With panache, innovation and an inspired vision, Pascal Mouawad has made his mark as the fourth generation of the prestigious Mouawad group and “Man behind Glamhouse” (glamboutique.com) , carrying the company’s reputation for excellence in jewelry to new heights.
Born into a family that has owned a number of the world’s most important diamonds, Pascal was immersed in the dazzling world of jewelry from a young age. Raised in Geneva, Switzerland, Pascal followed his graduation from high school with a move to Los Angeles to pursue his further education. His choice of location was astute; for he already harbored the determination to one day grow the Mouawad family business much further beyond its European base to the United States. After undergraduate studies at California’s Pepperdine University, he went on to obtain his Gemology Degree from the Gemological Institute of America, which he followed with an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Leaving academia behind, in 1999 Pascal made the move to New York from where he set to work putting his vision for the family business into action. He began by broadening the company’s presence and reach with its first website www.mondera.com. From this virtual base, he expanded recognition for the Mouawad name online and across the world.
The US, and specifically Hollywood, remained at the heart of Pascal’s vision for the company. His grandfather before him had earned a prestigious status as jeweler to royalty across the world. Decades later, Pascal brought an innovative twist to this family tradition by courting the glamorous ‘royalty’ of the modern day – iconic celebrities – with Mouawad’s renowned European traditions and craftsmanship at Glamhouse.
His creative talent first came to fruition in 2000, when he partnered with Victoria’s Secret to design and build the most luxurious and expensive lingerie ever made, the multi million dollar Fantasy Bras, covering some of the world’s sexiest supermodels in Mouawad diamonds. This dazzling story continued to sizzle, with Mouawad being the only jeweler to hold the accolade of designing the Victoria’s Secret fantasy bra for six years.
Supermodels weren’t the only celebrities lining up to be covered in Mouawad jewels, though. No red carpet event could be complete without Mouawad creations adorning the necks and wrists of Hollywood’s hottest stars. Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Giselle Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks are just the beginning of a long list of celebrities won over by the combined charms of Pascal Mouawad and his family’s irresistible gems.
In 2006 Pascal made the pivotal decision to move the company’s offices from New York on the East Coast of the USA to Los Angeles on the West Coast. The relocation helped nurture Mouawad’s growing relations with Hollywood’s A-list. Once again demonstrating pioneering innovation, Pascal took Mouawad’s celebrity relationships yet further. In addition to dressing some of the hottest stars with his extravagant jewels, Pascal also began collaborating with them to create their own collections under the Mouawad label and Glamhouse. The move broke new ground in the world of fine jewelry and set Mouawad apart from other jewelers. Under Pascal’s guidance, Mouawad USA’s division has emerged as a creative haven for artists and celebrities looking to create jewelry backed by the tradition, quality and heritage of the Mouawad brand.
How did you start in the Business?
I was born into the world of jewelry but began my celebrity jewelry lines with supermodel, Heidi Klum years ago. Glamhouse really took off when I started collaborating with Nicole Richie and created House of Harlow 1960.
How would you describe and think of your style, what kind of jewelry do you make and what type of materials do you prefer?
Style is forever changing. For me personally, my style is sophisticated but affordable. I try to translate that into my product and continue to make our lines are attainable for everyone. We have so many options when it comes to fashion jewelry, we have the ability to be creative by choosing specific stones and crystals to work with.
What new directions do you hope to move in the future? Do you have big plans, new ideas or designs you will be exploring soon?
We just launched Metal Haven by Kendall and Kylie Jenner, which is exclusively available at Nordstrom BP. We have several big announcements coming up, I would love to tell you now but you’ll have to wait and see.
What keeps you inspired and motivated?
Honestly love the art of jewelry. You can create a whole look around just one piece of jewelry, its timeless, its classic, jewelry never “goes out of style”.
When it comes to jewelry design, what is your secret talent?
Trends, we not only can forecast what trends are coming around the corner but we have the ability to invent and manipulate trends.
Is there an era that influences your work?
All of our lines really reflect the individual celebrity and their personal style.
Do you have a muse or type of woman that you design for?
Yes, women of all ages that love fashion jewelry and like to make a statement.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?
I believe so far for Glamhouse it has been growing House of Harlow 1960 into the brand it is today.
What is your favorite accessories trend of the moment?
Women can’t go wrong with a layered necklace.
What are you working on now?
I wish I could tell. I can tell you that Kristin Cavallari will be coming out with a new collection soon. Her first collection did great, I’m excited to launch her second collection with Glamhouse.
Where are your products sold?
Nordstrom, Opening Ceremony, ShopBop and Piperlime but everyone can shop at glamboutique.com for all our designs.
How difficult has been to be so famous in Hollywood?
Haha well I guess the paparazzi recognize me but I wouldn’t call myself ‘famous’, I’m trying to grow several celebrity brands so they translate into timeless elegant, versatile jewelry lines.
