BFC launches new jewellery showcase

The British Fashion Council has announced a brand new jewellery initiative, BFC Rock Vault, to support, showcase and promote Britain’s most innovative, fine jewellery talent. The showcase to be sponsored by the International Palladium Board

will be curated by Stephen Webster and will launch during London Fashion Week in February.

The initiative has selected ten jewellers to showcase their autumn/winter 2012 collections within BFC Rock Vault, which will be located on the Terrace of Somerset House. The designers are: Alexandra Jefford, Fernando Jorge, Hannah Martin, Hillier, Husam El Odeh, Jo Hayes Ward, Jordan Askill, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Sophie Bille Brahe and Tomasz Donocik. The designers will also feature alongside five concepts created in Palladium by Central Saint Martins students.

Each designer will be awarded support towards creating their unique installation within this dedicated area and will receive business mentoring support.

This unique showcase has been developed by the BFC to nurture the creative fine jewellery talent based in London and give these designers the opportunity to further develop their businesses and exposure amongst both UK and International media and retailers. The participants have been invited by a panel led by Stephen Webster and comprising of accessories journalists, BFC members, jewellery buyers and accessories agents.

“As a London jewellery designer and a craftsman, it gives me great pleasure to be curating Rock Vault, an area dedicated for the first time to the rising stars of the UK jewellery industry under the umbrella of the BFC,” said Stephen Webster. “Together with a panel of experts, we have selected what we believe to be the best representation of young talent. Over the last 10 years, jewellery has become an integral part of both men and woman's wardrobe. This meteoric rise has meant jewellery designers have been crying out for inclusion within the established fashion platforms. Rock Vault finally offers such an opportunity. We are all very excited to realise this vision.”

The showcase will be launched with a reception to be held on February 18 at the designated BFC Rocks space at Somerset House.

Image: Tomasz Donocik