IJL unveils KickStart to launch young designers
LONDON, June 28, 2009 – ‘KickStart’ -– a new initiative from International Jewellery London to support young talent – will be launched in the Design Gallery of the show in September 2009.
The bursary scheme, aided by the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA), is set to create a commercial launch pad for fledgling jewellery designers.
New businesses need as much help as possible at the moment, and KickStart is designed to not only provide a boost to some of the industry’s best new designers but also give retailers the opportunity to meet the freshest design talent of 2009.
The line-up of shining BJA members who have been awarded the bursary has just been announced, and the following 10 designers will showcase in the prestigious Design Gallery:
Beth Gilmour Jewellery – Beth was impressed by the jewellery in the Design Gallery at IJL and her work will be an exciting new addition to the show. Beth has opened her studio at Cockpit Arts and trademarks of her work are experimentation with unorthodox materials and translating them to precious materials.
Alexandra Simpson – Alexandra applied to ‘KickStart’ after researching a number of fairs in the UK and deciding that IJL is the most suitable. Alexandra is already winning and being shortlisted for awards, and is set to be a leading designer.
Duffy Jewellery – With an emotive and passionate style of design, retailers and buyers can view original and innovative work from Duffy jewellery.
Eastern Mystic Jewellery – A self-taught designer is behind Eastern Mystic Jewellery, which is inspired by a mixture of the designer’s Indian heritage and western influences.
Jasmine Alexander – Since launching in 2008, Jasmine has found herself on an exciting and demanding journey. She is a new up and coming designer who has been tipped as the next big thing by the international press.
Linnie Mclarty, Contemporary Jewellery Design – Linnie graduated in 2008 with a collection based upon a unique method she developed of attaching brooches to fabric. Her work is of a very high standard, and she feels that the experience of being a KickStarter will be extremely valuable to her career
Oria Jewellery – Oria believe IJL would be a great platform to raise their profile and increase buyer’s awareness of the brand. They have a wide range of products, from everyday silver to 18ct gold dress pieces along with wedding and engagement rings.
Rebecca Steiner Fine Jewellery – Rebecca is excited about taking part in such an established show and believes that KickStart’s combination of exposure and business support will be ideal for getting her jewellery out into the wholesale market.
Ulrikke Vogt – Ulrikke feels that being selected as a KickStarter at one of the highest profile jewellery events in the UK will provide a fantastic opportunity to network with retailers, and to build stronger links with suppliers and customers.
AqA Design – AqA design creates individual contemporary jewellery working in precious materials enhancing the pieces with precious and semi-precious stones, and the vibrant colours of Swarovski crystals.
Industry Consultant Aldyth Crowther is working with IJL on the initiative and says: “The chosen participants – though all very different in terms of style and price points – all have one thing in common. They share an understanding of the latest developments in jewellery combined with good design, and high quality production. The ten were selected for Kickstart because they perfectly illustrate the diversity and skills that are at the core of the UK jewellery scene.”
Kickstart will be on stand K980.
www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart
