IJL preview event staged for top Manchester retailers
May 24, 2014 – Leading retailers from the Manchester area were treated to an IJL preview of collections from a select group of key brands and designers, alongside the hottest new jewellery stars at a unique VIP reception at the Malmaison Hotel.
Manchester was selected for this exclusive regional preview, as it is one of the key retail destinations in the UK for the jewellery sector.
Over 50 retailers attended the event earlier this month and the feedback was enthusiastic.
Chris Bennett from Mappin and Webb said: “There is a really nice range of products and it’s great to see such an enthusiastic and keen group of up-and-coming KickStart designers”.
Jackie Williams from Suttons and Robertsons added: “I’ve never been to IJL before but after seeing tonight’s preview, I can’t wait to see what IJL in London has to offer in August this year at Olympia”.
Guests were treated to a glimpse of some of the innovative and stunning collections to be unveiled at IJL this year.
These included Mark Milton (Silver Collection), Tivon, Trollbeads, C W Sellors and the Peers Hardy Group (Pocket Watch Collection).
Mark Milton said: “We have spoken to a number of people at the IJL preview evening and we are really happy with the quality of people who have visited us tonight from both in and outside Manchester. The interest has been spectacular. Roll on August at Olympia!”
Jennie Higgins from C W Sellors said: “The IJL preview was a really well attended event and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic retailers, some of whom we had never met before.
“Lots of positive feedback about the new Olympia venue and tonight was a really nice, relaxed environment to showcase our products. Looking forward to IJL in August.”
The new designers unveiled at the event are part of the 2014 IJL KickStart lineup, a unique mentoring programme that is aimed at supporting the best of young British jewellers.
KickStart designers are selected each year by IJL and the British Jewellers’ Association as some of the most exciting talent of the future.
The KickStarters attending included Agnieszka Maksymiuk Jewellery, Kristjan Eyjolfsson Fine Jewellery, Majdan Rocks and Charlotte Valkeniers.
They all found the evening invaluable, as Agnieszka Maksymiuk said: “The IJL preview has been very useful in preparing me for the main event in London at IJL. It’s been a great opportunity to showcase my products and network with the retailers of Manchester”.
Fellow KickStarter Iwona Majdan agreed: “I have received a lot of good feedback on my work at the IJL preview this evening.
“I am excited for the big show in August at Olympia and I feel it’s going to be an important springboard for my career.”
Event Director Sam Willoughby said: “We are delighted with the response we’ve received to this very special preview event.
“IJL attracts buyers and retailers from around the UK and tonight has been a great opportunity to meet some of them in a more intimate setting and give them a real taste of what the show is all about”.
The National Association of Goldsmiths and the British Jewellers’ Association also attended.
Registration for IJL 2014 is now open. Please go to www.jewellerylondon.com/register
