Jan-Patrick Schmitz, the CEO of John Hardy, has a rich narrative that spans continents and cultures, shaping a vision for luxury that transcends traditional boundaries. From his early days in Germany, through pivotal experiences in Asia, to steering one of the most innovative jewelry brands globally, Schmitz’s journey is marked by a deep commitment to authenticity and breaking stereotypes. In this interview with Tatler, he shares insights into his personal and professional life, revealing the influences and decisions that have led him to redefine self-expression in the luxury sector. Join us as we explore the philosophy and passion behind a leader who is as unique as the brand he represents.
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Tell us about your early years before you joined John Hardy.My career in luxury started with a pretty well-known pen maker [Montblanc], which has grown over 100 years into a wonderful luxury brand. I started off my career in my hometown in Germany; I was born, raised and educated in Germany and then the United States. I started off with [Montblanc in 1994], but very quickly, I moved to Asia: first [in 1996] to Hong Kong, and then to Japan. I worked with this pen maker for over 20 years and even launched their jewellery line. I ended up staying for over six years [in Japan] and I deeply fell in love with [Asian] countries. I learnt a lot about how diverse and wonderful the world is, when I experienced the different cultures, which I think is very much what John Hardy himself experienced as a Canadian who, many moons ago, travelled to Bali, found paradise in the islands of the gods and never moved away.
John Hardy jewellery is designed to be gender-neutral. Can you tell us more about that approach?We have never really designed or created strategies for men or women, which you see a lot of in recent years by other brands. For us, it is more organic. I think that’s why we’re so successful with our jewellery. I never think, “Let’s see: what does that customer want? Let me create something for that customer.” Rather, I believe in being authentic about who we are.
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How would you describe the John Hardy spring-summer 2024 collection?There’s a saying in German [along the lines of] the future needs a strong heritage and a strong foundation. So if you think about all of the wonderful luxury brands in the world, the reason they are so successful over a long time is that they were started by somebody as a small company, but they’ve respected their rules. [However], as times change constantly, you cannot stand still; you cannot say “This is my brand and I will never change.” This doesn’t work because life changes. But you always respect those traditions; you always have a reference back to them. The Naga [collection] is a wonderful example [of traditions being continued]. So yes, this is the year of the dragon, but [that’s not why] we have reimagined the Naga. The story of Naga is about love, prosperity and protection. The Naga comes down the mountain into the water and moves up in the morning after visiting his beloved pearl. This is an ancient story and belief in Bali, and we launched this collection on the basis of this story decades ago. So if you look at the new Naga collection, you can see the global influences within the brand. Our designers in Europe and Asia came together to create something new that still links back to our heritage.
If you could start your life over and make an alternate career choice, what would you do and why?I [was] a very young boy aged six when I fell in love with photography. I was not only taking pictures, but I captured moments; I captured my travels. When I lived in Japan, I had some difficulty finding furniture, so I started working with a Japanese craftsman to design and craft furniture for me. I fell in love with furniture making, so I learnt the craft of woodworking and I own a woodworking studio myself now. I’ve learnt from the masters in the world of jewellery, watchmaking and furniture—only through collaboration do you get better. So there were [many potential paths], but I always focused on products which are beautiful. If I were to relive my life, [I wouldn’t change much;] the only area I would be interested in exploring would be architecture. It is one of my biggest passions.
What message or emotion does John Hardy jewellery convey?Enjoy life. Take the energy of nature, respect nature, and respect and enjoy beauty. And with that sense of freedom, that sense of well-being—which comes from the island [Bali] and the brand—focus on yourself and express yourself. John Hardy is an expression of that inner happiness because life is too short to not enjoy every single moment. You take care of yourself and share your joy.
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