LONDON, Aug 21 — Interest is mounting in the six jewellers set to display their latest collections as part of London Fashion Week’s ‘Rock Vault’ initiative this fall.
This year’s edition of the showcase will see new recipients Daou Jewellery and Frances Wadsworth Jones, both based in London, join the line-up, which also features existing Rock Vault designers Completedworks, Lily Kamper, Rachel Boston, and Shimell and Madden. Daou Jewellery focuses on modern and elegant pieces referencing light phenomena, while Frances Wadsworth Jones centres on playful pieces with a quirky touch.
The Rock Vault, which is curated by Stephen Webster MBE, was first established by the British Fashion Council to nurture and mentor UK-based creative fine jewellery designers and offer them the opportunity to develop their brands. The last four years have seen the initiative move overseas too, setting up at Las Vegas’s annual Couture show.
Previous Rock Vault recipients include the Brazilian-born designer Fernado Jorge, known for his colourful and craft-focused approach to fine jewellery, and New York-based designer and sculptor Jordan Askill.
“This year with just two places to fill from a total of 25 applicants, the panel spent the whole day inspecting and discussing each designer’s presentation but the final decision was unanimous,” said Webster.
“The work of both Dalia Daou and Frances Wadsworth Jones is original, inspired and full of potential for great things ahead, contributing to the diversity and excitement now synonymous with Rock Vault.”
The newcomers were selected by a panel of experts chaired by Webster and including 19 industry figures from the British Fashion Council, British Vogue, Central Saint Martins, Fortnum and Mason, Harper’s Bazaar, Liberty and others.
Rock Vault will take place at the Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park during London Fashion Week, which runs from September 15-20, 2016. — AFP-Relaxnews
