A Brilliant Beginning An Interview with Frédéric de Narp, President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Harry Winston, Inc. EDITORS’ NOTE Frédéric de Narp currently have eight salons. our next visits harry winston. we are currently working assumed his current post at Harry largest market is in Japan, but the rest on a new salon concept that will celebrate the Winston in January of 2010. Prior of the world is yet to be developed for tradition and aesthetics of harry winston in a to this, he served as the President harry winston. we have plans to fur- warmer and more welcoming environment. this and CEO of Cartier North America. ther develop in europe where we see fall, we will unveil two new salons under this He began his career in luxury re- some strong potential. over the next concept: a Las vegas salon and our renovated tail nearly 20 years ago at Cartier in few years, we will also look to expand fl agship salon on Fifth avenue, designed with ar- Japan, and worked in various po- our presence in and around china, chitect, william sofi eld, who just won the cooper sitions with the company in Tokyo, where the brand continues to perform hewitt national design award. Switzerland, Italy, and Greece be- well. harry winston currently has a The brand has been focused on giving fore moving to New York in 2005 to network of 20 retail salons worldwide, back from the beginning. How critical is oversee Cartier North America. so there is tremendous opportunity for that to the culture of Harry Winston, and Frédéric de Narp the brand to grow, while remaining how important is it going forward to main- COMPANY BRIEF Harry Winston exclusive. tain that philanthropy focus? Diamond Corporation (www.harrywinston. How has the Harry Winston brand it is absolutely essential for many reasons. com) is a specialist diamond enterprise with as- been able to maintain much of the tradition harry winston, because of the beauty of the sets in the mining and retail segments of the di- and the feel of the pieces, but also create de- diamonds and the high quality of pieces we amond industry. The company supplies rough signs that seem to be timeless and exciting offer, is trusted by our clients to celebrate the diamonds to the global market from its 40 per- for a younger audience? most meaningful moments in their lives. this cent ownership interest in the Diavik Diamond i think what makes harry winston timeless trust is created through refusing to compromise Mine. Harry Winston, Inc., the company’s lux- is that our designers continue to in whatever we do. ury arm, is a premier diamond jeweler and lux- take inspiration from our heritage generosity is embedded in ury watchmaker with salons in key locations and the dna of the brand. we our history and in our culture. including New York, Paris, London, Beijing, constantly look to our archives for Fifty years ago, our founder, harry Tokyo, and Beverly Hills. inspiration, and continue to manu- winston, organized an exhibition facture jewelry by hand in the harry called the court of Jewels, where Have you seen a major impact on the business winston workshop, using the same he put together a collection of fa- as a result of the economic crisis, and is the creative techniques that have been mous and celebrated gemstones, market coming back in the luxury segment? used for more than 80 years. For and charged clients an admission yes, all luxury brands were more vulner- any brand, though, it is also essen- fee to view the exhibition, giving able during the crisis, and harry winston was tial to listen to your clients, and to 100 percent of the funds back to affected like every other. there is, however, evolve with their tastes while stay- charity. as the best and most exclu- a restored sense of confi dence coming back ing true to the dna of the brand. i sive jeweler in the world, i think it around the world. we see some positive trends think the new york collection by is our responsibility to carry on this and feedback from our clients in america, and harry winston is a true example of legacy of giving. business remains strong in asia, where we’re this balance. our clients were looking for unique When this opportunity came about, did performing very well in Japan and china. pieces for their everyday wear – a special piece you know right away it was a good fi t for For exceptional products that are ex- of jewelry between the purchase of their engage- you, and as you’ve gotten to intimately know tremely unique and rare, and are of the highest ment ring and an important anniversary gift. our the brand, has it been what you expected? quality, like the jewelry and timepieces at harry design studio answered this through an excep- i always looked at harry winston as a unique winston, the demand will always be there. our tional collection that not only caters to a range beauty: a niche brand that had the highest po- clients are true connoisseurs who appreciate of client tastes, but also captures the remarkable tential for growth in the world of luxury because and recognize the rich heritage and fi ne quality imagery and emotion of new york city – the heart of its heritage and commitment to the highest craftsmanship of our designs. of the harry winston brand. quality in craftsmanship and design. when bob during these times, where clients are focus- In North America, you offer beauti- gannicott, the chairman of our board of direc- ing more on the enduring value of pieces, we ful boutiques with beautiful products, but tors, came to offer me this position, i think it took continue to deliver the very high quality, unique many times, there is a feeling of exclusivity me no more than fi ve minutes to accept, because designs that harry winston is well known for. about them. Are you focused on promoting harry winston is the ultimate expression of cre- Is this truly a global brand in nature a warmer atmosphere at the boutiques that ativity, passion, rarity, and luxury, and i knew and do you see strong opportunities over- will make them more approachable? from the beginning it was the opportunity i had seas, maybe more so than in the U.S.? yes. exclusivity should not come from sa- always dreamed of.• harry winston started the company in the lons, but rather from the quality of the craftsman- u.s. nearly 80 years ago, so our largest base ship, the rarity of the materials, and the level of Top: Iconic Winston Cluster earrings (left and right); Refl ection Diamond is concentrated in north america, where we personalized service given to each client who pendant(center); Bottom: Central Park emerald and diamond ring 144 Leaders posted with permission. copyright © 2010 magazine, inc. voLume 33, number 4.