FIRST CLINIC Valmont OPENED IN SWITZERLAND IN 1905. She served politicians and stars - including those like Charlie Chaplin, Ingred Bergman and Coco Chanel. HERE ARRIVED TO BECOME A YOUNGER, TO RESTORE AND RELAX. SOME CUSTOMERS WERE NOT ABLE TO TAKE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS, AND SO VALMONT COSMETICS LINE WAS CREATED IN 1984. OWNERS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THIS BRAND DURING THEIR VISIT TO DUBAI THE OWNERS OF THE BRAND TELL US Didier and Sophie Guillon.
For over 30 years, Valmont has been working with the legacy of the famous Valmont Clinic and continues its research. How do you manage to achieve such a quick and lasting effect in the line of anti-aging products?
Sophie: Switzerland did not have great tailors, but there were first-class doctors, so our cell cosmetics was born in the laboratories of local sanatoriums, where they undergo rehabilitation after diseases and operations. Today I am immersed in science, in particular in biochemistry, and I believe that the better and healthier your skin is, the younger you look. In general, I always wanted to work in cosmetology - because this is the intersection of science and business. I used to work at Balmain, Oscar de la Renta Perfumes and Yves Saint Laurent. I started as a marketing manager, selling what others created and doing it for 15 years. Now, when I create products myself, I primarily think about customers. At Valmont, I am the Executive Director. When Didier led the company, it released only 30 products, and now we have 115 formulas.
How does it feel to work with your spouse?
Sophie: This is our life, and we have nothing to compare it with. Perhaps the children would be more interested if we worked in different places, but they do not complain. Our eldest daughter also wants to work at Valmont.
Didier: Usually you have to force the children to join a family company, but our eldest daughter Kapasin really wants to join us. And the youngest daughter also says that she wants to work with us. They will be the fourth generation in our family business. Today it is difficult to find a good job in a pleasant company, and even if you find it, there is no guarantee that you will not be fired. A family company is a great chance for our children to succeed.
Tell us about your latest novelty - Detox Cream.
Sophie: The main skin need these days is detoxification, which is what our latest Valmont Detox cream aims to do. It looks like whipped cream or fresh Swiss air and protects the skin from stress and the negative effects of the environment, especially if you live in a big city. In order for the skin to remain young, it needs oxygen.
When you apply this cream, you will feel how the skin is filled with strength - and so, it acts oxygen. Tap the skin with your fingertips so that the cream is well absorbed - and notice the effect the very next day.
Can creams replace “beauty injections”?
Sophie: Yes and no. For example, hyaluronic acid can only be injected to the deeper layers of the skin. But to preserve the substances inside, you need to use creams. Therefore, creams and injections work together, giving an improved effect, and today a woman who takes care of herself combines these approaches. Without a good cream, you won’t look good. Factors such as the oxidation or oxidation process, solar radiation, protein glycation and stress lead to skin aging and wrinkles. Therefore, creams are aimed at protecting, it is external, from these effects.
Which of your products can you name the most popular?
Sophie: This is the Prime Renewing Pack mask - it appeared in 1984. We sell one such mask every 10 minutes. We had to change its formula three times due to changes in laws, but still this is our bestseller. I can advise this mask to everyone: apply it - and there will be no sign of fatigue on your face. Most people fall asleep, get tired and are constantly under stress - the Prime Renewing Pack solves all these problems. She smoothes wrinkles like an iron. I call it that - "iron." And the Chinese call it the "mask of happiness": with it your face immediately looks fresh and happy. Apply a thin layer of cream in the morning, wait a few minutes and erase everything that has not absorbed. Before an important meeting, you can leave the cream on your face for 20 minutes - then you will literally shine.
Your cosmetics are quite expensive ...
Sophie: But people are always willing to pay dearly for quality products that work well, quickly and efficiently. Many do not believe that Valmont cosmetics are really so effective - but our customers remain true to the brand, because they immediately see the effect - their skin becomes younger and more beautiful. And when there is a result, there is an understanding that cosmetics works.
Where can I get Valmont in Dubai?
Didier: In Dubai, our products are sold exclusively at the Paris Gallery. Our strategy is similar to the strategy of Patek Philippe: Valmont cosmetics are sold only in the best stores. It cannot be bought at Duty Free, online, or at designer clothing stores. We also plan to organize several events in the field of art in Dubai - because in order to win new customers, a new approach is required.
What is your relationship with art?
Didier: Art is in my blood. I have been interested in him since childhood. My father always took me to museums and galleries. When Sophie started working at Valmont, she said that we needed to find a way to highlight our brand. Then I suggested: why don't we win new customers through art? Now we are organizing large art exhibitions. For example, we are participating in the Venice Biennale. This is a great opportunity to present new products in the art-design atmosphere of the pavilion.
What new products are waiting for us in 2017?
Sophie: I can only say that our next product is related to bees. After a complex extraction process, we were able to combine science and nature. This is a very important project for us.
What are the most effective ingredients in Valmont Anti-Aging products?
Sophie: Based on medical experience in 1985, the clinic’s biochemists obtained a unique DNA molecule from wild Canadian salmon milk - together with ribonucleic acid, it became the basis of Valmont cosmetics. We also use water from ancient glaciers, organic plant extracts from the Valmont alpine reserve and the latest innovations from Magicien du Temps / Time Lords - all of which help to nourish all layers of your skin with nutrients.
Interviewed by Irina Malkova
