Talent Call – KickStart at IJL 2014 is now open for entries
LONDON, December 7, 2013 – International Jewellery London’s KickStart bursary initiative, aimed at supporting the Best of British young jewellers, is now open for 2014 entries.
Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online, with the opportunity for ten of the most talented designers to win a place on this unique mentoring programme.
Winners will not only benefit from exhibiting on a group stand at the show but also receiving strong marketing and industry support from IJL and the British Jewellers Association. The deadline for entries is Friday 14th March 2014.
Event Director Sam Willoughby said: “The KickStart stand is always a very popular feature at IJL.
“Selected entrants over the past five years have really impressed the industry, buyers and press, with their innovative design skills and attitude to enterprise – and I am confident that the 2014 line up will again exceed expectations.
“As a mark of the huge success of this initiative, some of the 2013 KickStarters are now working together under the banner of Future Facets, which I feel is indicative of how IJL unites the industry and provides unique networking and commercial opportunities.”
Last year IJL’s Trend partner, the leading jewellery forecaster, Adorn Insight, launched the Adorn Insight Award for one outstanding KickStarter to be awarded a year’s subscription and valuable bespoke mentoring.
This is in recognition by both IJL and Adorn of the importance of trend information for young and up-coming new designers.
Katie Jamieson, who was previously an IJL Bright Young Gem, was the designer selected.
“Winning the Adorn Insight award at IJL really was the icing on the cake having already been selected for the KickStart stand.
“Adorn Insight is a hugely useful and influential tool, so to be recognised by them as one to watch is a real honour.
“The information that Adorn Insight provides on current and future trends, buying patterns and general market intelligence is invaluable, particularly at this early stage in my business development.”
Juliet Hutton-Squire, Co-founder and Director of Adorn Insight, supports Katie’s success and has confirmed that they will again run the Award at IJL 2014.
“It’s early days in terms of measuring the success, but in terms of value we are delighted to be aligned with an exciting new talent such as Katie Jamieson.
“We consult to leading jewellery brands internationally and it is rewarding for us to apply our expertise to work with an up and coming designer who wants to push her brand forward in a commercial and competitive market.
“Katie’s enthusiasm and desire to embrace new ideas is encouraging at this early stage.”
Once the ten 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 and if last year’s campaign is anything to go by, the competition will be vociferous.
Savvy social media use last year achieved over 9,988 unique page views on the IJL website alone, over the course of just one month, reflecting the popularity of the initiative.The lucky winner will be given a free stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2015. People’s Choice winner in 2013 Jenny Llewellyn, commented: “Winning the People’s Choice was a great achievement for me. Having the opportunity to exhibit in the Design Gallery at IJL’s new venue next year is very exciting. I feel like this is a great progression for my business and look forward to what it may bring.”
The winning designers will be at IJL in Olympia showcasing their stunning designs, from 31 August to 2 September 2014. To enter, go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/Kickstart2014
IJL 2014 will run from 31 August to 2 September 2014 at Olympia, London. LUXURY by IJL, The Ultimate in Luxury Jewellery, will run from 31 August to 1 September at Olympia, London.
