2013 IJL KickStarters unveiled
LONDON, May 2013 – The 2013 International Jewellery London (IJL) ‘KickStarters’ have been announced, and the lineup is set to impress at the show this September 1-4.
Now in its fifth year, KickStart provides an excellent way for retailers and buyers to discover outstanding new designers as they launch. The bursary scheme is run by International Jewellery London and supported by the British Jewellers’ Association, and the winning designers are selected as talent of the future.
In an exciting twist, for the first time this year, the ten designers will be put forward via IJL social media channels, giving you the chance to vote for one to watch as the ‘People’s Choice’.
Kicking off from 8th May, you can vote for the designer you want to see win a free stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2014! Twitter users can Tweet the name of the KickStarter they’d like to vote for with the hashtag #KickStartVote, while Instagram users can post a picture of their favourite KickStarter or product with the same hashtag to cast their vote. Facebook users will be able to cast votes via the IJL Facebook page. Voters may also cast their votes directly at jewellerylondon.com.
“KickStart provides a fantastic commercial launch pad for ten of the best new designers in the UK jewellery industry. The lineup for 2013 looks outstanding and their work is so unique and stylish, whilst also being excellent quality. ‘People’s Choice’ allows the industry to have a say, and the prize of a Design Gallery stand in 2014 will take the winning designer’s career from strength to strength!” said Event Director Sam Willoughby.
The KickStart line-up for 2013 is:
Real Heritage: KATTRI
The story for Amanda Gerbasi’s brand KATTRI started way back in 1900 when her great, great grandmother moved to Brazil from Seville and began designing and selling jewellery to help her build a new life. Inspired by her family history, Amanda Gerbasi now designs jewellery using 9 and 18 carat yellow, rose and white gold with rose quartz, citrine, black quartz and crystal. She is also developing a more affordable line in silver and a capsule collection in palladium with precious gems such as tourmaline and aquamarine. Another of her inspirations is architecture – she claims that sometimes she can see an earring or ring just by looking at a building for a moment.
She says of KickStart: “London is one of the world’s most important fashion and design centres so it is very exciting to have been chosen to participate at IJL 2013. Through KickStart, I’ll have the chance to showcase my first collection to quality national and international visitors.”
Bold Geometry: Anna Byers Jewellery
Anna Byers Jewellery was set up at the end of 2012 after Anna Byers finished her Masters in Jewellery Design. Initially inspired by the geometric patterns incorporated into the architecture of temples, mosques and cathedrals that she has visited in various countries, especially during her time spent living and working in Jerusalem, her work is characterised by a bold geometric style. Her ‘Interactive’ collection further explores geometric forms, featuring multi-layered pieces that can be rotated and re-arranged into virtually endless combinations, inviting the wearer to create their own unique compositions.
Anna’s is also fascinated by Optical Art, and her ‘Hex’ collection plays with perceptions of depth and three dimensions. Her collections feature silver, 22ct gold-plating, stainless steel, black ruthenium-plating, semi-precious stones, and contrast highly-polished surfaces with satin finishes.
“Kickstart has an ethos of high-quality, design led jewellery, and I am very excited to be exhibiting alongside such creative and talented designers,” Anna Byers commented.
Exotic landscapes: Annabelle Lucilla Jewellery
Annabelle Lucilla’s intricately etched jewellery originates from her detailed illustrations, which take inspiration from exotic landscapes and decadent decoration. She describes her etches as ‘Metallic graphics’ with every surface glittering with an entwined story. Delicate geometric shapes filled with contemporized filigree decoration complement these etched forms, as well as rough-cut stones encapsulated in diamond-shaped cradles. Her collection includes everything from luxurious tasselled statement pieces through to beautifully understated everyday classics.
Annabelle Lucilla states: “IJL will give me a fantastic opportunity to launch my brand officially in a professional environment and to present my designs to a wide range of buyers and industry contacts.”
British inspiration: Catherine Budd Jewellery
Working from her studio in Dorset, Catherine Budd’s philosophy is to capture the essence of traditional fine jewellery design whilst making it fashionable, fun and wearable. She is passionate about creating luxurious design led pieces that not only have a timeless quality but will be loved and enjoyed forever. Her designs are created using 18ct gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones, as well as some pieces which are made using sterling silver and gold vermeil. Committed to fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and innovative design, all Catherine’s jewellery is designed and made exclusively in Britain.
“Being one of the 10 designers selected for Kickstart at IJL 2013 and receiving recognition of my work is absolutely fantastic – particularly being a new designer, as it is a huge compliment from the industry. My big focus this year is all about breaking into the retail market so to have been recognised as ‘talent of the future’ is tremendous, and I’m very much looking forward to exhibiting at IJL in September and building on this opportunity,” commented Catherine Budd.
Mysterious identity! Chistiana Christoforou
Whilst studying for a degree, Christiana Christoforou had a real interest in the development of design and making. This led her to begin to look at identity and she decided to leave clay at the entrance to stranger’s homes in London, with a message inviting them to participate in her project by imprinting something of their identity into the material. Using this unconventional method of design, she left the public to determine the basis of her pieces. Her fascinating pieces consist of multiple cast fragments of these collected identities, refined and united. Her unique pieces are all sterling silver with elements that are plated in rose and yellow gold.
Vibrant and playful: Jenny Llewellyn
Jenny Llewellyn is an east London based jewellery designer and maker. She works with silicone and precious metals to create pieces initially inspired by the luminous colours, shapes and movement of creatures from the deep sea. More recently, her continued experimentation with silicone has literally driven her design process. Playing with silicones limitless properties and translucent nature, she incorporates subtle colour fades and sensual shapes to create vibrant playful jewellery (with the extra hidden element that all pieces glow in the dark!). Later this year, she will be launching a new sleek, all black range – Chromophobia.
“Having the chance to exhibit at the prestigious IJL feels like the next step for me in terms of gaining more clients internationally and regionally. Being selected for KickStart is a great progression for my business and I look forward to what it may bring!” exclaimed Jenny Llewellyn.
Award-winning Gem: Katie Jamieson
Katie Jamieson is a multiple award winning jewellery designer based in London. Newly graduated from Central Saint Martins BA Jewellery, she was selected as a Bright Young Gem at IJL 2012 and went on to win both the ECOne unsigned 2012 and Wolf and Badger Graduate Design awards 2013. Katie makes fine, handmade pieces with exceptional attention to detail and the careful craftsmanship of the traditional jewellery maker. Using gold, silver and precious gemstones, Katie believes jewellery should be worn boldly and playfully but should last a lifetime. Her new collection, launching through Kickstart at IJL 2013, will marry her two main sources of inspiration; architectural forms and the abundant colour in nature.
“As a Bright Young Gem at IJL 2012, I had first hand experience of the KickStart stand and was able to see what an exciting platform it is for meeting stockists and contacts for furthering your business. I am very excited to be launching a new collection at IJL and very much looking forward to getting to know the other KickStarters and making the most of this fantastic opportunity,” said Katie Jamieson.
Moonlit glamour: Phoebe Jewellery
Growing up in rural East Sussex, Phoebe Jewellery founder, Phoebe Sherwood-Moore, spent hours every day drawing the surrounding wildlife and creatures that fascinated her. Later, after a stint modelling which took her travelling around the world, Phoebe returned to Sussex to study Art and Design at Brighton City College as her interest in fashion combined with her love of design has led to a lifelong obsession with jewellery. Later she got a job as a trainee jewellery maker where she worked for four years before setting out to open her own studio in Lewes. Her debut collection received fantastic reviews and press attention, and she is due to launch her second collection ‘Moonlight’ at IJL, which is a glamorous, slightly darker take on another interlinking natural theme.
“I feel very honoured to have been selected for KickStart amongst such a talented group of individuals. Exhibiting at IJL will provide a fantastic platform for meeting a wide range of retailers and buyers and the support and mentoring provided by IJL and the BJA will help me find ways to allow my business to grow. I’m very excited about what this means for the future,” commented Phoebe Sherwood-Moore.
Neoclassical Couture: Rosie Sanders
Rosie Sanders creates neo-classically inspired luxury jewellery in precious metals using enamel and gemstones. From scroll medallions to neoclassical knuckledusters, Rosie designs subversive statement pieces and tiny trinkets that are perfect for contemporary style adventurers. With a background in anthropology and fine art, each collection celebrates scrolls as enduring symbols of opulence and power. ‘Renaissance Rebel’ is Rosie’s first commercially available collection inspired by the legendary 18th century French courtesan Madame de Pompadour.
“I’m delighted to have been selected for Kick Start at IJL. It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet buyers and to introduce my brand of neoclassical couture,” announced Rosie Sanders.
Beauty in Imperfection: Sara Gunn
Sara Gunn is an East London designer specialising in textured leather and metals. Sara uses manual etching and embossing processes to create richly textured fashion jewellery. Inspired by the sensuous, tactile qualities of organic materials and forms, Sara brings these qualities to her own work. Uniqueness and individuality form the basis of Sara’s ‘Skin’ collection which explores the idea of beauty in imperfection. This series of cuffs examines human skin in microscopic detail, looking at the flaws and variances that make us unique. Sara’s unique, desirable pieces are a pleasure to wear, and her meticulous approach ensures each piece is thoughtfully crafted and expertly finished.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected for KickStart this year and am honoured to be exhibiting along with this very talented group of designers. Taking part in IJL will be a fantastic opportunity to meet buyers and to connect with others in the industry. I’m excited about the possibilities this presents for my business and look forward to making the most of my time there.”
Find out more about KickStart and People’s Choice at www.jewellerylondon.com
Register to attend IJL now at www.jewellerylondon.com/register
