For nearly three decades, the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival has shimmered with creations from Chopard. At the centre of this dazzling story stands Caroline Scheufele — Co-President and Artistic Director of the maison, whose vision has transformed haute joaillerie into a language of glamour, emotion, and storytelling. In this conversation with Olga Taran, she reflects on cinema, creativity, leadership, and the everyday inspirations behind extraordinary jewellery.
Olga Taran: Chopard has supported the Cannes Film Festival for many years, and initiatives like Chopard Loves Cinema have become an important part of the brand’s identity. What is your favourite film of all time?
Caroline Scheufele: To be precise, this year marks 29 years of our partnership with Cannes. Next year will be very special, as we celebrate 30 years, which coincides with the festival’s 80th anniversary.
Choosing a favourite film is almost impossible — it’s like asking me to choose my favourite dog. I have six! But I love classics such as Gone with the Wind and La Dolce Vita. And of course Pretty Woman holds a special place for me, partly because Julia Roberts has been our ambassador for many years.
Olga Taran: Do you have favourite actors or actresses?
Caroline Scheufele: Yes, I do have a few. Among actors I would say Gene Hackman and Pierce Brosnan. Among actresses, definitely Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock.
Olga Taran: Every year you unveil a new Red Carpet high jewellery collection in Cannes. Can you give us a clue about what inspired this year’s collection?
Caroline Scheufele: That remains a little secret for now. The collection is always revealed for the first time in Cannes, and I prefer to keep the inspiration private until that moment. What I can say is that it is a very emotional and spiritual theme. And to be honest, I am a little superstitious — so I never speak about it too early.
Olga Taran: Do you already know which celebrities will wear your creations this year?
Caroline Scheufele: Some of them, yes, but it is still difficult to say for sure. The festival has not yet announced the films selected for competition, so we do not know which actors and actresses will attend.
Of course, some of our ambassadors will be there — Bella Hadid, for example. But the final list always comes together quite late. In a way, that uncertainty is part of the magic of Cannes.
Olga Taran: What jewellery trends do you see defining 2026?
Caroline Scheufele: Jewellery is becoming more joyful, playful, and colourful. Semi-precious stones allow beautiful colour gradations — for example degradé tones in blues or reds. There is something almost rainbow-like about the current aesthetic. At the same time, rose gold remains very popular, and long necklaces such as sautoirs are making a return.
Personally, I always design many earrings. They frame the face and instantly bring life and movement to a look.
Olga Taran: And among gemstones, which is your personal favourite?
Caroline Scheufele: It will probably always remain the diamond. It is the most classical gemstone, yet it never loses its magic.
If I had to choose a variation, I would say a pink diamond. It has something incredibly delicate and romantic about it.
Olga Taran: Many historic jewellery houses have traditionally been led by men. Was it challenging to build your authority in this industry?
Caroline Scheufele: Yes, I would say so — not so much in jewellery itself, but certainly in watchmaking, which has traditionally been very much a man’s world.
When I joined the family company and began expressing my own vision and ideas, it was in a way quite revolutionary. As a woman, I instinctively understand how jewellery should feel when worn. You immediately notice if something is too heavy, if earrings hurt, or if a necklace doesn’t sit softly on the skin. Over time I found my place — but in the beginning it was not simply assumed that I would one day run the company.
Olga Taran: What advantages do you see as a woman leading a jewellery house?
Caroline Scheufele: Very often men buy jewellery for their wives or partners. The first question they ask themselves is: What would she truly like? In that sense, it helps that I know many of our clients personally and understand their tastes and personalities. Sometimes I can guide the men and help them choose something their partner will truly love.
Olga Taran: Do you think there is a difference between male and female leadership?
Caroline Scheufele: Yes, I believe women often approach things from another perspective. Whatever we do, we tend to do it with more heart and awareness of others. Perhaps — though this is a generalization — women are also sometimes less driven by ego.
Sometimes I even think that if more women were leading countries, the world might be a little more peaceful.
Olga Taran: You collaborate with many ambassadors and celebrities. Do you have personal favourites?
Caroline Scheufele: Yes — Petra Nemcova. After she tragically lost her fiancé in the tsunami, she created a foundation building schools in disaster-affected regions. Together we created the Happy Hearts bracelet, where 10 % of each piece sold supports the foundation. Today her organization has built around 370 schools worldwide. She is also a very close friend — I am even the godmother of her son.
Olga Taran: I know that you are the godmother of several children. What does that role mean to you?
Caroline Scheufele: It does come with responsibilities. Traditionally it means that if something happens to the mother, the godmother steps in and supports the child. But beyond that, it is simply beautiful to watch children grow up. I truly love children.
Olga Taran: Am I right that you are also the godmother of Catrinel Marlon’s children?
Caroline Scheufele: Yes, that’s correct. Catrinel Marlon is a dear friend of mine. Her daughter is actually named after me — Carolina — which is a very touching honour.
Olga Taran: I discovered your Instagram, and what I really like is that it’s not polished. It’s not about glamour — it feels very alive.
Caroline Scheufele: Yes, that’s exactly the intention. I try to be myself and not someone else. The other day a friend told me, “You hardly ever post a product.” I said, “Well, I see the products every day, and they’re already on our official Chopard Instagram.”
When I post something, it’s more personal — my dogs, something in nature, or simply what I feel at that moment. It’s spontaneous. It’s not that a marketing team tells me what I should post.
Olga Taran: Sometimes I notice you appear in very relaxed outfits — simple T-shirts with messages. How do you choose them?
Caroline Scheufele: I usually choose them instinctively. Friends know that I love them, so sometimes they give them to me. Often it’s about the message — something I might want to say that day.
Olga Taran: Have you ever thought about launching a collection with those kinds of messages?
Caroline Scheufele: Actually, we have done some limited editions. They were gifts during Cannes for clients and members of the press — with symbols like the sun, the heart, or Charlie Chaplin. But they were never sold.
Olga Taran: You also seem to be a devoted dog lover. Why dogs rather than cats?
Caroline Scheufele: I’ve never really had a cat. Cats are much more independent. Dogs are very caring — they truly understand how you feel. They know when you’re happy or upset, and they depend on you. That creates a very special bond.
Olga Taran: You travel a lot. Who takes care of your dogs when you’re away?
Caroline Scheufele: I have a wonderful couple at home who take care of them, and they love my dogs almost as much as I do. Sometimes the little one, Byron, travels with me — he’s almost the mascot of Cannes. When my dogs see my suitcase, they all go on standby, wondering if they’re coming with me or staying home.
Olga Taran: Which books have influenced your life the most?
Caroline Scheufele: Recently I read a book about Einstein. I think he was not only an extraordinary scientist, but also a fascinating human being. What he brought to light changed the way we understand the world. In fact, one of my dogs is called Einstein — a very smart Labrador.
I have also read the Bible and from time to time I return to certain passages. And on a lighter note, I love Agatha Christie. Especially the Poirot series — the stories are beautiful, intriguing, and you can read them again and again.
Olga Taran: What is your biggest fear?
Caroline Scheufele: My biggest fear is what is happening in the world today. In the 21st century, seeing wars everywhere is very frightening. It makes no sense that people cannot respect one another — different cultures, religions, and ways of life. Too often it becomes about power, ego, and even profit made from human suffering. I truly pray for this to stop. It is very difficult to watch.
At the same time, life continues and we must carry on with our work. Even today I am going to a meeting to discuss what measures we should take as a company in the Middle East, because we have offices there and people are understandably worried.
One thing I strongly believe is that we must stand against extremism and terrorism, which put our entire planet at risk. But ultimately, I hope people learn to understand each other and live peacefully. If conflicts arise — whether between individuals, colleagues, couples, or even nations — we should remember to be grateful for what we have. So many people suffer far more, yet others argue over trivial things. It escalates unnecessarily.
Humans were not meant to live like this. We should take care of our planet, our animals, and nature, and focus on living and working peacefully.
BLITZ
What is your favourite colour?
Blue. All shades of blue.
Your favourite gemstones?
A pink diamond and a Paraiba tourmaline.
What is your greatest pride in life?
Professionally, what I achieved with jewellery at Chopard. When I began designing jewellery at sixteen, the company was focussed on watchmaking. Today jewellery represents nearly half of the business.
What is the greatest human weakness?
Jealousy.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To bring peace everywhere.
If you could meet your younger self, what would you tell her?
I would tell her to be a little more cautious about the people she trusts.
What should every person do at least once in their life?
Visit a spiritual place — somewhere sacred where you can reflect. For example, Lourdes is on my personal bucket list. But it could be anywhere that makes you feel connected to something greater.
Who is your favourite composer?
For a composer, I would say Tchaikovsky. And for a musician — Elton John.
Is there a piece of jewellery that is particularly personal or unforgettable in your career?
Yes — the clown. It was my very first design.
