WearItWednesday ESPnews My LFW SS17 Summary; IJL People's Choice Winner

Take 2 - and once again, I say WHEW, what a WEEK!

Repeating almost everything I wrote before my unruly computer crashed (yes, the Saga continues), I was busy telling you all about my exploits in the second week of the year, when the World's glitterati descend upon London Town...No, I'm not talking about the BAFTAs. Unless you've been living under a rock, then you will have known that England's capital has been under the spell of London Fashion Week - Spring Summer 17 - the 2nd most fashionable week in the annual calendar; and despite a conversation two years and three months ago, where I was told after the culmination of thirteen chronic, degenerative illnesses caused both legs to fail and put me in a hospital bed for almost six months in total due to severe weakness and pain; that I would no longer be able to maintain such activities - Yours Truly found herself FROW (Front Row for those not in the know) at every event I attended. I don't wanna blow my own trumpet, but can I get a round of applause, please? Just kidding...a simple comment below will do! :)

Friday

Starting with Ones To Watch; Ana Ljubinkovic, Anissa Aida, Billie Jacobina, and Ester Kubisz showed off the collections that earned them the coveted Fashion Scout title. Followed a little later by the beautiful talents of the unfamiliar Rocky Star who made such luxurious clothing, that I just wanted to roll around in the yards of satin and lace the gifted man used to create his collection.

Ana Ljubinkovic SS17

Rocky Star SS17

From middle-eastern bliss to hometown kitcsh; Pam Hogg's latest collection actually shocked me - find out why in my three-part SS17 series starting October 5th - yes, yes, I know that seems like a long time away, but in reality, it's a teeny weeny fortnight. A) because we have some other business to finish discussing first (Fashion Undressed, anyone?), b) because I need time to arrange the simply divine albums full of pictures that I captured for you; and c) because I have so much to share with you that I couldn't possibly bring you all of it by next week - it's a feat of human impossibility.

Pam Hogg - 'Great Expectations' SS17

Saturday

Day Two began on a sour note - where the exertions of the previous day had begun to catch up with me, I was completely exhausted and in utter pain, causing me to miss the first two shows of the day (Ever so sorry Ollari and Delna Poonawalla), at a Charing Cross hotel. I did however, make it in time for my highlight of the day - Ashley Isham's pool party theme did not disappoint. There was quite a wait after the spectacularity my lovely new Carer Ana and I had just witnessed (even she fell in love with a well-oiled, hunky, blue-eyed specimen); and so I used the opportunity to grab a complimentary hand massage at event sponsor's Crabtree & Evelyn's foliage / chill out zone, before taking in the exhibition.

Ashley Isham Fashion Scout Finale - London Fashion Week SS17 

Once done, it was time for cocktails courtesy of Forward PR and design label prophetik - or so my invitation said, until the very kind Security team who had been looking after  me - escorting me to pre-arranged seating areas, and genuinely becoming friends by the time the five days were over - informed me that actually, I had not been invited. Despite the print on my invitation, I had been misled; I was not invited to the cocktail portion of the evening, as I was missing a sticker. Kind as Security were however, they let Ana and I sneak in one glass of champagne, where I networked, and met a lovely lady designer that I shall be telling you more about at a later time.

Back to the shenanigans however, and after my refreshment I was escorted to the Gallery by my friend Uncle Bob...

My Uncle Bob who also looked after me throughout #LFW #SS17 at #FashionScout! I have to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to ALL the Security staff who kindly looked after me, ushering me from show to show and making sure I had a good spot. You all have been amazing, and I'm #Blessed to have met you. #fblogger #fashionblogger #fashionbloggers #fashiontrends #stylelovers #Instafashion #Influencers #InstaArt #iLove #Runway #fashion #Style #Chic #Writer #Couture #HauteCouture #Innovation #ESintheP #Blogger #Diversity #ChronicIllness #ChronicAwareness #UKbloggers @BBlogRT #Fibromyalgia #Osteoarthritis

A photo posted by Erica Sharlette (@esinthep) on Sep 20, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Whilst prophetik were still doing their run through, I got to hear the amazing Dorado soundcheck, as some of the models practised their walks. After a wait, and some more socialising, this time with one of the makeup company's sponsors, the show finally began, and we were introduced to designer Jeff Garner's 'Nevermore' collection.

prophetik SS17 'Nevermore' Finale - Fashion Scout

Sunday

Day Three was another tough start. My osteoarthritic hands had swollen exponentially from overuse. But, not to be deterred, I called on my Carer for assistance where need be, and despite missing my first show (my sincerest apologies Apu Jan), I made it to the Cimone show, which was the highlight of my day. 

Cimone SS17

Back in the exhibition area afterwards, I took the opportunity to talk with some of the Fashion Pioneers. I met the extraordinary designer Luca of Cruz Bueno, who talked me through his Greek mythology-inspired collection of Ready To Wear through to Couture designs. Look out for a special on his collection in the coming weeks.

Cruz Bueno SS17

House of MEA was next, and the sumptuous design collective left me breathless.

Studio H J, House of MEA SS17

As getting to the V&A via public transport in under half an hour would prove an impossible feat in a wheelchair; we decided to take in the Malan Breton show instead, and I'm ever so glad that we did. His collection was full of rigid lines, statement blocks of colour, brocade, and terse dark florals on rough fabrics that didn't soften with the addition of capes and trains. His designs implied they were made for a strong woman, destined to take the world by storm.

Malan Breton Finale - Fashion Scout SS17

Monday

By Day Four, my body had had it, and fought back against all my unauthorised adventures and activities. With the help of my amazing Mother and very sweet Carer, I managed to make it as far as my first mode of travel, before I had to concede defeat and return home to bed. Vin & Omi - I am so very sorry for not being able to attend what I am certain was a fabulous show. 

Tuesday

I rallied my strength for the final day of London's second most fashionable week of the year, with an industry net worth of £28 billion pounds (Mayor of London). Placed for David Ferriera's 'I Must Be The Reason For Your Erection' (yes, you did read that right); I was pleasantly surprised to find that the show was nothing like what the title suggested - instead it was...well, read all about it in the second instalment of Fashion Week special on October 12th. That wasn't all though - if you head over to the brand spanking new Facebook Page (in desperate need of some likes), you will catch the designer himself explain his theory behind the concept of the collection - don't miss it, he was really very sweet!

David Ferriera, 'I Must Be The Reason For Your Erection' SS17 - Fashion Scout

And there you have it - my summary of my first fashion week back on the circuit. My Jehovah willing, I'll make it back to many more. I hope I did you all proud, don't forget to look out for the reviews in detail on each designer's piece of work, with dedicated photo albums on the Facebook Page mentioned above. Let me know your thoughts on my take on YOUR stage below - I'm waiting to hear from you!

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IJL 2016 announce KickStarter Marina Skia as winner of the People’s Choice Award

Marina Skia has been voted by the industry as the winner of the much coveted, eighth IJL 2016 ‘People’s Choice’ award and will receive a free stand in the IJL Design Gallery in 2017.

Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented: "Many congratulations to Marina who mounted a very successful social media campaign. A big thank you also to the industry for their considerable support which has helped promote all of this year’s KickStarters. We are all looking forward to seeing their work at IJL2016.”

Marina Skia is currently Artist in Residence at Sir John Cass, London Metropolitan University. She cleverly identified people and organisations with large groups of followers, mainly through Facebook, to engage their support of her campaign. This included several fashion bloggers as well as Cass students, staff and friends on Facebook.

Her strategy paid off and her campaign reach grew thanks to numerous shares, new followers and messages of support from people who voted for her. On being chosen, Marina said: “I am delighted and honoured to win the People’s Choice Award. The competition provided the perfect opportunity to promote my work to a bigger audience and winning it is a great step forward for my brand. I was so surprised by the enthusiasm and support I received during the campaign and am very grateful to all who helped me win the People’s Choice Award.”

Marina draws on the beauty, forms and shapes encountered in Nature. The sea and the motion of water is one of her strongest sources of inspiration. Her work is graphic and characterized by bold geometry, clean lines, and an emphasis on detail. In her brass and silver pieces Marina combines traditional hand making skills she was taught while training as a jeweller in Greece, with contemporary technologies she was introduced to while studying jewellery design in London.

The unique KickStart scheme is run by IJL and supported by the National Association of Jewellers, and is an excellent way for retailers and buyers to discover the talent of the future.

The full line up for KickStart 2016 is 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). For more details, please go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart

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And that's it for this week! Up next is OnTrends - Enjoy!

Until the next...

ES

Fashion Week photographs courtesy of EricaSharlette for EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd.

People's Choice Award photographs courtesy of Hammond PR.

Welcome to WearItWednesday on EricaSharlette's Purview!

A little later than planned - for that, my sincerest apologies, technical difficulties outside of my control mean I'm going to have to do some juggling, but never fear - you WILL get the goodness that you deserve!

I hope you enjoy the first offering - back in 30 with the first feature of the evening - an InFocus interview with Karen Radley of Scoop and the City trade events!

Until the next...

ES

WearItWednesday ESPNews Headlines Cordwainers National Footwear Design Student of the Year, International Jewellery London Editor's Choice Winners

Welcome to the first ESPnews delivery of EricaSharlette's Purview! Without further ado - let's get going!

Cordwainers' Design Student of the Year

The Cordwainers’ National Footwear Student of the Year Awards was hosted in style on the 9th June.  Two hundred and fifty people, including students, designers, colleges and industry professionals, came together at the high profile event to meet the next generation of outstanding design talent and to celebrate Britain’s foremost position in footwear design education.

(From L-R) The Footwear Design Winning Entry, Master of Ceremonies with Caroline Klemp, the Finished Design Product

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers launched the Footwear Student of the Year Awards in 2014, in order to support the future of the shoe industry and to celebrate and encourage young footwear talent. John Miller, the Chief Executive, the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, said: “We are delighted to host this national award for the very best footwear design students. We believe this will help Britain to maintain its position as the world leader in the design and manufacture of footwear.”

The award ceremony included an exhibition of the work of the 15 student finalists from the Universities of Northampton, De Montfort and University of the Arts London, as well as the work of six companies that are new to the footwear world. The British Footwear Association supported the exhibition and Chief Executive of the BFA John Saunders, presented the awards to the students. John was honoured to take part in the event for the first time this year, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Worshipful 

Company of the Cordwainers for their ongoing commitment to this prestigious event which gives us a chance to celebrate the consistently high quality of the design graduates produced by the UK’s higher education establishments.” He also made a call to action, explaining the importance of the industry coming together to ensure that schools, universities and footwear companies work closely together to promote British footwear.  “We can all play a part in keeping British footwear great.”  

Applications were invited from all current footwear students from the three universities that specialize in footwear design, to design a pair of shoes. After an initial selection by the universities, the work of 15 finalists was presented to the judging panel of GuyWest, Atalanta Weller and chaired by Katie Greenyer, Creative Director, Pentland Brands. Katie Greenyer announced the winners: 

1st Prize – Caroline Klemp - UAL, London College of Fashion 

2nd Prize – Chantal Lavender - UAL, London College of Fashion

3rd Prize –Claire O’Connor - De Montfort University

Commendations – Doey Kim - De Montfort University and Da Young Im- UAL, London College of Fashion

Katie Greenyer explained that the judges had the enviable task of looking into the minds of the passionate, extremely talented footwear designers who entered. She explained the judges found the process  “A thought-provoking practice that left us feeling inspired. It’s a real credit to LCF, De Montfort, Northampton, and the staff, who I know all work incredibly hard to drive, nurture and direct the students to become the best crop of footwear designers globally. It gives me great encouragement to see such talented designers coming through these institutions and that we have the opportunity to employ and benefit from their talents in the near future. Thank you to the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers for this competition.”

Sophia Webster, an alumna of Cordwainers at London College of Fashion, was the key note speaker at the event. She gave a passionate and inspiring speech encouraging the next generation of designers, commending all the students for their achievement in being an awards finalist and thanking the Cordwainers for their valuable support of footwear design students.  “It is a great responsibility to speak to the next generation.  Advice I would give  …. is to believe and have determination, visual your success. Second is always go above and beyond what is expected from you, be prepared to work hard and build a dream team, as you need a team of people to support you.”

The Master of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, John Rubinstein expressed his thanks to everyone who supported the awards “This event is all about footwear students. Britain leads the world in footwear design education and has produced some world-leading talent over the years.” He also thanked the supporters, including The University of Northampton, The Dune Group, Hudson Shoe Agencies Ltd, William Lamb Group, Schuh Limited, Pentland Brands Plc, British Footwear Association, Davys, University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion, De Montfort University, Cheaney & Sons, Start-rite Shoes Ltd and Jeffery West.

www.cordwainers.org 

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IJL NAME FIVE EDITOR’S CHOICE WINNERS FOR 2016

The winners of IJL’s popular and hard-fought exhibitors’ competition, Editor’s Choice, are announced today. Chosen for their creative and innovative designs as well as commercial aptitude, the winning line-up includes David Miracca, John Moore Jewellery, Kickstarter Vicky Lew, Samsares Jewelry from Switzerland and Tezer Design from Germany.

The judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor, and Event Director Sam Willoughby, selected the winners from a range of categories, which included the new category ‘German Style’ - in recognition of the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the Market Focus for 2016.

Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented: “Editor’s Choice always highlights the very best design and craftsmanship on show at IJL and this year is no exception. These superb pieces, many created using ground breaking techniques, reflect the diversity of brands and designers at this year’s show.  All the winners are to be congratulated and we look forward to seeing them at IJL in September.”

Claire Adler was equally impressed by the winning five, explaining: “Judging IJL Editor’s Choice 2016 has been challenging and exciting. The well-deserved winners have created outstanding pieces of jewellery. IJL Editor’s Choice is a UK based international talent spotting competition and I’m pleased to say the standards remain high. I’m looking forward to a buzzing show in September!”

The 2016 winners are:

GERMAN STYLE 

A jewellery piece from a German exhibitor at IJL evoking impeccable German craftsmanship and design.

Tezer Design

The Bauhaus Design influence has led to simplicity and reduced forms becoming a synonym for German Design. Sema Sezen, Managing Director of Tezer Design,  likes to work with basic geometric forms. Her design philosophy is a pars pro toto system.  She works with a single element, to which she adds more feminine and playful touches. Her contemporary pieces are all handmade.

“It is a great honour to receive this award. We have been exhibiting for more than 15 years at IJL and have found so many wonderful customers in the UK. Thank you for this recognition of my work,” said Sema Sezen.

Claire Adler observed: "Cleverly designed and handcrafted in a Bauhaus athletic, Tezer's designs are a very welcome addition to IJL 2016.”

COMMERCIAL VISION

A piece or collection produced in volume that demonstrates thorough research of the target market and current trends - destined to become a best seller.

Samsares Fine Jewelry: A collection of pendants, rings and bracelets in recycled 18 karat rose gold with stones including white and pink opals, rose quartz and orange carnelian

Floral folklore is the signature of this Swiss based brand, known for their playfully elegant, contemporary fine jewellery created in sustainably sourced 18K gold. This company is dedicated to sustainable sourcing of raw materials and compliance to the standards of excellence for all manufacturing processes. Their gold is recycled in specialized Swiss refineries which meet the most stringent norms of environmental protection.

Giedra Jeanneret, Owner Samsares Fine Jewelry commented: “My vision was to create a new concept of luxury – a fine jewellery collection which would be flawless, not only in terms of craft quality and consistent design, but also in ethics and environmental preservation. The idea of natural preservation is also incorporated into my designs, which are inspired by the rich and colourful world of flowers and by the folklore of the world cultures, celebrating joy of life, femininity and free spirited nature.”

Claire Adler added: “Samsares branding is slick and professional. A clear explanation outlining the thinking behind the brand makes it appealing and sellable to retailers who are considering introducing it into their stores and hopefully buying into the brand in a serious way."

VISUAL IMPACT

A show stopping piece or collection that photographs well and will look good on the page.

David Miracca:Titanium Amethyst Ring: Amethyst centre. Inside shank microset set with 1.86ct F VS1 diamonds

David Miracca creates timeless jewellery with definite influences from the great British and European jewellery houses; a flair he developed during his early training in London and Geneva. The piece, worked in titanium, with true craftsmanship and is finished to an impeccable standard, with a beautiful colour and the stones have been set to perfection.

David Miracca said: “In jewellery manufacture, much of design and technical innovation goes on behind the scenes, with few opportunities to demonstrate ways and ideas that are new and different. We are very excited and grateful to have won this award, as it represents recognition of a hard-won technical expertise that has enabled us to create such a ring in titanium. This is just one small part of what we can do, and we look forward to our debut at IJL as a platform to present beautifully designed and cohesive jewellery collections about which we are passionate.”

Claire Adler observed: “David Miracca's ring is a daring and fun juxtaposition of materials with its own twist - rhodium plated titanium and amethyst, with rows of indulgent diamonds on the inside of the ring, known only to the wearer.”

OVERALL ORIGINALITY 

A truly unique piece or a collection which highlights the talents of the designer.

Vicky Lew London: Flight Collection: Thalurania Colombica Earrings made with sapphire, topaz, spinel, rhodolite and smoky quartz, hand-set in black rhodium-plated 18kt white and yellow gold

FLIGHT is Vicky Lew’s début collection, fuelled by nature-inspired forms and the juxtaposition of these forms on the human body.  Employing a traditional pavé-setting method, the instantaneous moment of take-off is alluded to through the use of perspective-localized angles, whereby the birds are only revealed from certain angles. As a result, a fleeting moment is afforded to the audience, giving the gem-set birds movement as the wearer moves. Pieces from this collection are made with Swarovski Gemstones, pavé-set in palladium and 18ct yellow gold.

Vicky Lew, a 2016 KickStarter said: “This award is a huge honour and a massive boost of confidence as a designer! I hope this can raise my company's brand awareness even further to an already excellent platform, thus leading to more sales and retail opportunities.”

Claire Adler commented: “Vicky Lew's Flight earrings look fantastic simply sitting on a dressing table, like a mini sculpture or artwork. They also happen to look fabulous worn on a night out with sky scraping heels."

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

A piece or collection that is worked with technical innovation or a rarely used technique, resulting in a thought provoking piece.

John Moore Jewellery: Diamond Verto Necklace - Sterling silver, 18ct gold, 29 diamonds, silicone, magnets

Winner of The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2016, artist John Moore, is known for his distinctive designs with fluid movement and use of colour. Materials including anodised aluminium, silver, steel, wood, silicone and gold, are engineered to create unique specimens. Clever use of a silicon cord enables the individual discs to take their place in the composition of the necklace without losing their flexibility in relation to each other. The technical execution ensures a controlled movement, giving the wearer the opportunity to interact with the piece, without losing the makers visual and conceptual intention.

John Moore explained: “My hunger to make things began when I was a small child and remains a driving force. There are multiple facets to my work, all centred around the notion of self which manifests in wearable objects that function on a number of levels. The jewellery is born as an expression of myself as the maker and then it becomes a means of expression for those with whom it resonates, empowering them and enhancing the positive energy they put out into the world. It’s a celebration of nature, of beauty and of the self. To win this award is a complete surprise and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Claire Adler added: “John Moore's Verto necklace is a striking piece of engineering - a flexible, tactile and meticulously executed statement jewel.”

               

All the winning pieces were on show at IJL 2016.

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That's it for the news section this week. Come back in an hour for my round up of Hyper Japan 2016!

Until the next...

ES

Photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography.

#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 ;)