Victor Benaderette | Bena Jewelry
Victor Benaderette is an independent fine jewelry designer established in Montreal who offers empowering and impactful gender fluid designs.
Oh! and he's also Ruby Mardi's co-owner and designer of our in-house jewelry line!
Bena Jewelry founder Victor Benaderette was born in Paris and grew up surrounded by an artistic and fiercely resilient family. His zeal for creative pursuits was developed through observing his mother and grandmother, who are passionate painters. Building on the tenacious spirit of his ancestors and an awareness of the importance of aesthetic in defining desires, Victor has honed a meticulous and inventive design ethos. His various experiences working in the realms of art and fashion have taken him around the world, enriching his point-of-view and nurturing his curiosity and collaborative spirit.
Trained at Montreal School of Gemology with a specialization in diamond evaluation, Victor believes in crafting covetable pieces for both special occasions and everyday wear.
We're happy to present to you a short interview in which you'll learn about what inspires Victor, what he loves and get a glimpse of who he is.
Who are the artists you love the most, who inspire you or accompany you? Do they influence your work, and if so, in what way?
I have a certain affection for rebels and provocateurs. I think of Molière, Oscar Wilde, Rimbaud, Brassens, or others who stepped outside society's conventional expectations to live their lives.
One of the reasons for my stubbornness and perseverance is the inspiration these great artists have given me. Their way of rejecting the rules inspires me and keeps me going.
How do you think art can have an impact on society or on people's lives? How does your own work fit into this broader context?
I think we need to look at art in a general way, and that artistic expression can take many forms, from the sophisticated, like a classical opera, to the simple, like the pleasure of making a nice fruit salad.
As such, art is everywhere, writing people's lives. In some cases, it can even be passed on, enriching the lives of others.
I think jewelry is a very special piece of art, with a strong personal, introspective and social dimension that defines the people who wear it.
How do you deal with times when you feel stuck or frustrated in your work? Do you have any strategies for overcoming these obstacles?
It seems to me that being an entrepreneur or an artist is a step-by-step process, and you have to accept new challenges at each new stage.
I see these moments of doubt or frustration as part of the adventure, and I'm even happy when "problems" arise, because it means I'm moving forward.
Really, I take things as they come, adapting to the situation. I just go with the flow.
If you could be reincarnated as a flower, which one would you choose and why?
If I were to be reincarnated as a flower that represents who I am today, I'd be an orange ornithogalum. It's a tough plant with several flowers that bloom one after the other and keep on growing even without water! It ressemble me in my way of resisting and not letting adversity get the better of me.
But if I had to choose another earthly experience and step outside myself, I'd say maybe a peony miss America, a flower I find very beautiful and powerful.
Is there a movie you could watch on repeat and never tire of?
No particular film, but music albums, yes! I can drive people crazy by listening to The Ethiopians, The Gaylads and The Mills Brothers on repeat.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Si peu! To name just one: brunches with champagne!
If you could meet one person from history, who would it be and why?
Mozart! But I'm a bit afraid of being disappointed if he turns out to be too pretentious!
Finally, what is your favorite museum (worldwide)?
I love the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, with its fascinating collections on the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. This museum is packed with treasures of powerful and spiritual works from all eras and nations. It's a great source of inspiration for me and I have spent so many hours there!
There's also the MBAM, which plays an important role in my career (and offers my jewelry in their boutique!) and presents innovative exhibitions on modern artists.
Thank you for opening a bit on yourself Victor!
