(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Scott Kay and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) announced Jewelry Design student Hyelin Lee, the winner of the Scott Kay/FIT Jewelry Design Contest.
For the third consecutive year, Scott Kay has partnered with FIT to hold a brand-inspired contest for Jewelry Design students in honor of the brands’ founding designer. During the fall 2018 semester, FIT Jewelry Design students were asked to create a new collection that has emotive meaning and ties into the Scott Kay brand. As part of the contest, the students were required to design a bridal jewelry set that included an engagement ring and the choice of two from either a bracelet, a necklace, or a pair of earrings. Under the supervision of FIT Jewelry Design faculty member and mentor Alison Nagasue, the students were challenged to express their creativity in designing original pieces for Scott Kay. Along with a detailed inspiration boards, each student presented technical drawings, measurement details, materials, and color options.
The winner of the contest was chosen after two rounds of judging based on originality/creativity, production viability and the connection to bridal themes, such as love and commitment. The judging panel included: Melissa Rose Bernardo, managing editor of JCK Magazine; Kayla Hayes, fashion & beauty editor of Bridal Guide Magazine; and David Gaynes, VP of corporate product development at Signet Jewelers that owns stores under the name brands such as Jared The Galleria of Jewelry, Kay Jewelers, Zales, Piercing Pagoda, and JamesAllen.com. Representing Frederick Goldman were Jonathan Goldman, CEO, and Rich Makover, executive vice president of sales.
On the evening of February 5, 2019, Scott Kay hosted a dinner with the five finalists, along with the judging panel and key members of Scott Kay and FIT. The evening allowed each finalist to present their final designs to the panel. Scott Kay concluded the night with the announcement of Hyelin Lee as the winner for her design. She was presented with a $3,000 award.
Scott Kay also awarded two second place winners with $1,000 each and two third place winners with $500 each for their strong submissions.
“We are so pleased to be able to continue this great tradition with FIT and the Scott Kay brand. The students bring such passion and enthusiasm to this project, and it is a pleasure to be a part of their process in creating new pieces of bridal jewelry for the line,” said Scott Kay Brand Manager Stephanie Pageler. “This year’s contest has been extremely special as we were able to watch the students develop a new collection theme and specific design codes that express the meaning of love and marriage in their eyes.”
“This contest represents such a unique opportunity for our students,” said Kim Nelson, chair Jewelry Design. “As a career college we always want the students to be able to take part in experiential learning, and this contest is a way to give our students that opportunity on a high-profile stage.”
To discover more about the artistry of Scott Kay please visit http://www.scottkay.com/ or follow @scottkayusa on Instagram and Facebook.