New Award to Recognize and Support American Jewelry Designers
Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award. This inaugural award aims to recognize outstanding American jewelry designers committed to driving inclusivity within the design industry and elevating jewelry design as its own category akin to womenswear and menswear.
Selected participants will receive mentorship and an immersive learning experience, exploring the environments that nurture Tiffany & Co.’s legacy of inventiveness and craftsmanship. One designer will be chosen to receive a yearlong fellowship within Tiffany & Co.’s design department, along with a $50,000 award.
Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial at Tiffany & Co. said,
The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award uplifts Tiffany Atrium’s commitment to fostering lasting change across the jewelry and design industries. With a rich history of supporting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. continues to be a champion for creative expression and social impact.”
“This first-ever award with a sole focus on jewelry is a testament to CFDA’s longstanding commitment and mission to celebrate American creative excellence. Through the CFDA IMPACT program, we are thrilled to partner with Tiffany & Co., a cornerstone House with an iconic heritage, and Tiffany Atrium to identify and cultivate an inclusive next generation of American jewelry designers,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
This award marks a partnership between Tiffany Atrium’s social impact platform and the CFDA Impact program to nurture the next generation of American jewelry designers. Participants will reflect Tiffany & Co.’s values of creative excellence, inventiveness, and craftsmanship, as well as CFDA’s mission to strengthen American fashion globally by amplifying creative excellence, business longevity, and positive impact.
The 2024 Selection Committee includes:
- 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.
The application process for the 2024 program begins on Monday, July 29, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 16, 2024. Participants will be announced in the fall, and the award recipient will be announced in early 2025. For more information and to apply, see the CFDA Program Terms.
