Metamorphosis is focus of Vicenzaoro Fall trade fair
VICENZA, Italy, September 6, 2014 – Metamorphosis is the focus of the Autumn edition of the Vicenza gold jewellery fair — how gold and jewellery businesses must undergo huge changes to adapt to rapidly evolving markets.
At a dinner in the Aman Canal Grande resort hotel in Venice on September 5, Vicenza Fair President Matteo Marzotto outlined his vision that jewellery exports needed to be “well done” in today’s demanding international market place — well made pieces using superior artisanship.
“The integration of different markets, new digital technologies, changes to manufacturing and distribution structures, and the transformation of final demand, are forcing gold and jewellery businesses to undergo an out-and-ou metamorphosis in order to continue competing on the global marketplace,” Vicenza Fair said.
Vicenza Fair is vigorously promoting a new show, to be called Vicenzaoro Dubai, which will take place in Dubai from April 23-26, 2015, underlining the importance of the United Arab Emirates, the number 1 market for Italian gold jewellery exports.
Vicenzaoro Dubai will be positioned strategically in the packed trade fair calendar between BASELWORLD and JCK.
DESIGN TRENDS
In a trends seminar at Vicenzaoro Fall, TRENDVISION market intelligence expert Paola De Luca outlined her vision of jewellery designs in 2016 and beyond, as Vicenza Fair launched its new Trend Book 2016+.
De Luca said that so-called “liquid lines” were an important design trend — i.e. lightweight commercial designs, reflecting fluid lines, waves and spirals.
Exquisite designs will make it harder to produce fakes, she added.
“The objective is to give less metal, and to deliver a design that will be difficult to copy,” she said.
Lightweight designs are also a response to high precious metals prices, and widen potential markets for precious pieces.
De Luca spoke of the growing popularity of so-called “ear climbers” or “ear cuffs”, and of long finger or two-finger rings.
Among other design themes, De Luca described a category she termed “Global Exploration” – exotic jewellery with a Bohemian, textured or ethnic feel.
“Precious Pop” is another popular trend – a surreal look, perhaps reflecting cartoons or symbolism.
Mystic design themes are also emerging – talismans, designed to bring luck to the wearer.
In diamond directions, an overriding feature was lightweight pieces.
“There is a trend for an almost minimalist look — very exquisite but with simplicity,” De Luca said.
MARKET CONDITIONS
Exhibitors at Vicenza fair reported strong international demand for their jewellery, but expressed concerns over the impact of international conflicts, notably in Ukraine, as well as in Iraq and Syria.
Improving economies in the United States and the U.A.E. augured well for exports of Italian jewellery, but the conflict hot spots would complicate efforts in some markets.
Hong Kong-based Aspire Designs reported positive market conditions, and one-off Kahn luxury jewels, featuring large and rare gems, fared exceptionally well in international markets.
Kahn Jewellery
Aspire’s James Kam said that Sawel, an Aspire brand, was working on the launch of pieces from its new “8” collection, featuring octagon shapes in 18-carat gold with white diamonds, at the Hong Kong September fair.
Pearl jewellery brand Yoko London reported buoyant international demand for its high end pieces.
Vicenza fair showcased an exhibition about sentimental jewellery, curated by Alba Cappellieri, a professor of jewellery design at the Politecnico di Milano School of Design.
Cappellieri presented her latest book, also called “Sentimental Jewellery”, which described the history of sentimental jewels, such as the mourning jewellery popular in Victorian England.
