IJL focuses on design, craftsmanship and supporting the industry
Syreeta Tranfield
LONDON, April 2011 – International Jewellery London (IJL) in 2011 will continue to focus on design, craftsmanship and quality, providing a focal point for trends and issues, as part of its vision to continue to support the industry at every level.
As the show enters its 56th edition, Co-Event Directors Syreeta Tranfield and Sam Willoughby outlined their vision for IJL to be a definitive showcase for the best in design.
“IJL has led the jewellery exhibition sector with the introduction of many ‘firsts’ for the industry — a number of which have been targeted at encouraging fresh new talent which is vital for the industry’s continuing success and growth,” Tranfield told Jewellery Outlook in an interview.
The show also seeks to provide inspiration for both UK and international retailers and manufacturers, she added.
“We want to make sure that manufacturers’ philosophy is design-based,” she said.
Tranfield added, “As part of our continuous quest to provide the best showcase for design, we are introducing an exciting new sponsored catwalk which will be launched shortly.”
IJL sees one of its primary roles as education and as a result will provide again this year a comprehensive seminar programme.
Sam Willoughby
The success of this vision and philosophy is reflected in a 12 percent year-on-year increase in exhibitors — and 80 percent booking to date with many new exhibitors and a number who have previously exhibited returning this year to the show.
NEW FEATURES AND DESIGN INNOVATION
To underscore its commitment to support the industry, IJL plans a host of new features in 2011, including seminars to be held in a purpose-built “inspiration theatre”, Designer Brand and Diamond Areas, and a competition in association with multiple jeweller F. Hinds to help designers reach out to new markets.
The expanded seminar programme will have four streams — Jewellery Trends and panel debates, Industry Insight, Retailing in a Multichannel World and Successful Retailing — plus workshops hosted by the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG).
The purpose-built “inspiration theatre” will be housed on the show floor and will double the capacity of the previous seminar rooms, accommodating some 100 people at a time.
“The content that we provide – and the opportunities – in the seminar programme, are unrivalled,” Willoughby said.
IJL will showcase a new “Designer Brands Area”, featuring established names such as Sarah Jordan and Babette Wasserman, and is announcing the return of a “Diamond Area”, welcoming international diamond companies which belong to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC).
IJL will also present for the first time a new watches area, underscoring its support for the watches industry as well as jewellery.
Talks are under way to secure some national pavilions at IJL, which is boosting its international profile as a premier UK jewellery trade event.
IJL will also present winning pieces from a design competition sponsored by F. Hinds.
“We are working in conjunction with retailers and manufacturers to promote design-led pieces on the high street,” Willoughby said.
Referring also to the latest editions of Bright Young Gems and KickStart, she added, “IJL is a premier international jewellery trade show because it plays a key role in supporting young design talent. No other show does as much as we do to support fledgling designers. These two initiatives, which have been running for six and three years respectively, continue to go from strength to strength and really highlight the very best of fresh and up and coming design talent”
Design focused events will take place on the sidelines of IJL in 2011, including another edition of the design innovation awards, a Platinum Guild awards evening, and the much-anticipated Hot 100 of Professional Jeweller.
International Jewellery London 2011
4-7 September 2011
Earls Court 2
www.jewellerylondon.com
