International Jewellery London (IJL) celebrates the New Year with the launch of its highly successful KickStart industry bursary programme. Up-and-coming British jewellery designers are invited to apply online now to be one of the lucky ten who will exhibit on a group stand at IJL 2017 in September, the UK’s premier international showcase for the jewellery industry.
In addition, the KickStart Top Ten will benefit from valuable marketing and industry support from IJL and co-sponsors, the National Association of Jewellers.
Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, comments: “KickStart is a fantastic pool of talent, which consistently impresses with astounding creative flair and technical ingenuity. First started in 2009, it is the natural next step on the ladder for the new generation of trend-setting jewellers, many of whom have previously been featured in our Bright Young Gems platform for jewellery graduates.
“Over the past 8 years KickStart has supported 80 contemporary designers, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to build their brands. Already, several of our 2016 KickStarters have gone on to be recognised by The Jewellery Editor as the ‘Ones to Watch in 2017’, as well as being winners in the NAJ Jewellery Awards.”
Lindsey Straughton, NAJ Marketing Manager, adds: “This initiative has grown in stature every year, helping emerging British designers achieve further industry recognition and commercial success. We provide them with support and mentoring, not just at the show but throughout the year.
“This includes a dedicated one-day workshop in June, with experts at hand to ensure that they maximise the experience and all the unique benefits of exhibiting at IJL. The stand is a ‘must see’ destination at the show for visitors, providing a showcase of some of the most exciting jewellers in the UK today.”
The full line up for KickStart 2016 included Joanna Bury, Emily Richardson (Emily Richardson Jewellery), Emma Calvert, Sammie Jo Coxon (SJC London), Cécile Gilbert, Vicky Lew, Lucas Mitchell (Lucas Alexander), Charlotte Scott Moncrieff (CF Concept), Marina Skia and Jonna Jarvenpaa and Laura Vilppula (Addalit). They all enjoyed a really busy show, cementing contacts with press and buyers and filling order books.
People’s Choice winner Marina Skia explains how being a KickStarter has helped her: “KickStart really helped raise awareness for my brand and showing at IJL was a fantastic experience. Winning the People’s Choice Award was another big step for me and I am really looking forward to IJL in September 2017. I recommend every designer who feels ready to take their brand to another level to apply for this important initiative.”
Read more: Meet emerging jewellery designer Marina Skia
Joanna Bury, previously a Bright Young Gem and KickStarter, adds: “My journey started as a Bright Young Gem and to then be selected as a KickStarter a couple of years later was a real confidence boost. I felt that the KickStart experience was a step up from any show I had previously done, the support from the KickStart team and fellow KickStarters was fantastic, ensuring we were all prepared and resulting in a very successful first trade show.”
Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and the ten most talented entries will win a place on this well-regarded industry mentoring scheme. All applicants must have been trading for not less than one year and even, if previously unsuccessful, can still reapply each year. The deadline for entries is 10 April 2017.
The winning KickStart 2017 designers will be at IJL showcasing their work from 3 to 5 September 2017 at Olympia GRAND. To enter, go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/Kickstart
Picture caption: IJL2016 KickStarters Left to right: Cécile Gilbert, Emma Calvert, Marina Skia, Emily Richardson, Vicky Lew, Sammie Jo Coxon , Charlotte Scott Moncrieff, Lucas Mitchell, Jonna Jarvenpaa and Laura Vilppula and Joanna Bury.
For more information about IJL 2017 please contact: Jennifer Hall-Thompson or Suzanna Hammond: +44 (0) 7770 802442 suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk
IJL 2017 will run from 3 to 5 September at Olympia GRAND, London.
About International Jewellery London:
International Jewellery London is the UK’S leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 550 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones, and retail services suppliers. IJL attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery focussed and pre-qualified buyers from 64 countries in an exclusive trading environment to do business, share knowledge and network in the heart of London, the UK’s style capital. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL showcases future industry trends, provides 100% free education and attracts an unrivalled selection of consumer and trade press.
IJL is sponsored by the NAJ and supported by the GIA, Gem-A, The Houlden Group, The Company of Master Jewellers, The Responsible Jewellery Council, Euromonitor and CIBJO.
For further information please visit www.jewellerylondon.com
About Reed Exhibitions
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 500 events in 30 countries. In 2015 Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 40 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.
Jewellery and Fashion Accessories events are: Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) in January and April; Girls Jeweller Tokyo (IJT); Bijorhca Paris; JCK Tuscon; Tokyo Fashion Jewellery Expo (April); Garderobe; International Jewellery & Watch Show (JWS); International Jewellery Kobe (IJK); Luxury and JCK Las Vegas.
For further information please visit: www.reedexpo.com
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