Coralie Charriol: Not your typical heiress

Sure, she’s someone you’d love to hate. She’s beyond beautiful and talented. She’s the daughter of one of the most well-known jewelers in the world, extremely cultured, an accomplished race car driver and at 24, she’s managed to design a collection of luxury jewelry and handbags that’s creating a buzz among the discriminating connoisseurs of luxury goods all over the world.

Her father’s name, Philippe Charriol, is not new to us Filipinos. Who hasn’t coveted or, if they were lucky enough, has come by the ubiquitous sterling cable bracelet made popular some years ago? Aside from the sterling cable bracelet, Philippe Charriol watches continue to be snapped up by consumers who demand only the very best.

Today, however, the brand Philippe Charriol, available at Rustan’s, has changed its identity into simply Charriol. While still uncompromisingly aiming for quality, it has added innovations in terms of design to respond to today’s consumers’ predilection for something simple, beautiful and functional. Coralie, of course, plays a pivotal role in injecting fresh air into the brand.

Says Coralie, "My collection remains true to the word sexy. Its designs are very sensual; all the pieces are made from the finest materials. It is not obscene but it sure does catch the eye."

The Coralie 18k gold collection consists of an impressive range of rings, bangles, necklaces, and earrings made from yellow or white gold designed to complement fashionable women of all ages.

Coralie’s involvement with the brand began when she was just in her teens. It was further concretized when she designed an assortment of luxury handbags named Coralys. The success of her handbag collection was followed by her well-received line of jewelry named Megeve which was launched a year ago.

Coralie currently resides in New York, where the tone of fashion is set. She has had several stints in different countries such as Paris, London, Hong Kong, Boston and Geneva. Her exposure to different cultures has greatly influenced her cosmopolitan taste. She has had the very best in life and she understands that first-class quality is a major component in creating a lasting object of desire.

She underscores, "There is a definite logo mania going on within today’s shopping circles. However, I believe that this insatiable demand for branded luxury goods is rooted not because of pretentiousness but because of the desire of today’s educated consumers for something luxurious and lasting."

This understanding of the unwavering appeal of branded goods translates to Coralie’s personal taste. "I choose clothes that are very high in quality," she says. "They are made by reputable designers who put a premium on superb material and workmanship so evident in their clothes."

Someday, Coralie hopes that she, too, can create a line of ready-to-wear clothes that reflects the Charriol tradition of creating luxury goods whose designs are unique yet timeless.

An aesthete with an impressive educational background to back her up, Coralie sure knows what she’s talking about. She studied at Tuft’s University in Boston where she majored in art history and literature. She minored in design, photography and acting . She also took a course in film making at the New York Film Academy. Coralie is unfaltering in further expanding her art education. She is currently contemplating on taking some courses in fashion design.

Coralie’s work experience is equally remarkable. She worked with the communications department of Cartier Paris and the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art. Currently, she is with the product design and development and public relations department of Philippe Charriol. She is also involved in the Philippe Charriol Foundation promoting modern art.

Just like any girl living at the most happening city in the world, Coralie enjoys eating out and dancing at many of the city’s famed hot spots. She travels around the world in order to acquire inspiration for her designs. She is also a lover of contemporary art and is a serious film buff. Her love for the unconventional sport of race car driving on ice has won her kudos among the circle of racers. She was awarded the Ladies Cup at Formulae France Cup FFSA and received third place ranking at Alpe d’Huez on a Formulae prototype car. Aside from being a speed demon, Coralie also loves riding horses, skiing and swimming. Coralie’s multi-faceted interests are reflected in her uber-stylish yet practical collection. Sure, this near perfect girl with a charmed life is easy to hate but you can’t help but love her stuff.