#WearItWednesday - #ESPnews Headlines, Stitchin Business's Festive Fayre, International Jewellery London KickStart Bursary 2015

Fast becoming an ESP Feature Favourite, I've received a number of enquiries regarding when #WIW will return to your screens. First of all, I'd like to say that I'm thrilled to receive feedback of that nature on a segment that I was highly enjoying bringing to you, so much that I even did so right from my hospital bed! Those who enquired will be pleased to know that #WIW will return early in the New Year, so watch this space! Now for some news from other arenas in the Fashion Industry...

Our wonderful friends over at Stitchin Business have two news tidbits for you; in the first, they intend to kick off your holiday season the right way, with a Winter Fayre at their brand spanking new, Holloway/Finsbury Park studios...

Image courtesy of Stitchin Business

Bring Your Own Drinks for the evening's portion of the event, but shop merrily until then, as couturier Andy Piccos and his seriously talented team measure you up properly, to find your literal perfect fit. Longtime readers may even notice a Deer, familiar face in residence...

That's not all though - ever fancied taking a lesson from the wonderfully wise AP himself? Well now you can, with the return of his weekly sewing classes! Find all the official information that you will need below:

"I have, for a long time now, wanted to offer more sewing classes and training to people who want to learn to sew or improve their technique. 

I'm a great believer in sharing skills and there are many people out there with sewing machines gathering dust because they don't know where to start, so, here is where you can. 

Stitchin Business' classes are for small groups (2-4), and are being held in our new studio. 

The classes are, initially for Beginners and those who are a little rusty. 

I will also be running classes and workshops for stitchers who want to improve technique and learn new skills. There will be workshops on working with zips, making things fit, working/re-working sewing patterns, copying your favourite piece, plotting your personal body block (the 'block' is the body pattern - the starting point for all your clothes making), customising garments, and whatever other needs arise. 

Courses are available on weekends and during the week - for full details please go to the website: Sewing Classes page.

Perhaps you and your friends may be interested in forming a sewing group?

Thanks for your time and I hope that you'll be up for some Stitchin - get in touch!

AP"

Watch Andy get stuck into a Deer Oh Deer Hunter Hood Once Upon A Time, Way Back When...

If all that wasn't enough for you, here's a word from the ever-glamorous team over at International Jewellery London on the 2015 KickStart Bursary Project, and their high-flying opportunities for next year...

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PRESS RELEASE

25 November 2014

IJL 2015 KICKSTART OPEN FOR ENTRIES

The KickStart bursary initiative, set up by International Jewellery London to support the Best of British young jewellers, is now open for 2015 entries. Since its inception in 2008, the KickStart initiative, which is supported by The British Jewellers Association, has given an unparalleled showcase to outstanding, emerging jewellery talent.

Event Director, Sam Willoughby commented: "Buyers, exhibitors and press always make a bee line for The KickStart stand at IJL in anticipation of seeing really inspiring, creative work. This is a great commercial launch pad for the lucky winners and I am confident that the 2015 line up will raise the game yet again – especially, as by then, we will have helped sixty young designers through the scheme. A fitting milestone as we celebrate IJL's 60th anniversary next year!"

The 2014 chosen few included Tom Blake, Agnieszka Maksymiuk Jewellery, Cara Tonkin, Cardinal of London, Charlotte Valkeniers, Jeanne Marell, Majdan Rocks, Rosie May Jewellery, SophieAliceHirsch Jewellery and Kristjan Eyjolfsson Fine Jewellery.  All had a great show, aptly summarised by finalist Tom Blake of keep me jewellery: "Being part of Kickstarter 2014 has been a fantastic experience for me. The learning curve is steep and things have moved very fast. It really is an incredible platform for jewellers starting out in the industry to get things off the ground very quickly."

The 2014 KickStart Bursary Finalists at last year's event - Photo courtesy of Hammond PR

Agnieszka Maksymiuk added: "The highlight of my career to date is being selected for KickStart 2014 and exhibiting at IJL. I would recommend this programme to any rising jewellery designer. The group stand in IJL's Design Gallery was an outstanding space, which drew considerable attention from both buyers and press. At the moment I'm preparing new work for some exciting events and they are all as a result of the contacts made at the show."

Leading jewellery forecaster and IJL's Trend partner, Adorn Insight, has confirmed that for the third year running they will award the Adorn Insight Award to one outstanding KickStarter. The award comprises of a year's subscription and valuable bespoke mentoring.

Juliet Hutton-Squire, Co-founder and Director of Adorn Insight, commented: "The future of the industry lies in the hands of the next generation of designers. As a consultancy, our interests lie at the cutting edge of the jewellery industry and we see KickStart as a fantastic opportunity to support and invest in new talent.  We share IJL's passion for innovation and are delighted to partner with them in this initiative by enrolling a KickStarter in our year-long, mentoring programme AiM."

Photo courtesy of Hammond PR

Last year's Adorn Insight winner Kristjan Eyjolfsson stated: "To be selected for the Adorn Insight award was the icing on the cake. The Team at Adorn Insight are very knowledgeable and supportive and I'm really looking forward to their mentoring in the months ahead and strengthening my brand as a result of their input.  Getting this recognition from our industry as well as the sales made during and after the show at Olympia, shows how well the KickStart programme is conducted and it has really given me and my brand the confidence and insight to head in the right direction." 

Once the ten winning KickStarters are chosen, the industry will be invited to vote for the KickStart People's Choice award via social media or the website. All potential KickStarters will be encouraged to campaign for votes. Savvy social media use last year achieved over 4,000 unique page views on the IJL website alone, over the course of just one month, reflecting the popularity of this initiative. The lucky winner will be given a free stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2015.

The winning KickStart designers will be at IJL in Olympia showcasing their work from 6 to 8 September 2015 at Olympia GRAND.

Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and ten of the most talented entries will win a place on this unique mentoring programme.  Winners benefit from exhibiting on a group stand at IJL 2015 and will also receive marketing and industry support from IJL and the British Jewellers Association. The deadline for entries is Friday 13th March.


IJL 2015 will run from 6 to 8 September 2015 at Olympia GRAND, London.

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That's all for now folks - see you Friday for some Film News!

Until the next...

ES ;)