Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have joined forces to launch their first-ever jewelry design award. The initiative aims to support diverse jewelry designers who often face significant challenges in an industry that demands substantial funding and strong connections. The program is part of Tiffany’s Atrium social impact platform and the CFDA’s Impact initiative, both of which focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
At a recent ceremony held at Tiffany’s iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store, The Landmark, Jameel Mohammed of Khiry was announced as the winner. Mohammed was selected from a shortlist of ten talented designers and received the top prize in an intimate and celebratory event.
Tiffany & Co. Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Davey opened the ceremony by highlighting the shared values between Tiffany and the CFDA. She emphasized their commitment to nurturing emerging talent, creativity, and craftsmanship in the jewelry industry. Davey also revealed that the program included months of coaching for participants. The winner, Mohammed, will receive a $50,000 grant and a 12-month fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
In an interview with FashionNetwork.com, CFDA CEO Steven Kolb explained the motivation behind the new award. “Jewelry is a vital and thriving category, but we’ve noticed a gap in support for jewelry designers compared to clothing designers,” Kolb said. “Many programs offer mentorship and prize money for fashion, but jewelry designers often lack similar opportunities.”
Kolb also highlighted the unique challenges faced by jewelry designers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. “It’s even harder for these designers to succeed in such a competitive industry,” he noted. “By partnering with Tiffany, which brings decades of heritage and expertise, we can offer participants access to workshops, meetings, and valuable resources over several months.”
The Tiffany & Co. X CFDA Jewelry Designer Award marks a significant step toward leveling the playing field for underrepresented designers in the jewelry industry. Through this collaboration, both organizations hope to empower a new generation of talent and drive meaningful change in the field.
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