More than enamel: Olivia Banzon and Camille Makasiar’s blueprint for experiential retail

An afternoon tea was the perfect setup for Les Néréides’ reentry into the Manila market. A profusion of pastels — from a floral garden that seemingly sprang up overnight within the luxury department store, to macaron towers in colors so tempting you just had to pluck one for a taste — became the ideal backdrop for the Paris-born name in whimsical jewelry.

Olivia Banzon, well-loved in the vlogging world, was dressed like a young enchantress flitting through setups of earrings, necklaces and rings. The designs are so artistic that it comes as no surprise to learn the brand collaborates with institutions like the Musée d’Orsay. As the creative director of Les Néréides Philippines, Banzon is to be credited for this discerning template. Having first discovered the jewelry brand through a gift from her boyfriend, she leveraged her digital storytelling savvy for her first entrepreneurial role. This expertise culminated in the creation of the exclusive “Manila” scarf and a launch concept that ultimately won over the French headquarters.

But aesthetic sense is only half the story. Camille Makasiar, glowing in peaches and cream with a Les Néréides Hanami set framing her face, asserts that these pieces aren’t just accessories — they are “milestone markers.” She first discovered the brand after earning her college degree, though she hesitated at the time to buy a piece to reward herself. Today, as the owner and executive director, she believes these creations are a wonderful way to commemorate a promotion, a graduation, or a personal triumph.

With their combined savvy, the duo has introduced the brand’s Parisian DNA to Manila’s discerning style community. At the heart of this DNA is Les Néréides’ signature craftsmanship — a meticulous process of hand-painted enameling that transforms delicate flowers, graceful butterflies and charming woodland creatures into wearable, miniature works of art. Rooted in the creative vision established by founders Pascale and Enzo Amaddeo in Nice, France, in 1980, the collections offer a playful yet sophisticated approach to jewelry.

Yet, Banzon and Makasiar understand that modern luxury requires more than just beautiful objects; it demands an immersive, tangible experience. Their blueprint for experiential retail is brought to life through this strategic launch. By transplanting Les Néréides’ distinctive world of artistry and imagination into the Philippines’ premier luxury shopping destination, they are crafting an environment where customers don’t just browse — they feel like they are in a whimsical French garden.

Ultimately, their vision for Les Néréides Philippines transcends traditional retail. It is about building a community of women who appreciate the imaginative storytelling behind every hand-painted bloom and who recognize the value of treating themselves. As they officially open this new chapter, Makasiar and Banzon prove that true luxury isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about the joy and the memories you attach to it. DSV