IJL unveils 2009 show highlights
LONDON, June 3, 2009 – International Jewellery London has unveiled new highlights and initiatives at this year’s show, all of which are set to attract the international jewellery industry and retailers looking for new trends and inspired, design-led collections.
Some of the most innovative and acclaimed designers and brands from 29 countries are lined up to date, making London a leading destination in the industry calendar this September. IJL will run from 6th to 9th September 2009 at Earls Court, London.
Dazzling Designers
Headline exhibitors in the prestigious IJL Design Gallery are already confirmed – including Sarah Ho of SHO Fine Jewellery, Rachel Galley, Sarah Jordan, Fei Liu and Dower & Hall. Celebrity favourite Shaun Leane can be found in Fine Jewellery.
The IJL team has also announced some exciting newcomers for 2009 – Lola Rose, Cherry & Coco and Codis Maya in the Design Gallery, Spinning Jewellery in Silver and Veronika Cugura who will join Spreckelsen & Carnevale in Fine Jewellery. A first for 2009 will also be the Hungary Pavilion featuring Varga Design and Splendor.
‘KickStart’ will be launched in the Design Gallery. This initiative is designed to provide a commercial platform for fledgling designers.
Working with the BJA, the bursary scheme is set to ‘kickstart’ upcoming creative talent, whilst providing a valuable insight into some fresh new designers and companies. New businesses need all the help they can get at the moment, so this scheme provides a much needed boost to the industry’s freshest designer makers.
In addition, retailers will have the opportunity to source exciting new and cutting-edge designs.
Bright Young Gems
A top annual attraction at IJL is Bright Young Gems, which are nominated by leading editors and fashion icons – Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph, Claudia Mahoney of Glamour and, two newcomers for 09, Vivienne Becker of the FT How To Spend It and Jessica Andrews of Tatler.
The nominated designers showcase their work and make their mark as the next big names in jewellery. IJL is the only place to see this unique display.
IJL have announced the launch of the Astley Clarke IJL Bright Young Gems Gold Award at this year’s show. This discretionary award for outstanding craftsmanship will give one new talented designer – who in Astley Clarke’s opinion demonstrates the required innovative commercial flair – the opportunity for their jewellery to be sold on www.AstleyClarke.com. The company will also provide the nominated BYG, if chosen, with in-house marketing and PR support.
2009 will also see the launch of the Editor’s Choice feature at IJL. Top designers and brands in the industry have been invited to submit their pieces, from which a selection will be chosen by leading national journalist, Claire Adler. The selected jewellery will be prominently featured at the event, providing retailers and buyers with a valuable snapshot of the latest trends and groundbreaking exhibitors to watch out for in 2010.
Show-Stopping Speakers
Another not to be missed feature is the IJL seminar programme, which is set to be better than ever in 2009.
The programme, extended by one day, will feature key speakers covering all the current hot topics and issues. The programme will comprise of four streams, looking at trends, technical skills and product knowledge, E-tail and strategies for success in an economic downturn. IJL is the only UK event offering specialist complimentary education for the jewellery industry.
Leading speakers to date include Fadi Shuman of top creative digital agency Pod1, journalist Claire Adler, Nathalie Kabiri of retailer Kabiri, Balagan’s Rachel Parkin – who will tell all about new launch RetailRehab – and Joanna Hardy of Sotheby’s.
Hosted Buyers
As an international platform, buyers from across the globe travel to IJL. In 2009, the show organisers have launched a Hosted Buyer Programme, working with the UKTi and BJGF.
Buyers from Japan, the Nordics and Benelux will be visiting as a result of the programme – establishing IJL firmly on the map as a thriving jewellery destination. This will be supported by a UK VIP Programme which will attract a broad range of buyers from across the UK.
IJL – The UK Networking Destination
With 500 exhibitors, 50+ hours of free seminars and inspiring features, IJL is an exciting day in the business calendar – and you can take time to relax and catch up with colleagues and peers at the IJL Bar sponsored by Pandora located in the heart of the main boulevard, or the Design Gallery Bar in the luxurious surroundings of the Design Gallery.
London Calling
IJL have launched a new ‘London Jewellery Trail’ so, whether you are travelling from across the UK, or internationally – or even if London is your home city – you can make sure you’re not missing out on the wide variety of attractions that house some of the most fascinating and stunning jewellery collections in the world.
Visit www.jewellerylondon.com/jeweltrail to see what the city has to offer for the jewellery industry, as a key destination. Many of the attractions are also free of charge.
www.jewellerylondon.com
