From September 5th-9th, 2015 VicenzaOro opened its innovative doors to more than 20,000 buyers, press and others from the jewelry industry of over 120 different countries and the excitement spread throughout the 4-day event. My first-time ever at this show, I was unaware of what to expect and actually made sure not to research too much into the show so that I could experience it as organically as possible!
I learned quite quickly as day one began with a Press Conference held by Matteo Marzotto, President of Fiera di Vicenza and Corrado Facco, Managing Director of Fiera di Vicenza, articulating how much of a forward-thinking tradeshow VicenzaOro is with two strategic thinkers at the helm of it all. VicenzaOro is not just a tradeshow–it is an entire unit consisting of a website, social media channels, show guides, an official app., newsletters, a host of seminars, workshops and exclusive events, as well as conferences, network meetings, etc. VicenzaOro also has its own magazine, VO+, and a branch which forecasts trends called TRENDVISION which recently debuted a book called Trendbook 2017+ at the show. The book delves into upcoming jewelry trends and creates labels for different types of consumers in a visually sensual hardcover book. It is truly a collector’s item and beautifully done! VicenzaOro has also created its own awards show–the Andrea Palladio International Jewellery Awards (more on that later) and a young jewelry talent contest called Next Jeneration. So, as you can see, MUCH more than just a jewelry show!
The U.S. Press team consisting of myself, Tanya Dukes of InStore Magazine, Jen C. Williams of Luxury Brand Group, Natalie of Jewels du Jour, and Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America spent three full days buzzing around the show floor. The setup and organization of the jewelry show is fairly new, just launched last January and features six “communities” within this jewelry city of a show. A wheel of colors helps signify and represent each of the six groups–ICON, CREATION & LOOK (jewelry districts focusing on jewelry, both small and large companies, trendy section called Glamroom), ESSENCE (gemstones, manufacturing, components, chains, clasps, etc), EXPRESSION (packaging and visual merchandising), and EVOLUTION (a place where I got lost several times).
Besides the layout, what struck me the most was walking into the show and realizing that every jewelry designer/brand has created their own miniature version of a store. Their visual branding is far more sophisticated than any show I’ve ever been to! Some designers had small windows where jewelry was displayed, and then you could walk into their booth where they had private tables/chairs set up for buyers/clients. Definitely not your average backdrop plus display case only.
Highlights of the show for me were:
Visiting the Pasquale Bruni booth and seeing the diamond crescent moon man pendant, trying on pieces from their Bon Ton collection, getting the wear the earrings that Alessandra Ambrosio recently wore the week before, and meeting Eugenia Bruni–creative director of Pasquale Bruni.
Getting to meet Beppe Callegari of Otto Jewels and seeing his full collection in person, rather than online! Such a fun up-and-coming line that is playful and affordable!
Spotting Roberto Bravo on the back cover of the VicenzaOro show directory and having to find them at the show! I love their houndstooth collection which uses the technique of hot enameling with the houndstooth pattern and displaying it on multiple designs.
Falling for Vianna B.R.A.S.I.L. and her bold gemstone designs–lots of color and lots of flair. I was bowled over by the insane necklace I tried on featuring lots of colorful tourmalines and diamonds. Her paraiba tourmaline pieces were electrifying.
Playing with the artistically enchanting and whimsical designs of Wendy Yue. Her long, finger-covering rings are what I live for!! The darkened metal also makes everything stand out.
Getting to meet Roberto Coin and work with his team taking some pictures and learning of his multiple collections. His animal pieces are insane!
Discovering Casato and getting to try on their edgy pieces–love their inspirations and every diamond piece they create! All made in Rome, Italy.
Seeing Yoko London‘s game-changing use of pearls! They are taking pearls to a whole new level and it was fun getting to see and try on their creations.
Finding an Italian jeweler to make the new top-spot of my wish list: Gabriella Rivalta who hand-paints each piece. I want one of her white tiger pieces!
Stopping in my tracks after seeing such a cool piece by Marco Dal Maso of Marco Ta Moko Jewelry who is redefining men’s jewelry. He has created a lapel pin featuring an Afro Man with beads of precious stones as hair. It is the coolest thing!
>> Thank you VicenzaOro for taking care of our stay in order to attend the show!
