In an exclusive interview with Tatler, Stanley Ho’s granddaughter and fourth-generation jeweller Fred Mouawad—who, after launching a collection in Hong Kong last year, have since embarked on a global exhibition tour—delve into the creative journey and how their two families have a shared history
As the granddaughter of the late casino tycoon Stanley Ho and daughter of the Hong Kong businesswoman Daisy Ho, Beatrice Ho, Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish honouree of 2022 and Hong Kong Ballet’s co-chair for its Madame et Mademoiselle female empowerment initiative, is no stranger to the limelight.
Last year, she joined forces with the centuries-old jewellery house Mouawad, which has roots in Lebanon and an international presence launching at The Peninsula Hong Kong, to create a capsule collection; a global exhibition of the tour followed, with a stop in Macau in February. Consisting of 12 pieces, a combination of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, the Venus Collection marries the brand’s craftsmanship and heritage with Ho’s signature style and glamour.
It’s not the first time members of the two families have come together: in 2007, Stanley Ho famously bought the largest flawless cushion diamond in the world, weighing 218.08 carats, from Mouawad; it was named The Star of Stanley Ho and is on display at the Grand Lisboa in Macau. The hotel is also the location of the exhibition, which featured two pieces from the Venus Collection exclusive to Macau.
Here, Ho and Mouawad tell us about the collaboration and how the collection promises to offer a fresh, modern take on luxury jewellery.
Read also: Haute jeweller Anna Hu continues to shine with the latest Papillon du Blanc collection
What’s the story behind this capsule collection?
Fred Mouawad: The concept revolves around powerful femininity, inspired by the mythical goddess Venus. Heart-shaped gemstones are a key motif in this collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, but with a twist. They represent the Venus within each woman, as a radiant emblem of self-love. The design is an invitation to each woman to express her self-love through the jewellery she wears.
Pearls are also integral to this collection, representing wisdom, but also alluding to Venus’s oceanic origins. The position of the pearls is in precise alignment with the hearts, reminding us of the need to balance mind and heart for true spiritual growth. One of the exciting and innovative features is that the gemstones and pearls can be interchanged; there are infinite possibilities for styling.
Beatrice Ho: I was fortunate enough to have sat next to Fred at Mouawad’s private launch dinner at The Peninsula Hong Kong in June. We bonded over beauty, culture and fashion, as well as our time in the US. Fred shared his life story with me and I mentioned the ways in which I am involved in the fashion industry. He told me he wanted to introduce Mouawad to a more youthful clientele, and that with my style and eye for aesthetics, I would be the perfect candidate to provide a fresh, alternative and avant-garde perspective to the brand.