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 fondness for rebels and provocateurs. I think of figures throughout history, artists and beyond, who stepped outside conventional expectations to live life on their own terms, like Caravaggio, Louise Michel, Simone Weil, Oscar Wilde, Brassens, and others.
Their way of living their life according to their own will inspires me to move forward with greater lightness and perseverance in my stubbornness.
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?
To me, being an entrepreneur or an artist is like walking a tightrope. I see moments of doubt or frustration as an integral part of the adventure.
I believe above all that we have to accept that artistic and personal fulfillment takes time — it comes from a great deal of work, perseverance, and also luck, which can make the game feel cruel… or exhilarating when events turn in our favor.
The secret, in my view, lies in what we make of our daily life and, for better or worse, in living joyfully in every moment.
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 butterfly ranunculus, for its effortless cool and natural swag!
Is there a movie or song you could play on repeat and never get sick of?
For music: I’d be tempted to go with the punk rock of my teenage years, but if it were to play on repeat, I’d opt for classical music played on the piano.
For film: I’m thinking of a movie that spoke to me deeply and, in my view, offers a raw yet fair look at our society La Règle du Jeu by Jean Renoir. I’m not sure I’d want to watch it on a loop, but I’d at least like to have a copy of it somewhere.
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 have a deep appreciation for the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
It’s a museum where I’ve spent long hours wandering, surrounded by treasures and powerful, spiritual works from all eras and nations. What fascinates me most is the simplicity and strength of certain pieces, and the instinctive ability of these artists to convey emotion.
There’s also the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which plays an important role in my own journey by featuring my jewelry in their boutique. I believe it’s an essential destination for art and culture in Quebec and Canada, and that our country has a vital need for these great artistic institutions.
Thank you for opening a bit on yourself Victor!
