Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have introduced the inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award. This unique accolade is designed to honor and elevate American jewelry designers who are committed to fostering inclusivity within the industry. The award aims to position jewelry design alongside womenswear and menswear in terms of prestige and recognition.
Chosen participants will benefit from mentorship and an immersive learning experience within Tiffany & Co.’s storied environments, renowned for their creativity and exceptional craftsmanship. One standout designer will be awarded a yearlong fellowship in Tiffany & Co.’s design department and a $50,000 prize.
“The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award reflects Tiffany Atrium’s dedication to creating lasting change in the jewelry and design industries. With a legacy of promoting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. remains a champion for artistic expression and social impact,” said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial at Tiffany & Co.
“This first-of-its-kind award focusing solely on jewelry underscores CFDA’s commitment to celebrating American creative talent. Through the CFDA IMPACT program, we are excited to partner with Tiffany & Co., a legendary House with an iconic heritage, and Tiffany Atrium to nurture a diverse new generation of American jewelry designers,” added Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
This award represents a significant collaboration between Tiffany Atrium’s social impact initiatives and the CFDA Impact program, aimed at cultivating the future leaders of American jewelry design. Participants are expected to exemplify the core values of creativity, innovation, and exceptional skill that Tiffany & Co. has championed since 1837, and that align with CFDA’s mission to bolster American fashion on a global scale.
The esteemed members of the 2024 Selection Committee are:
- Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial, Tiffany & Co.
- Bethann Hardison, CFDA Board Member & Advocate
- Frank Everett, Vice Chairman, Jewelry, Sotheby’s
- Gabrielle Union, Actress
- Jahleel Weaver, Creative Director & Stylist
- Jason Wu, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, CFDA Member
- Joan Smalls, Supermodel & Actress
- Nathalie Verdeille, Chief Artistic Officer, Jewelry and High Jewelry, Tiffany & Co.
- Rajni Jacques, Global Head of Fashion & Beauty, Snap Inc.
Applications for the 2024 program open on Monday, July 29, 2024, and close on Friday, August 16, 2024. The selected participants will be announced in the fall, and the award recipient will be revealed in early 2025.
