Diab & Zerouk’s Messika Deal: Fashion Meets Geopolitics
Watan – Amid Paris Fashion Week’s dazzling displays, a subtle undercurrent of controversy has emerged, ensnaring Lebanese sensation Maya Diab and Tunisian luminary Dora Zarrouk. Their presence at the renowned Messika jewelry showcase has ignited a debate, with many pointing fingers at the duo for their alleged normalization with Israel. Central to this controversy is their association with Valérie Messika, the scion of the Messika jewelry dynasty, established by the Israeli diamond magnate, André Messika.
Navigating Accusations and Allegiances
As the story unfolded, Diab and Zarrouk found themselves under a deluge of online criticism. Yet, a segment of their fanbase rallied behind them, speculating that the stars might have been oblivious to Valérie Messika’s Israeli lineage and her father André’s well-documented ties to Israel.
The Messika Legacy: Diamonds, Dedication, and Dual Identities
Maya’s connection to Valérie is deep. André Messika has a French-Israeli background. He’s been in diamonds since 1972. Valérie, his daughter, shares his passion. She worked at Chanel in 1999. By 2003, she collaborated with her father in Israel.
Dora’s interactions with Valérie are equally noteworthy. 2005 saw Valérie making her mark in the fashion capital, Paris, with the launch of her namesake brand.
The Messika-Israel Connection
An interesting facet that Valérie’s reticence about her Israeli connections. While she remains circumspect, her father’s unwavering support for Israel is well-documented. A testament to his contributions came in 2014 when André Messika was honored at an official Israeli event, celebrating the nation’s premier exporters. The ceremony, graced by dignitaries like President Shimon Peres and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, also saw a congregation of Israel’s diamond industry magnates.
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