New York’s iconic jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the establishment of the industry’s first “Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.”
This award aims to recognize outstanding American jewelry designers who promote inclusivity in the jewelry industry and elevate jewelry design to a category equal to womenswear and menswear. Tiffany Atrium and CFDA’s IMPACT program have teamed up to nurture the next generation of American jewelry designers.
Selected participants will receive mentorship and an immersive learning experience, providing them with a deep understanding of Tiffany’s tradition of creativity and exceptional craftsmanship. Additionally, one designer will be chosen from among the participants to receive a year-long fellowship within Tiffany’s design department, along with a $50,000 award.
Each participant will learn the creativity, innovation, and extraordinary craftsmanship that Tiffany has cultivated since its founding in 1837. At the same time, they will embody CFDA’s mission, established in 1963, to promote American fashion globally by emphasizing creative excellence, business sustainability, and positive impact.
Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial at Tiffany & Co., commented, “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.”
Steven Kolb, CEO of CFDA, added, “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.”
The 2024 Selection Committee for the award includes influential figures in the industry:
- 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, Producer & Best Selling Author
- 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.
Applications for the 2024 “Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award” program opened on Monday, July 29, 2024, and will close on Friday, August 16, 2024. Participants will be announced in the fall, and the award recipient will be announced in early 2025.