(PRESS RELEASE) NY NOW, a gift, home, jewelry and accessories trade marketplace, is announcing its first ever Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer (EFJD) Incubator. Developed to support emerging fine jewelry designers, the initiative leverages the strength of Luxury Lifestyle and the momentum of this section established during the Summer 2023 Market. Brands selected for inclusion in the EFJD Incubator will benefit from strategically placed, turn-key exhibit space within Luxury Lifestyle, as well as ongoing mentorship, guidance and support.
The EFJD Incubator program has been spearheaded by Liz Kantner and Robin Kramer, jewelry mentors and consultants with a combined 30-plus years’ experience navigating the nuances of the designer fine jewelry market. Their insights and hands-on approach will aid the designers through all aspects of preparing for their fine jewelry launch, beginning with NY NOW’s Winter Market, February 4-7, 2024. The 12 designers selected for the program, who are listed below, will be eligible to participate in NY NOW for three show cycles.
“We are both passionate about supporting emerging designers in the jewelry industry, so this opportunity feels like a dream for us,” Liz and Robin said. “We’re excited to use our combined experience to help members of the Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer Incubator have a successful event, find footing in the NY NOW marketplace and form a strong foundation on which to grow a vibrant and sustainable business.”
The inaugural roster of EFJD Incubator designers will also enjoy the support of the seasoned brands exhibiting within Luxury Lifestyle. This community of like-minded creatives, who are joined by Morgan Amelia Miller, Sales Director, Jewelry & Accessories, Ashley Ciofrone, Senior Sales Manager, Jewelry & Accessories and Simone Waldron, Luxury Lifestyle Curator, recognize the importance of nurturing diverse new talent within the category. They are excited to help bolster the careers and on-site experiences of these emerging designers through ongoing support and mentorship.
“What sets NY NOW apart is not merely their commitment to promote and strengthen businesses, but to foster the designer community, as well,” noted Elizabeth Kellin, of long-time exhibiting brand, Dana Kellin. “The show’s devotion to Luxury Lifestyle prioritizes innovation and ingenuity, the celebration of each designer, and their unique point of view. NY NOW is not just a trade show: it’s a platform and launchpad that embraces individuality and supports the creative community.”
Out of several applicants, the inaugural roster of designers who have been selected for the EFJD Incubator 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, Universal Deco.
NY NOW Winter Market is taking place at the Jacob Javits Center, February 4-7, 2024. For more information, visit www.nynow.com, and click here to register to attend. To request an interview, please reach out to 5W Public Relations at NYNOW@5WPR.com.