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INTERVIEW WITH OUR FOUNDERS: THE VISION BEHIND THE BRAND

In this discussion, Alix and Julie share how their personal experiences - from Alix’s love for her grandmother’s jewels to Julie’s design journey in Hong Kong - shaped their vision for ethical craftsmanship and future heirlooms. Discover how daŭre is setting new standards for sustainable luxury.

Alix and Julie, could you briefly introduce yourselves ?

Alix Battard: Of course ! I come from the world of journalism, where I spent over 17 years covering the news, including 13 years presenting on Belgium’s private television channel RTL. Today, I still host a program focusing on royalty. I live in Brussels in a townhouse with my two daughters, husband and cat. I get around by bike, love banana bread, enjoy hunting for treasures at flea markets, and of course, I’m passionate about jewellery.

Julie de Cartier: My background is in design. I moved to Hong Kong at a fairly young age with my then-boyfriend (now husband), where I worked as a graphic designer and creative consultant for luxury clients, high-end hotels, and brands. After 15 years, returning to Belgium was a big change. Now, I live just outside the city, near the forest, with my husband and our three energetic kids. I’m definitely more of a dog person ;-) I also love the mountains and have tackled quite a few trail challenges.

Alix, your background is in journalism. What motivated you to pivot into jewellery design?

Alix Battard: It was a bold step! My love for jewellery began in my childhood, inspired by my grandmother’s stunning collection, each piece holding its own story. That always stayed with me. After 13 years of presenting the news, I knew it was time to pursue something more personal and creative. For me, jewellery has always been about emotion and connection, so starting daŭre felt like the natural choice.

Julie, you spent years in Hong Kong working in design. How did that shape your role in the brand?

 Julie de Cartier: Hong Kong was a game-changer for me. I was exposed to the world of high-end jewellery, and it gave me a strong sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail. When Alix and I decided to launch daŭre, it was a way to combine our creative visions—my design experience and her storytelling. What’s even more exciting is that we share the same values and wanted to redefine luxury with a modern, ethical, and innovative approach.

Sustainability is a big focus for daŭre. Why is it so important to you both?

Alix Battard: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s essential to what daŭre represents. We wanted to create jewellery that you can wear with pride, knowing it’s ethical and has a lower impact on the planet. The idea of ‘future heirlooms’ is key for us—pieces that will last generations, both in design and in their positive impact.

Julie de Cartier: Exactly ! The daŭre woman has an eye for aesthetics. She appreciates craftsmanship and respects traditional know-how. She’s an active woman who buys her own diamonds and is conscious of the challenges our world faces ! 

"The idea of ‘future heirlooms’ is key for us -
pieces that will last generations,
both in design and in their positive impact."

What personal experiences influence your design choices?

Julie de Cartier: I love minimalism, and you’ll see that in our designs. But they’re also powerful and architectural. Hong Kong and Brussels inspire me with their mix of modern lines and tradition, and I think that comes through in daŭre’s aesthetic. We want every piece to feel like a statement but still be wearable every day.

Alix Battard: For me, the idea of jewellery carrying memories is huge. My grandmother’s pieces were so meaningful, and I wanted to create something that others could pass down with the same emotional weight. Our pieces are designed to be timeless but bold—a reflection of modern femininity.

Where do you see daŭre in the next few years?

Alix Battard: We see daŭre growing as a leader in sustainable luxury. More and more, people are seeking brands that align with their values. We want to be the go-to for those who desire ethical, beautifully crafted jewellery pieces that last.

Julie de Cartier: Our goal is to keep pushing boundaries—both in design and sustainability. The world is changing, and so is the concept of luxury. It’s no longer just about rare materials—it’s about craftsmanship, sustainability, and how a piece makes you feel. daŭre is our way of bringing that future to life, one beautiful piece at a time.