IJL 2015 Kickstart open for entries
LONDON, November 28, 2014 – The KickStart bursary initiative, set up by International Jewellery London to support the Best of British young jewellers, is now open for 2015 entries.
Since its inception in 2008, the KickStart initiative, which is supported by The British Jewellers Association, has given an unparalleled showcase to outstanding, emerging jewellery talent.
Event Director, Sam Willoughby said: “Buyers, exhibitors and press always make a bee line for The KickStart stand at IJL in anticipation of seeing really inspiring, creative work.
“This is a great commercial launch pad for the lucky winners and I am confident that the 2015 line up will raise the game yet again – especially, as by then, we will have helped sixty young designers through the scheme. A fitting milestone as we celebrate IJL’s 60th anniversary next year!”
The 2014 chosen few included Tom Blake, Agnieszka Maksymiuk Jewellery, Cara Tonkin, Cardinal of London, Charlotte Valkeniers, Jeanne Marell, Majdan Rocks, Rosie May Jewellery, SophieAliceHirsch Jewellery and Kristjan Eyjolfsson Fine Jewellery.
All had a great show, aptly summarised by finalist Tom Blake of keep me jewellery: “Being part of Kickstarter 2014 has been a fantastic experience for me. The learning curve is steep and things have moved very fast. It really is an incredible platform for jewellers starting out in the industry to get things off the ground very quickly.”
Agnieszka Maksymiuk added: “The highlight of my career to date is being selected for KickStart 2014 and exhibiting at IJL. I would recommend this programme to any rising jewellery designer.
“The group stand in IJL’s Design Gallery was an outstanding space, which drew considerable attention from both buyers and press. At the moment I’m preparing new work for some exciting events and they are all as a result of the contacts made at the show.”
Leading jewellery forecaster and IJL’s Trend partner, Adorn Insight, has confirmed that for the third year running they will award the Adorn Insight Award to one outstanding KickStarter.
The award comprises a year’s subscription and valuable bespoke mentoring.
Juliet Hutton-Squire, Co-founder and Director of Adorn Insight, said: “The future of the industry lies in the hands of the next generation of designers. As a consultancy, our interests lie at the cutting edge of the jewellery industry and we see KickStart as a fantastic opportunity to support and invest in new talent.
“We share IJL’s passion for innovation and are delighted to partner with them in this initiative by enrolling a KickStarter in our year-long, mentoring programme AiM.”
Last year’s Adorn Insight winner Kristjan Eyjolfsson said: ”To be selected for the Adorn Insight award was the icing on the cake. The Team at Adorn Insight are very knowledgeable and supportive and I’m really looking forward to their mentoring in the months ahead and strengthening my brand as a result of their input.
“Getting this recognition from our industry as well as the sales made during and after the show at Olympia, shows how well the KickStart programme is conducted and it has really given me and my brand the confidence and insight to head in the right direction.”
Once the 10 winning KickStarters are chosen, the industry will be invited to vote for the KickStart People’s Choice award via social media or the website www.jewellerylondon.com
All potential KickStarters will be encouraged to campaign for votes. Savvy social media use last year achieved over 4,000 unique page views on the IJL website alone, over the course of just one month, reflecting the popularity of this initiative.
The lucky winner will be given a free stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2015.
The winning KickStart designers will be at IJL in Olympia showcasing their work from 6 to 8 September 2015 at Olympia GRAND.
Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and ten of the most talented entries will win a place on this unique mentoring programme. Winners benefit from exhibiting on a group stand at IJL 2015 and will also receive marketing and industry support from IJL and the British Jewellers Association. The deadline for entries is Friday 13th March.
To enter, go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/Kickstart
