Look Book

22 www.thejewelrybook.com i t s h e r t i m e wat c h r e p o r t B A S E L W O R L D WAT C H Y O U R S E L F "It is "Wait "I hope These Baselworld, year career. to have booked dug out was packed! But really, Ho. Lee. of places on the had much to see vibe. wonder cally I made mentioned my senses are journalists (yes, you thankfully direction Once get down trending women's Watch Baselworld BY BARBARA PALUMBO It's Her Time Four Swiss Watch Brands with Women at the Helm By BarBara PalumBo here's a cosmic shift happening in the watch world that's taking many people by surprise, and that's the one that has women moving into the role of CEO. There's no denying that in today's society, women – and their voices – have become a hot topic, which is both empowering and sigh-inducing when you think about it. Here's why: For over a century, women have fought for their place at the table, a right to their opinion, and the opportunity to vote, which is why many women who've been battling for years for these seemingly basic rights can't believe they're still having to fight for them, or even march for them in some cases (hence, the sighs). But on the flip side, what's happening right now in terms of gender equality awareness within both the jewelry and watch communi- ties is pretty astounding, at least, in comparison to where our industry was for years as it pertained to women leadership. At the American Gem Society Conclave in Nashville recently, Forevermark's U.S. president – Charles Stanley – vowed to do his part in seeing that Forevermark will be on the right side of history by making sure that women get equal footing within their company. And at the Initiatives in Art and Culture's annual Gold Conference in April, there was an evening panel dedicated solely to women's issues and women's empowerment. But the question remains on whether or not the recent discussions and initiatives by some in our industry will lead to real change or whether they're merely moves made by companies in order to look like they're doing something substantial. If that's also a question you're asking yourself, then I'm here to show you that the following four Swiss watch brands have put their money where their mouths are by making deserving, qualified women the CEOs of their companies. Jaeger-LeCoultre According to the South China Morning Post's April 25th edition, Richemont has decided to appoint the current Asia-Pacific president of watch and jewelry maison Van Cleef & Arpels – Catherine Renier – to the position of CEO at Jaeger-LeCoultre; one of the company's most significant and long-standing watch brands. This is the second huge step for women in watches within the Richemont community in a year, and with women watch enthusiasts growing in numbers around the world, the decision to do so could not have come at a more opportune time. T Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface.

• Cover