New York—NY Now, a renowned gift, décor, and jewelry marketplace, has introduced a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing budding talent in the realm of fine jewelry design.
Named the Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer (EFJD) Incubator, this program was devised to provide comprehensive support and empowerment to promising artisans. It leverages the robust platform of the Luxury Lifestyle segment within the show, a sector established during the Summer 2023 Market.
The selected designers will benefit from strategically allocated exhibit spaces within the Luxury Lifestyle section, accompanied by continuous mentorship, guidance, and assistance leading up to their showcase.
The debut of this initiative is slated for the NY Now Winter Market, scheduled to be held at the Jacob Javits Center from Feb. 4-7, 2024. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to engage with NY Now across three show cycles.
Among the distinguished 12 inaugural brands selected for the program are Crevette Design Studio, Deborah Meyers Experience, Gwen Beloti, Hilary Finck Jewelry, I Seira, Karin Luvaas Jewelry, Kelsey Simmen, Lindsey L. Allen, Macadam, Rachel Jones Jewellery, Tasmin Rasor, and Universal Deco. These designers will receive support from established brands within Luxury Lifestyle to aid in their launch preparations.
Elizabeth Kellin, representing the long-time exhibiting brand Dana Kellin, emphasized, “NY Now stands out not only for its dedication to promoting and fortifying businesses but also for nurturing the designer community.”
“The show’s commitment to Luxury Lifestyle underscores its focus on innovation, celebrating individual designers and their distinctive perspectives. NY Now transcends being a mere trade show; it serves as a platform and springboard that embraces creativity and bolsters the creative community,” Kellin added.
The group of emerging designers will benefit from insights and guidance from key NY Now personnel, including Morgan Amelia Miller, sales director for jewelry and accessories; Ashley Ciofrone, senior sales manager for jewelry and accessories; and Simone Waldron, luxury lifestyle curator. These mentors recognize the significance of nurturing diverse talents within the category and are enthusiastic about enhancing the designers’ careers and on-site experiences.
Further support will come from Liz Kantner and Robin Kramer, the driving forces behind the EFJD Incubator program. Both Kantner and Kramer boast over 30 years of collective experience as jewelry mentors and consultants, adept at navigating the intricate landscape of the designer fine jewelry market.
Expressing their excitement about the initiative, Kantner and Kramer remarked, “We are deeply passionate about championing emerging talent in the jewelry industry. This opportunity is a dream for us. We look forward to utilizing our extensive experience to guide members of the Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer Incubator toward a successful event, establishing their presence in the NY Now marketplace, and laying a robust foundation for building vibrant and sustainable businesses.”
