Tiffany & Co., a jewelry brand that represents the United States, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) joined forces to shed light on new talent by creating the “Jewelry Designer Award” in 2024. The inaugural winner of this prestigious award is designer Jameel Mohammed.
This award recognizes outstanding American jewelry designers committed to promoting inclusivity in the design industry. Mohammed will receive a $50,000 prize and a one-year paid fellowship within Tiffany & Co.’s design department.
A Night to Celebrate Excellence
The award ceremony was held at Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, “The Landmark,” a symbol of New York City. On this special evening, Tiffany’s Global Vice President of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Stéphanie Oueda-Cruz, CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, and Tiffany & Co. CMO Andrea Davey honored Jameel Mohammed and presented him with the award.
The cocktail reception brought together members of the selection committee and prominent guests from the design industry. In the glamorous atmosphere, the visions of Tiffany & Co. and CFDA were realized in a new and tangible form.
As the inaugural winner of the Jewelry Designer Award, Jameel Mohammed shared his thoughts on the honor: “I have long believed in the power of Tiffany & Co. as an American luxury brand. I am an American luxury designer, and I am really excited to be where I belong.”
A Beautiful Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The Jewelry Designer Award program ran from October 2024 to January 2025, selecting 10 participants to deliver final presentations based on the theme of Tiffany’s tradition and creativity. Participants engaged in monthly mentoring sessions with Tiffany’s design team, tours of The Landmark and the Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop (JDIW), as well as lectures on visual merchandising, jewelry trends, brand identity, sustainability, and gemstones.
The 10 participants in the program were Angie Marei, David Perry, Ian Delucca, Jameel Mohammed, Hi Vu, Maggi Simpkins, Malyia McNaughton, Marvin Linares, Pamela Zamore, and Symoné Currie.
The selection committee included CFDA Board Member Bethann Hardison, Sotheby’s Frank Everett, actress Gabrielle Union, stylist Jahleel Weaver, designer Jason Wu, supermodel Joan Smalls, Tiffany & Co.’s Nathalie Verdeille, and Snap Inc.’s Rajni Jacques.
CFDA CEO Steven Kolb emphasized the program’s significance, stating: “It’s really not just an opportunity for the 10 designers, but it’s creating opportunity beyond this room, showing what is possible to a next class of a program like this. This inaugural award is part of Tiffany Atrium and CFDA Impact, our respective equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging programs. It was intentionally designed to support designers that often don’t get represented or opportunities.”
Stéphanie Oueda-Cruz from Tiffany added: “The award that we are celebrating is truly unique and first of its kind. What we are doing here tonight goes beyond this room. This is sending a strong message to all American talent that we are looking for them. That we can, together, elevate American design and send a strong message to the world.”
This program is part of Tiffany’s “Tiffany Atrium” and CFDA’s “CFDA Impact” social impact platforms, reflecting their commitment to innovation and excellence in the jewelry industry. With Jameel Mohammed’s achievement as the starting point, there is great anticipation for the emergence of more talented designers who will shine on the global stage.
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