Hello Carlotta! Where did the name Grizzly Chéri come from?
Carlotta, founder of Grizzly Chéri: "Grizzly" like a Teddy Bear, like a bear you adored! So dear to our hearts that it forever links us to our childhood. This name was made for jewelry to be loved!
Can you tell us the story of Grizzly Chéri?
To earn a little money while studying fashion design, I worked for several years at "La Droguerie," the temple of beads and trims. That's where I first encountered jewelry! I started tinkering with pieces and immediately loved it. It's smaller, more intimate than clothing! With my diploma in hand, I learned my trade as a jewelry designer by working for Galeries Lafayette, Loulou de la Falaise, then at Reminiscence and various Parisian jewelry brands. I started my small company at a time when I no longer wanted to travel all over the world, far from the people I love. I wanted to think more about myself and had the idea of starting my own small family. Since then, I've gotten married and we had a baby. Grizzly Chéri will be 3 years old this year, and I've surrounded myself with a small team of Grizzlies; all darlings and pros in their fields! The adventure is AWESOME!
Where do you get your inspiration for designing your jewelry?
Everything inspires me! I love illustration, color, patterns... Sometimes just my daily life can give me an idea. I wanted to design jewelry that wasn't like any other, easy-to-wear jewelry that tells a story; as a friend told me: jewelry with a soul. I wanted jewelry to be loved, soft, poetic, tender, and delicate.
How do you make your jewelry?
I draw all the jewelry by hand. They are then prototyped by a "magician jeweler" in Paris, respecting the irregularity and roundness of the drawing. No motif is bought pre-made. The design is unique. They are all made of brass, the "Rolls Royce" of costume jewelry. A Grizzly Chéri piece of jewelry requires no less than 15 operations, all meticulously done by hand. Each piece is different, which makes every Grizzly Chéri a small treasure!
Which pieces are the most successful?
Our Inseparable bracelets! One for you, one for me. We have "Mom-Child" Inseparable bracelets, "Couple" Inseparable bracelets, "Girlfriends," "Sisters, young or old"...
Would you ever consider releasing a piece of jewelry representing a grizzly, as a nod to the name?
It's funny, I had never thought of it before, but yes, why not! We love animals at Grizzly Chéri, we've already created a fox, a cat, a raccoon, and a rabbit!
What do you have planned for 2017?
Kawaii, very delicate motifs, perfect to wear all summer with a little dress. We'll have small crowns, flying cats, cacti, swimmers, and adorable Eskimos. A new collection every month!
Can you tell us about "Croc love de toi" and Valentine's Day?
"Croc love" is a funny expression, isn't it? "Croc" the apple of life! "Croc" the love of your life! (Smile). The illustration comes from the Dotty Cat collection, it's a masked cat, a little mischievous.
Valentine's Day means something special to me; when I was a child, my parents always gave me a small gift, and I do the same with my daughter!
What is your favorite Rosemood creation?
For my daughter, born in May, I chose the Cherry birth announcement. I still love it just as much! I also really like the Comptine model.
Do you think we should also design a grizzly birth announcement?
Yes, yes, yes! Three times yes! A tender, soft grizzly like a pebble. I imagine it golden, with soft colors, white, pastels, and a touch of glitter. What a beautiful ambassador to announce a birth!