The Designer and Founder of Khiry Wins the First Edition of the New Design Prize from Tiffany and the CFDA
Tiffany & Co., in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has celebrated the culmination of its inaugural Jewelry Designer Award. The award, which highlights emerging talent and commitment to inclusivity within the design industry, was bestowed upon Jameel Mohammed, founder and director of Khiry. Mohammed, whose creative vision and dedication to representation have marked him as a standout participant, received a $50,000 prize and a one-year paid fellowship within Tiffany’s esteemed design department.
The partnership between Tiffany & Co. and CFDA for this initiative began with a rigorous selection process involving a committee of industry leaders. Over the course of four months, from October 2024 to January 2025, ten chosen participants engaged in a series of lectures and mentoring sessions led by the Tiffany design team, learning about visual merchandising, branding, and the intricacies of jewelry design. They also enjoyed exclusive tours of Tiffany’s Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop and the newly redesigned Fifth Avenue store.
The program aimed to foster a new generation of jewelry designers by providing them with both foundational knowledge and innovative practices. During the event, guests, including notable editors, designers, and stylists, had the opportunity to view detailed presentations of the participants’ work, offering a window into the diverse potential and new voices shaping the future of jewelry design.
Reflecting on his journey and the inspiration from classic cinema like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Mohammed shared his excitement and gratitude, saying, “You never know with these things—it’s such an emotional process. Sometimes I think I might have it in the bag and then they’re like, ‘Girl…no!’ But I’m surprised tonight,” expressing his deep connection to the art and history of jewelry represented by Tiffany & Co. He added, “I wanted it so badly and it felt so right, but that sometimes just leads to greater disappointment. I tried to just put one foot in front of the other and apply what I learned into the final presentation.”
