When the ladies' collection was launched in 2006, Parmigiani Fleurier embarked on its Women of Exception project, to recognise women from around the world who have devoted their lives to fields as diverse as the sciences, business, sport, or culture. These women have been the architects of their own success; they have excelled in their field of expertise through selflessness, creativity and independence of spirit, tirelessly employing their qualities to the full, day after day. Simply, and without being arrogant, these women have reached the top of their profession, but as they worked their way up, they never lost their sense of curiosity and this original passion which took them so far. 

Parmigiani Fleurier wants to congratulate these exceptional women for their achievements, which are perfectly in tune with the brand's own philosophy. This title has nothing to do with celebrity, fortune or status; it is a distinction that acknowledges merit - an expression of admiration.

Hélène Darroze is one of the very first Women of Exception whom Parmigiani Fleurier is proud and delighted to count amongst its valued brand ambassadors. Hélène Darroze, the two star Michelin chef, is internationally renowned for her bold and refined cuisine, and she is one of only a small minority of female chefs in the profession to have received such an accolade. Excitement is on the menu with Hélène Darroze, whose motto is "Cooking is living, and living is cooking…"

HELENE DARROZE - PARMIGIANI FLEURIER'S FIRST WOMAN OF EXCEPTION

Hélène Darroze is a woman with a gift for happiness which she generously shares with all those she meets, in her restaurants or elsewhere. A woman of heart and mind, Hélène Darroze has forged a way for herself on the strength of her conviction. Parmigiani Fleurier is delighted to welcome this charming, talented woman as a brand ambassador.

Before making a name for herself on the gastronomic scene, formidable chef Hélène Darroze, was first of all part of the Darroze family, a name which has inspired generations of chefs since 1890. The values defended by her family include a respect for produce, taste and pleasure, and a savoir-vivre upon which the dynasty has made its reputation.

Although today Hélène Darroze has two eponymous restaurants in London and Paris, her roots will be forever in her home soil in southwest France. This woman of tradition has been nourished by the education on which she was raised by her ancestors. Today, she still passionately honours the legacy of the land of her forefathers, from the Charentes region to the Basque country, via the Périgord and Toulouse, and as far as the borders of the Languedoc region.

Hélène Darroze has risen through the ranks of élite chefs, taking an unconventional route and by dint of character. She is one of only a few female chefs working at this level, but she is able to deliver food which is remarkably refined in its concept: food which is alive and which engages with the emotions. Every detail on the dish tells the story of her life. It evokes a feeling, a memory, a scent, a journey - she makes a real effort to share all this with her diners. Her emotions are the starting point, her authenticity is the main thread, and her creative spirit is the means of expression. This message was received loud and clear when she was awarded her first Michelin star at the age of 35 in 1999; she received her second star in the Guide in 2003, making her the first female chef to achieve such a prestigious status.

Heading up her own restaurant in Paris, or in the UK where she is also famed for her work, Hélène Darroze is committed to living out her destiny. She acts as a sponsor for the NGO "Afghanistan Libre". She is also very involved in the fight to prevent breast cancer. In 2011, she founded the association "La Bonne Etoile" (Lucky Star") to educate sick orphans and other children living in Vietnam, the homeland of her two adopted daughters who are the joy of her life. Her charity work is, thus, a fitting way of giving something back.

In Hélène Darroze, Parmigiani recognised the qualities which are dear to the brand. The Fleurier Manufacture is especially delighted to crown her as its Woman of Exception.

Hélène Darroze has chosen to wear a Tonda 1950 Squelette, the brand’s ultra-thin model. - Revealed in all its refined glory, the skeleton movement of the Tonda 1950 complements the purity of the extra-thin model, displaying its allegiance to a watchmaking tradition where simple lines combined with a high quality finish are used to create timeless beauty. The feminine subtlety of this timepiece particularly appealed to Hélène, revealing as it hides, and lending a softness to the piece by blurring the harsh angles of its movement.

HELENE DARROZE – BIOGRAPHY 

Born into the fourth generation of a family of chefs, Hélène Darroze first chose to go to university. On graduating from business school at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Bordeaux, she chose to join the team working under the legendary Alain Ducasse at his Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. After three years working with the great chef, under whose watchful eye Hélène Darroze had tested her metal, Ducasse encouraged her to venture beyond his kitchen. In 1995, she took over the family restaurant Relais & Château in Villeneuve-de-Marsan from her father. Four years later, the young woman opened her eponymous restaurant in Paris, for which she received a Michelin star in February 2000. Building on this success, she was named "Chef of the Year" in 2001 by the Pudlo restaurant guide, and she went onto receive a second Michelin star in 2003. The Pudlo guide named her "Chef of the Year" again in 2007. Her career then went international. Hélène Darroze was appointed Head Chef at the Connaught in London, before opening her own fine-dining restaurant, "Hélène Darroze at the Connaught", within the hotel itself. Under her control, the restaurant was awarded a second Michelin star. Hélène Darroze has several restaurants, awards and official distinctions, as well as two books to her name – "Personne ne me volera ce que j’ai dansé" (No one can steal my dances) and "Les recettes de mes grands-mères" (My grandmothers' legacy) published by Le Cherche Midi; in February 2015, she also became a judge on Top Chef (the French version of MasterChef) the popular cooking series shown on the French TV channel, M6. With her characteristic blend of rigour and grace, she encourages young hopefuls to showcase their best dishes. In April, Hélène Darroze won the Veuve Clicquot award for the world’s best female chef, which recognises the work and talent of exceptional chefs, inspired by the life, determination and success of Madame Clicquot, a skilled businesswoman with an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit.

"Parmigiani chose me to represent them as a Woman of Exception over 10 years ago. I must say that I am incredibly proud of this distinction awarded by a brand whose values I fully share: passion, authenticity but with a touch of madness, respect and, of course, the relentless pursuit of excellence. It brings me much joy and pride to wear a Parmigiani watch on my wrist every day."