Normand’s French accent is on quality

The managing director of Cartier is looking for retail locations in India

MUMBAI: Patrick Normand wears a pale-eyed, je ne sais quois that is quintessentially Gallic. It accessorises the carmine smile of that classique, royale brand and company Cartier, which he presides over as managing director.

In India for the launch of their global `Delices de Cartier’ fruity-floral fragrance, in EDT and parfum formats, Normand is suitably enthusiastic about this brand’s performance in this market over the past few years, since regulatory and demand lids lifted. In fact, it’s the leader in upper-crust watches and eyewear here, he says in a one-on-one with DNA Money.

Cartier lore reverts to the hedonistically gracious days of the maharajas; about 1911, brand father Jacques Cartier himself visited Delhi and other states at the invitation of the royals who were avid consumers of the brand. And high-powered Indian travellers themselves have been purchasing Cartier since those early days on their overseas jaunts.

Could Cartier jewellery launch next?

That deluxe redux plays full-blast today: as Normand explains, other than its jewellery, this red-scaped brand is present in all its categories here, from eyewear and fragrances, to pens and watches - which can wind up to a few crores.

Thoughts are clearly ticking to bring in their very comprehensive, extravagantly endowed jewellery range into this country, though Normand gives no precise time frame. It all depends on them getting the right retail property, whether in Delhi or Mumbai, says Normand. Cartier only sells its jewellery via its own boutiques and it has about 240 such boutiques across the world’s hot fashion capitals, though none in India yet.

“As a luxury house, it is important we have a representation of all Cartier creations under one roof; our best models in each category.’’ In essence, we can expect Cartier jewellery here the moment they flag off their first own-store or Cartier boutique in India, which will showcase the pride of all their collections under one roof. Expect a mansion-like retail store, as fashioned by French architect Bruno Moinard, replete with brownish-beige hues, black marble, brass furniture, etc.

As they enter such luxurious environs, Indians will get ensconced deeper in the brand values that Cartier epitomises through the ages - timeless and for the sophisticated. “A brand which has an accent on creativity, craftsmanship, quality of material,” lists Normand. Interestingly there is no jewelled-ceiling in pricing for a Cartier, given that they take customised individual orders. “The limit is what you set yourself,” he says.

Mon dieu. How’s that for a strut on the chic, sybaritic side of life?