Celebrating 260 years of artistry and innovation, Baccarat, the iconic French crystal house, unveils The Alchemist Garden — an extraordinary exhibition at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. This milestone event reflects the Maison’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, blending the timeless beauty of its heritage with bold creativity for the future.

Baccarat, the renowned French crystal house, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone — its 260th anniversary — with the enchanting Alchemist Garden exhibition (true lovers know, Baccarat is “the alchemist of joy”) at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai. This immersive experience pays homage to Baccarat’s legacy of transforming the elements of nature — earth, air, fire, and water — into dazzling crystal creations that embody the essence of French joie de vivre (French for “the joy of life”). Among the highlights of the exhibition are the whimsical Bestiary collection, the iconic Zenith chandelier, and the New Antique collection by acclaimed designer Marcel Wanders, all showcasing the Maison’s unique ability to blend tradition and modernity.

At the helm of Baccarat’s vision is CEO Margareth “Maggie” Henriquez, a trailblazing leader with over 45 years of experience steering multinational companies to success. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and her passion for innovation, Maggie has led Baccarat since 2022. Previously, she spent 13 years revitalising the prestigious House of Krug and has been recognised globally for her contributions to the luxury and wine industries. 

In this interview, Maggie shares insights into her career, Baccarat’s remarkable history, and the Maison’s future as a symbol of light, artistry, and celebration.

Keep on reading and don’t forget to grab a perfect glass for a perfect drink and enjoy! 

— Having a 45-year career is amazing. Or 46 already, right?

— It was in August this year, it was 46 years, yes.

— That is amazing. And you have worked across so many industries as well, so many countries. What would you say were the defining moments of your career that shaped your leadership style?

— There were several turning points in my career, but one stands out: when I transitioned from being a local professional to becoming an international leader. This happened during my time in Venezuela, where I worked for 17 years after graduating as a systems engineer. Back then, you had to develop systems from scratch, which gave me a deep understanding of company operations.

The real turning point came when I was president of Seagram in Venezuela. The competition did something illegal, and my boss wanted me to develop a cheap product to counteract it. I refused. I told him, “Over my dead body. I will not do this project.” He challenged me, saying, “Don’t you understand hierarchy?” Next Friday I went to  Miami with my resignation letter, ready to leave, if necessary. In the end, we came to an agreement, and I negotiated for them to fund my Harvard advanced programme. That programme, coupled with my decision to stick to my values, was transformative.

A Swiss colleague from Harvard gave me another piece of advice that changed my perspective: “It is not enough to work for international companies in a small country. If you want to be international, you have to prove yourself in other cultures.” Until that point, I thought I would stay in Venezuela forever. But life had other plans, and I learned to embrace change. Leaving was critical for my children’s future, as the situation in Venezuela later deteriorated significantly. Today, both of them have built beautiful careers, and I have five grandchildren. It was a fantastic decision.

— What happened after you left Seagram? How did your career evolve internationally?

— After Seagram, I joined Nabisco in Mexico, which was an incredible experience. The company was in bad shape, but we turned it around despite crises in the industry and the country. It was a challenging but rewarding time. I have always believed that leading a company is a social responsibility, and saving the 3,500 jobs there was one of my proudest achievements.

Later, I joined LVMH, where I worked for 21 years in various roles. In Argentina, I led the company through one of the most violent crises I have ever witnessed. Despite the difficulties, we found success, and that led me to the House of Krug in 2008. At first, I didn’t want the role because I didn’t see myself fit into Krug’s culture. But my husband convinced me to take it on, and it turned out to be a beautiful experience. We reconnected with the values of the house and drove meaningful changes.

— What brought you to Baccarat in 2022?

— In fact, I had been on Baccarat’s board of directors since 2014, but I realised you don’t truly understand a company until you are inside it. When the opportunity to lead Baccarat came in 2022, I was ready to take on a new challenge. The transition hasn’t been easy. We faced difficulties like the wars, inflation from COVID, and a devastating cyberattack in 2023 that impacted operations in various markets. The recovery took quite some time.

Despite these challenges, Baccarat is a beautiful house with a remarkable legacy. It is not just a brand but a collective — a city in northeast France where craftsmanship has thrived since 1764. What makes Baccarat special is its ability to inspire awe and admiration. It is not tied to a single name like Chanel or Dior. Instead, it represents a collective heritage that’s deeply rooted in history and craftsmanship.

— Baccarat has always balanced tradition and innovation. How do you ensure that the brand remains contemporary without losing its heritage?

— Legacy is what has made us who we are. It is important to respect and nourish it while using it as inspiration to build the future. If you only look at the past, you risk becoming irrelevant. It is like a tree: the deeper your roots, the higher you can grow. Baccarat thrives because of this balance.

We also invest in the artisans who make our legacy possible. One example is our tradition of encouraging participation in the “Best Workers of France” competition. It is a way to celebrate craftsmanship and inspire future generations. Stories like the one of Rémy, a young artisan who trained tirelessly and eventually won the prestigious title, demonstrate the power of mentorship and perseverance. Today, Baccarat has the highest number of award-winning artisans in France.

— What is the connection between Baccarat’s legacy and its artistic designs, such as the iconic Zenith chandelier?

— Baccarat’s pieces embody celebration, joy, and gratitude. These values are at the heart of everything we create. The Zenith chandelier, for example, is a blend of heritage and modernity. It represents how we honour our past while innovating for the future. Our collaborations with diverse designers, each bringing unique perspectives, ensure that Baccarat remains dynamic.

— How does Baccarat inspire joy in people’s lives?

— Celebration is central to Baccarat’s identity. You can’t celebrate without joy, and you can’t feel joy without gratitude. We call Baccarat the “alchemist of joy” because our pieces bring light and happiness into people’s lives. Events like the Alchemist Garden showcase this spirit by connecting Baccarat’s history to nature and the four elements — fire, water, air, and sand.

— Speaking about the future and also celebrating such a milestone of 260 years, it is fantastic. How is the brand approaching the future? What are the next big goals for Baccarat?

— Well, the key thing is that this house is light in itself. You see any piece of Baccarat, and you see light. We believe there is an enormous opportunity to focus more on light. Chandeliers are our strength, and we will continue with them, but we also aim to bring modern and innovative lighting proposals. We are working hard to develop strategies around different kinds of lighting while collaborating with architects and designers.

Baccarat has all the elements to surprise and touch people. We want to accompany people in their lives, just as we did during the The Exposition Universelle of 1900 and later on. I feel privileged because Baccarat was part of my life growing up — my parents loved Baccarat, and we had pieces in our house. I often tell people to take their time when choosing their light because it is the light you’ll share with your loved ones and guests. And even when they are gone, that light remains, holding their memory.

Another important area for Baccarat is working with artists and designers to create pieces — beautiful ones and smaller ones too. For example, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty by creating pieces that can be the first Baccarat item for children, something they can treasure for life. Baccarat is a “gift with sense,” imbued with good vibes and energy, making it unique.

— You mentioned Baccarat as a “gift with sense.” Can you elaborate on that concept?

— Yes, it is a concept I deeply believe in. There was a Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto, who developed a theory called The Memory of Water. He analysed water and found that when people sent positive messages, the frozen water crystals formed beautiful shapes. Conversely, negative messages created ugly images. This resonates with me because we are 80% water, and Baccarat, made of crystal, inherently embodies positive energy. When you give Baccarat, you are giving someone a meaningful, thoughtful gift filled with good vibes.

This idea of Baccarat as a gift with sense is something we want to explore further. It is a beautiful way to highlight the emotional connection people have with our pieces. Baccarat is not just a decoration — it is an experience.

— Lighting is one focus for Baccarat, but are there other areas for growth?

— Absolutely. Decorative pieces are another way we connect with people’s lives. Barware is also a growing area for us, especially as the cocktail culture expands worldwide. Baccarat glasses elevate even simple drinks like water — there is a sensory connection between the crystal and your experience. If you try drinking the same water from different glasses, Baccarat will always make it feel better. It is about enhancing life’s moments through quality and beauty.

We are also focusing on diversification by exploring new materials, such as porcelain and candles. These items reflect Baccarat’s codes and heritage while branching into new territories. This strategy aligns with Baccarat’s identity as a brand that celebrates life and accompanies people in meaningful ways.

— It is incredible how Baccarat pieces carry such legacy and meaning. The manufacturing itself is steeped in history, isn’t it?

— Yes, the manufacturing has been operating since 1764. Even the windows of the building have become a source of inspiration for designs, like our new Arcadia collection (the windows you see in the design are the actual windows of the Mansion’s manufacture). These windows symbolise the artistry and craftsmanship that have defined Baccarat for centuries. We have 750,000 files in our archives, reflecting generations of creativity.

When you combine our historical codes with new artistic interpretations, the result is extraordinary. For example, the Arcadia collection draws from our heritage but offers something fresh. It’s about staying rooted in our history while inspiring new generations.

— And switching from what is inside the glass to the glass itself — was your background in Krug useful anyhow?

— It is funny because as a person from the sparkling wines industry, I never liked flutes that much. I always say that tasting is better from a wider wine glass. Champagne is best appreciated in the right glass, which for me isn’t the regular flute, but Baccarat’s Passion Glass — it perfectly balances showcasing the wine’s characteristics and the bubbles. At the same time, our flutes remain magical and celebratory.

It is about finding harmony. I am happy to say that today we have the most beautiful and excellent glass for champagne. We have cups, flutes, and even a champagne decanter, which is very modern. Each piece is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

We have to be a house that respects our past but also brings proposals for the future. I find it ironic that after 30 years of fighting against flutes, I have now arrived in the kingdom of flutes. But this is life. 

— Speaking about La Transmission / Femmes en Champagne and women-supported initiatives, there has been progress in the luxury industry regarding diversity and the gender gap. What are your thoughts, and how would you like to see this progress evolve?

— We need to be optimistic. Eighty years ago, if I asked my mother about these opportunities, she wouldn’t have had an answer. Most of the progress we have seen has happened in just the last 50 years. I have been the first woman in many roles, and today, younger generations no longer see gender as an issue. My son, who is 40, works with a team full of women, and it is perfectly normal for him.

I lecture at universities, and I see more and more women excelling in every domain. It is a significant shift. It was once a man’s world, and I used to tell women they had to understand this dynamic before they could thrive in it. But now, things are changing quickly. 

I am very optimistic. Secondary leadership levels are already full of women, and while the highest positions still lag behind, the numbers are growing. It used to be 0.5% in my time. Now it is 4% or 5%, and it’s only going to increase. Change is happening fast, and I believe the future is bright.

— I heard you have a personal collection of some kind. Is that true?

— No, I don’t collect physical items. I don’t like accumulating things. My sisters are collectors — they never throw away anything — but I am not like that. What I do collect are meaningful messages and stories. I love old messages that convey values and life lessons.

— What kinds of messages do you collect?

— I collect key messages that tell stories or convey important principles, like “You never negotiate values.” For instance, there is a story of a wealthy man who gets lost in the desert. A horseman offers him water in exchange for all his riches. Desperate, the man agrees. But then the horseman changes his mind and demands the man become his slave. The man refuses. Why? Because his riches represented his interests, but his freedom represented his values. Values, unlike interests, are non-negotiable.

This principle — never negotiating values — has guided my life and decisions. It is essential to distinguish between what is negotiable and what is not.

Another one is, when I was 23, a bottle salesman told me the story of the egg and the stone. If the egg hits the stone, it breaks. If the stone hits the egg, the egg still breaks. The lesson? In life, you must know whether you are the egg or the stone. If you are the egg, do everything you can to avoid crashing into the stone, because it can be devastating.

This story has stayed with me since that day, and it is something I share with others. It is a simple but profound reminder to protect yourself in challenging situations.

— It has been wonderful hearing your insights and stories. They are so meaningful.

— Thank you. I am glad you found them interesting. These stories and principles have guided me throughout my life, and I hope they resonate with others as well.