she says. “Our mission at Messika, as an avant-garde jewellery House, is to enhance the woman’s femininity in her daily life through our diamond creations. Thanks to our wide offer and competitive prices, you will always find something, be it indulging yourself and finding the perfect gift for your loved ones.”

Despite the challenges Hong Kong has faced in recent years, Messika doesn’t hesitate on her optimism for the region and its people — and MESSIKA the brand has backed that up with a big investment in both.

“At Messika, we strongly believe in the future of Hong Kong. We did not only open a flagship boutique in Harbour City in November 2020, Hong Kong is also home to our regional office. Hong Kong is the perfect base for us to develop the China market in a first step and then the whole [of] Asia,” says Messika.

In addition to her collections from Paris, Messika adds that she is already planning new designs and limited editions exclusive to the local market.

“But we can’t tell you more yet… stay tuned!”

“Pivoting to Hong Kong” is a series created with support from our partners at InvestHK. InvestHK’s vision is to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the leading international business location in Asia. InvestHK works with overseas and Mainland entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinationals that wish to set up an office – or expand their existing business – in Hong Kong.