
PARIS – The independent French jewelry house Mellerio has appointed Christophe Mélard as Managing Director, with immediate effect.
He succeeds Géraldine de Vulpian, who left the post in July 2020. Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, who took over the reins of the family jeweler in 2018, remains president of the 408-year-old house, which includes Marie de Médici, Marie-Antoinette and the Empress of France Eugenie among her clients.
Mélard, who previously headed brands like Sergio Rossi within the luxury group Kering from 2005 to 2015, worked as an investment fund advisor while being part of the founding team of brands such as Golden Goose, a specialist in cashmere Kujten and the fine jewelry labels Ginette NY and Yannis. Sergakis.
“I am happy to join Mellerio as CEO and to participate in the next chapters of its rich history of five centuries, and in particular of its redeployment in France and internationally. The launch of the first high jewelry collection, created by Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, is an important step in our development strategy which targets a younger, larger and more cosmopolitan clientele ”, declared the new executive.
Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, who has also been the artistic director of the house since 2015, praised Mélard’s experience and industrial expertise, saying that they would help “to clarify and increase the attractiveness of our house with a unique past”.
The Muses jewelry line, inspired by historical motifs and strong female figures throughout the history of the house, was launched in October. Prices range from 190 euros for small earrings up to 2,700 euros for a ring adorned with white, brown and yellow diamonds set in pink gold.