The British Fashion Council has today announced the ten Rock Vault designers who will showcase a selection of their SS15 collections in the Designer Showrooms during London Fashion Week, 12th – 16th September 2014.
The designer brands returning to take part in this unique showcase are Alice Cicolini, Hannah Martin, Imogen Belfield, Jacqueline Cullen, Jo Hayes Ward, Ornella Iannuzzi, Tomasz Donocik and Yunus & Eliza. Beth Gilmour and Shimell and Madden are new to the selection this year, with Fernando Jorge and Melanie Georgacopoulos having graduated from the scheme. The Rock Vault installation will be open during the five days of London Fashion Week, with the designers in attendance at the Open House and Rock Vault events.
From Brazilian gemstones, Persian enamel, Whitby jet, pearls to complex-textured rocks, this season’s showcase features a diverse mix of materials and design influences, brought together in a dynamic display. Ancient artisan skills and hand-craftsmanship sits alongside the latest in digital prototype technology in a showcase that will offer a fresh perspective on the most innovative processes and exciting designs in contemporary fine jewellery.
Following on from the success of Rock Vault 2013, nine of the Rock Vault designers were given the opportunity to showcase their collections at Couture, Las Vegas 29th May – 2nd June 2014. The British jewellers presented their collections within the Stephen Webster ballroom to top US and international press and buyers during Couture’s five day showcase.
“After five seasons at LFW, three international and two UK retail events, Rock Vault is now established as the premier global mentoring initiative for the best emerging talent in the jewellery industry. This year marks the first graduations through the programme of two of the original members Fernando Jorge and Melanie Georgacopoulos, who are now well on their way to achieving the success they deserve. We are excited for them both. The announcement of the season’s Rock Vault designers including newcomers Beth Gilmour and Shimell and Madden proves that the initiative will continue to be exciting and showcase the best of British based Jewellery design.” - Stephen Webster commented
Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council commented:
“Rock Vault has become an integral and much-anticipated part of the London Fashion Week schedule. The SS15 selection features ten of the most inventive fine jewellery designers in Britain. Championed by Stephen with his passion and support for emerging talent, Rock Vault will help these designers realise their full potential on a global stage.”
The BFC Rock Vault is a unique showcasing initiative developed to nurture creative, fine jewellery talent based in London and to give designers the opportunity to further develop their businesses and increase exposure amongst UK and international media and retailers.
The jewellers are selected to be part of Rock Vault by a panel chaired by Stephen Webster that comprises Alexandra Stylianidis, STYL. Consulting; Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Jos Skeates, ECOne; Maia Adams, Adorn Insight; Matthew Waters, Rainbowwave; Simon Longland, Harrods; Louise Reichmann, Matches.
For more information please visit: www.britishfashioncouncil.com/rockvault
Applications will open in March 2015.
Register to see Rock Vault here: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/register
For press enquiries regarding BFC Rock Vault please contact:
Katy Lubin, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1987
katy.lubin@britishfashioncouncil.com
For designers wishing to apply for BFC Rock Vault please contact:
Charlotte Whitehead, British Fashion Council
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7759 1963
charlotte.whitehead@britishfashioncouncil.com