Farewell by Fawaz Gruosi at the board of de Grisogono, the Geneva Maison he founded 25 years ago ♦ ︎
That the changes were in the air was clear. First of all, the announcement of the downsizing of high-jewelery workers, which any case remains a strong point of the Maison. Then, the decision to defect Baselworld. Finally, the recent appointment of Céline Assimon, who became de Grisogono’s chief executive officer, in the position previously occupied by John Leitao. In short, many news in a few months. But the real bomb was a surprise (maybe) for everybody: the farewell of the founder of the Geneva Maison, Fawaz Gruosi.
The announcement came along with the clarification that the farewell of the effervescent jeweler brings the date of December 31st. In the official communiqué, the impact of the news is obviously dampened, with the addition that the decision has been made time ago and that the farewell was going on. But the surprise remains.
As the founder of this inspirational brand 25 years ago, we are grateful to Fawaz Grusoi for his incredible passion and creativity. For all this time de Grisogono has gone through a fantastic journey, moving from a high-end niche jewelry house to a high-end jewelry player that is now recognized all over the world. In line with our board’s vision and program, de Grisogono is now preparing to enter a new chapter in its history. Under the guidance of Céline Assimon and the talented company team, the design and the atelier will continue to carry out design and craftsmanship as it has been up to now, through a collective process, keeping the tradition made of bold creativity for which the brand is known .
Elmar Wiederin, Chairman of de Grisogono
Certainly the farewell of Fawaz Gruosi will not be painless for the brand, known for its ability to innovate (for example, has anticipated everybody with the use of black diamonds), but also for inspiration, the desire to live and a image linked to the Dolce Vita of our days. Memorable were the parties organized by Gruosi in Cannes or in Sardinia, Costa Smeralda. Models, show stars, artists: all attracted by events in a whirling mix as the design of some surprising Maison jewels. But the curtain sooner or later falls for everyone.
