The award celebrates exceptional American jewelry designers committed to inclusivity and creative excellence.
Luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. teams up with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to cultivate and champion the next generation of jewelry makers. Recently, the two organizations announced a new award for forward-thinking jewelers who are pioneering a fresh vision for accessories. This award recognizes exceptional American jewelry designers who are advancing inclusivity within the industry while pushing jewelry design as a standalone category, one on par with womenswear and menswear.
This award represents a significant partnership between Tiffany Atrium’s social impact platform and the CFDA IMPACT program, which aims to cultivate the future of American jewelry design. “The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award underscores Tiffany Atrium’s dedication to fostering enduring change across the jewelry and design sectors,” says Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany & Co.’s executive vice president of product, communications, and industrial. “With a storied history of supporting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. continues to champion artistic expression and social impact.”
Applicants will be chosen based on their creativity, inventiveness, and craftsmanship. And will be selected from a committee of professionals, who specialize in high fashion and culture. This year, the voting committee includes Alexandre Arnault, Bethann Hardison, Frank Everett, Gabrielle Union, Jahleel Weaver, Jason Wu, Joan Smalls, Nathalie Verdeille, and Rajni Jacques.
We The selected participants will receive unparalleled mentorship and the chance to delve into the spaces and history of the esteemed jewelry house. One designer from each class will be awarded a yearlong fellowship within Tiffany & Co.’s design department and a $50,000 cash prize.
“This first-of-its-kind award focusing solely on jewelry is a testament to CFDA’s commitment to celebrating American creative excellence,” shares Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “Through the CFDA IMPACT program, we are proud to collaborate with Tiffany & Co., a House with iconic heritage, to identify and nurture an inclusive next generation of American jewelry designers.”
Applications for this year’s program are open until August 16. The selected participants will be announced later in the fall, and the award recipient will be announced early next year. For more information or to apply, check out the CFDA’s official website.
Home page image of the Committee clockwise are: Nathalie Verdeille, chief artistic officer, jewelry and high jewelry, Tiffany & Co., Jason Wu, fashion designer and CFDA Member, Gabrielle Union, actress, producer & best selling Author, Joan Smalls, model & actress, Jahleel Weaver, creative director & stylist, Rajni Jacques, global head of fashion & beauty, Snap Inc., Frank Everett, vice chairman, jewelry, Sotheby’s, Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications & industrial, Tiffany & Co., Bethann Hardison, CFDA board member, model and activist.
All images courtesy of Tiffany &Co.
