Of Malian origin, this expert with highly sought-after know-how has worked for big names in fashion.

His name is Moussa Baldé, but he's simply called Baldé. At 67, this Malian jeweler has been practicing this profession for 37 years. Self-taught, he has spent his entire career in the exclusive world of luxury and fashion. A world where behind the big names are hidden little hands. In his workshop located in Pantin, in the north of Paris, he reflects on his career. "I was born a blacksmith, and a jeweler later. I learned this trade from my dad," these are the words Baldé uses, happy to reflect on his beginnings.

From forge to jewelry, there is only one step

In the 1980s, he set out to conquer the Ivory Coast. In this country, where he began creating jewelry, he discovered he had a gift: "God gave it to me. I thank him very much." And indeed, all he had to do was observe a model for him to know how to reproduce it.

He built loyalty with his first clientele of expatriates—French, American, Lebanese, Moroccan—and when he moved to France, his expertise opened doors for him. He went on to work for big names: Givenchy, Balenciaga, and especially Christian Lacroix, with whom he collaborated for nine years as a model maker.

Model maker, jeweler and jeweler… Baldé navigates between different professions

Baldé can do almost anything. His memories come flooding back: "It was Naomi Campbell who wore these bracelets, these brooches... Oh yes, it was magnificent." His eyes sparkle when he recalls the 40th anniversary of the House of Dior.

“Are your hands your gift?” he is asked. “Listen, it’s also your head, because it’s not enough to have just your hands. Sometimes at night, I don’t sleep, I think. For example, when we have a project to build, with models to make, I sometimes say to myself, but how am I going to do it? It’s a real puzzle. So, I search, I search even while walking and finally when I find the solution, I’m relieved and proud of myself.” A pride that accompanies him to the fashion shows: “I say to myself, ‘Hey, this is what I did.’ I’m the only one who knows, but it really feels good.”

No regrets

A man in the shadows? "Ah, you know, it really remains a world apart. Even if people don't know, we mustn't reveal anything. Even if we see things, everything must remain confidential," he explains, comparing jewelry to medical confidentiality, since there are secrets that we don't divulge.

Baldé does have one regret: "I never went to school, it's a handicap. I know what I'm talking about, and today, I'm not ashamed to say it. God gave me this know-how, but when you haven't studied, and you have to fill out an application, it's complicated, you have to look for someone to help you and it's embarrassing. That's the only regret I have."

In his workshop in Pantin where he creates his creations, he prepares to pass on his know-how to the new generation.