Stephen Webster sponsors Collections' New Designer of the Year award
 

Leading British jewellery designer Stephen Webster is to sponsor Collections' New Designer of the Year award. The award represents a first for the UK jewellery market and is aimed at establishing Collections as an authority in high quality, progressive jewellery design and a key supporter in the development of innovative new talent. The winner will receive a showcase of their collection in Garrard Bond Street, London and Garrard Beverly Hills, LA - jewellers with an unrivalled heritage of outstanding quality and craftsmanship.

As such, claim the organisers, this is a truly unique and incredible opportunity for any new designer trying to establish themselves as a key player in the jewellery industry. In addition the winning designer will receive a free stand within the Designer Collections area at Collections 2010. Stephen Webster - official sponsor of the award and headline exhibitor at Collections - commented: "As a British jewellery designer, I am only too aware of the frustration people entering this industry can face looking for platforms to gain exposure for their work. Reception "For this reason I am very excited to be associated with the new designer competition taking place at Collections in 2009. The winner will be offered a showcase for their work for a period at the Garrard flagship stores both in London and L.A. This is of particular significance to me, as sixteen years ago Garrard was the first UK shop to offer me the same opportunity which was a key factor in the building of our brand in this country." Judging the award from exhibitors at Collections will be Stephen Webster, leading jewellery designer and retailer, Jos Skeates (ECone) and renowned jewellery editor, Carol Woolton (Vogue. To be considered for the award, new designers must display creativity in their work, and convey their transition from initial design concept to final product.   In addition they must have been trading for less than two years and have supporting sales and marketing collateral. They will also be judged on their stand display. The award will be announced at Stephen Webster's after-show reception on Monday, 19th January at Collections. Anna Wales, Show Director for Collections, Clarion Retail, put the new award in context: "We are absolutely delighted that this award will be taking place at Collections. It is hugely important to support and help develop the careers of up-and-coming designers, and this prestigious award highlights the quality offering at the show. This is a fantastic opportunity for new designers to showcase their work to big players and key buyers within the jewellery industry". Collections is the new year design-led and selective jewellery buying event - an opportunity for retailers to maximise their profits at the very beginning of the year. Retailers will be offered new premium quality products for spring/summer and the seasons ahead, including design-led fine, silver and costume jewellery. The show, which takes place at Earls Court between 18th and 20th January, 2009, promises to feature some of the hottest, most innovative designers and brands from the UK and abroad.