Top Yorkshire retailers attend exclusive IJL preview event
May 22, 2013 – Leading retailers across Yorkshire were the first to preview collections from established brands, alongside new designers at a unique VIP event last week. It took place at the luxurious Malmaison Hotel in Leeds and was attended by senior retailers at Berry’s of Leeds, Walkers Jewellers of Huddersfield, Argent Contemporary Jewellers, Phillip Stoner and Beaverbrooks, amongst others.
The exclusive regional special preview was held for the first time ahead of International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading jewellery industry show, which takes place from 1-4 September in London. Leeds was chosen for the event as the region is a key retail destination for the jewellery sector.
The new designers unveiled at the event are part of the 2013 IJL KickStart line up. 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 previewed were: Rosie Sanders, Anna Byers, KATTRI, Sara Gunn, Phoebe Jewellery and Christiana Christoforou.
Iconic designers joined the KickStarters to offer previews of their new collections. Katie Rowland unveiled her brand new sterling silver WOMAN collection, which combines her signature style with easy luxury, to the trade for the first time. She commented: “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet stockists at the IJL preview, to gain an insight of the local industry and to obtain valuable feedback in regards to our new collection.”
Brands IBB Dublin and Amsterdam brought their new pieces fresh from their Basel launch. Judith Lockwood, Country Manager, stated: “The IJL team organised a fantastic evening in Leeds enabling us to show the Ti Sento Portofino spring/summer collection and Mi Moneda to new customers, whilst catching up with old friends. We are excited to be showing both brands at IJL in September including the new autumn/winter collections.”
CW Sellors introduced their new Cameo Italiano collection, a prestigious Italian brand, alongside their new British gemstone collections. Andrew Mills, Sales Manager said: “We found the event very successful. The turnout was impressive, with a good range of people attending, from buyers at established companies through to independents and online multi business representatives. It allowed us to speak to people in an environment they feel comfortable in, giving them an authentic taste of the unique IJL experience.”
Top international designer brand Fei Lui showcased his new Peony, Silver Whispering and Buddleia collections. Designer Fei Liu commented: “It was a great experience. The Leeds preview event allowed us to meet buyers in a relaxed environment and gave us a much more personal presence. We hope, in the run-up to IJL, that the result of this will be much stronger relationships with retailers before and after September!”
The event had a fantastic atmosphere and collections were very well received by local retailers. The event was also attended by the British Jewellers’ Association and the new chairman of the National Association of Goldsmiths, Michael Rawlinson.
Jodie Ellis from Walkers Jewellers in Huddersfield was the winner of a VIP trip for two to IJL in September.
