Taste
"We believe very strongly in Brabant": GASSAN on growth, jewellery and summer trends
In June, The Duke Business Club in Nistelrode transforms once again into an exclusive summer paradise during MASTERS SUMMER EXPO. GASSAN will be present, where visitors can discover the latest novelties and collections in The Royal Duke. MASTERS spoke with President and CEO Benno Leeser and CCOs David and Debora about the biggest trends within the […]
In June, The Duke Business Club in Nistelrode will once again transform into an exclusive summer paradise during MASTERS SUMMER EXPO. Naturally, GASSAN will also be present, where visitors can discover the latest novelties and collections in The Royal Duke. MASTERS spoke with President and CEO Benno Leeser and CCOs David and Debora about the biggest trends in the world of jewelry, the growth of their branch in Brabant, and the must-haves for this summer.
Looking ahead to the coming period: what are the three most visible trends in the world of jewelry?
Debora: We are seeing a lot of yellow gold in particular. Additionally, we are seeing many statement pieces within jewelry. Think of a single large ring on your index finger or a stretch link bracelet with a vintage look. We are also seeing many classics, such as a beautiful GASSAN 121 combined with other cuts, like pear or oval shapes.
Does your customers' behavior change towards the summer?
Debora: “Absolutely. In the summer, we always see extra high demand for Choices by DL, due to the use of various colored gemstones, but also because it is lovely to take along on trips. Naturally, Christmas is the perfect time to purchase beautiful jewelry. That is why the timing of MASTERS EXPO is always perfect in the year. Now, MASTERS SUMMER EXPO also comes in very handy, right before we go on summer vacation. That is when you want to be able to style every outfit perfectly. These are often truly the moments when more jewelry is purchased.”
What do you notice customers are currently looking for the most?
David: What most customers are looking for at the moment is primarily a piece of heritage. That is also what most watch brands currently offer: models from the 50s and 60s, given a new look. Naturally, a certain degree of exclusivity plays a role here. In the higher segment, specific craftsmanship is particularly appreciated. At the level of watchmaking, but increasingly also the finishing, such as polishing and engraving watches. If personalization is possible, that is always a plus. That makes a timepiece unique.
Naturally, we will see many colorful creations again this summer.
What is absolutely out of the question in the world of jewelry this summer, and what is?
Debora: Naturally, we are seeing many colorful creations again this summer, beautifully combined with yellow gold. We are also seeing a lot of certi clos-set jewelry: specifically set solitarily and simply, with plenty of gold surrounding it. The absolute must-haves are, of course, large hoops to style every outfit, or a chunky yellow gold necklace that you can wear both as a choker and in combination with a longer necklace.
MASTERS SUMMER EXPO takes place in Brabant. What does Brabant mean to you?
Benno: “We have very strong faith in Brabant and specifically in Eindhoven. It is clearly becoming the third largest city in the Netherlands. ASML naturally plays a very important role in this, as does Brainport. PSV, with whom we have close ties, has become national champion for the third time. We started in Eindhoven full of confidence, think the store looks absolutely fantastic, and the customers are all extremely satisfied as well. Of course, GASSAN still needs to establish itself more firmly within Brabant's diverse customer bases.”
What are you personally looking forward to the most this summer? What does your ultimate summer look like?
Benno: For me, a summer holiday is always very important, both with my wife and with my children and grandchildren. This is the ultimate summer for me, with the World Cup football as an added bonus this year, of course.
David: This summer, I am looking forward to the outdoors. It is wonderful how everything comes to life when people are on the terraces. Summer is all about conviviality, and I love spending it with family and friends. That is an important part of my ultimate summer, where the family vacation is also always a highlight of the year.
What do you hope visitors to MASTERS SUMMER EXPO will come to discover or experience at your venue?
*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-69d60b82-022c-832f-91cb-ad4aec377e2b-7" data-turn-id-container="request-69d60b82-022c-832f-91cb-ad4aec377e2b-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-304" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant">David: I hope that visitors to MASTERS SUMMER EXPO will see the wide variety of watch and jewelry brands, as well as our own extensive collection, come fully into their own.
MASTERS SUMMER EXPO
MASTERS SUMMER EXPO is the summer sister of MASTERS EXPO. In June, The Duke Business Club in Nistelrode transforms into an exclusive summer paradise. Amidst the lush Brabant countryside, golf, gastronomy, and good times come together for four days. Inside the stylish clubhouse and outside on the sun-drenched terraces, grounds, and the beautiful golf course, a unique atmosphere of relaxation and inspiration emerges. An environment where entrepreneurship and Brabant conviviality effortlessly blend with sport, where wonderful encounters are formed at the table, in the suites, lounges, at the bar, on the green, and over a drink. Where you come not just to network, but to experience. By invitation only.



