NEW YORK — This month’s accessories trade shows — AccessoriesTheShow and Accessorie Circuit — exhibited strong signs of continued growth within the sector.
“I think people seemed pretty optimistic, cautiously optimistic,” said Joseph Maio, owner of Adornments Fine Jewelry in Sag Harbor, N.Y., who attended both shows. “People weren’t afraid of pushing the envelope with design, but at the same time, hitting all the price points.…[Designers are] very aware of pricing, but at the same time having a few extra special things that stood out.”
Ali Galgano, founder of e-commerce jewelry site Charm & Chain, agreed: “This season’s markets showcased some of the best jewelry we’ve seen in a long time.…Booths were crowded and foot traffic was high. It’s wonderful to see the industry beginning to rebound.”
Related Articles
Britton Jones, president and chief executive officer of Business Journals Inc., the parent company for AccessoriesTheShow, said, “With nearly a 17 percent increase over last year, the attendance is proof positive that the economy is significantly improving.”
You May Also Like
Accessorie Circuit experienced increased attendance as well. Elyse Kroll, chairman of ENK International which produces the trade show, said, “Accessorie Circuit/Intermezzo and ENKNYC enjoyed significant growth [approximately 10 percent] in exhibitors and retailers. We believe this growth is the result of our hugely talented designers, the buyers’ renewed enthusiasm and that ENK is a trusted source of commerce for both.”
A few standouts from the shows:
Sibilia: Fernanda Sibilia’s jewelry is crafted in 24k gold plating and sterling silver plating, as well as copper, bronze and gunmetal, in geometric shapes that lend the line a Native American feel. The collection is handmade in Argentina and priced to retail from $20 to $100 at Garnet Hill and Bird in Brooklyn.
Oliveve: A handbag company begun by Lynn Rosetti and Kristi Zoldi bases its designs on malleable silhouettes fashioned from lambskin. Oliveve has been in business only for one year and will begin selling in July at Henri Bendel and Steven Alan.
Silva/Bradshaw: Silva/Bradshaw began as a design house for packaging and furniture by co-founders Matthew Bradshaw and Sergio Silva. In the last year, the duo has veered into jewelry. The aesthetic is minimal, but with a quirky and inventive approach to simple rings and pendants. Silva/Bradshaw jewelry is priced to retail from $20 to $100 and sells at Project No. 8 and The Future Perfect.
Amrita Singh: Jewelry favorite Amrita Singh has ventured into the world of handbags with a splash of tie-dye. Singh said the bags have sold well on her site (amritasingh.com), and at Accessorie Circuit she garnered strong interest from larger retailers for possible orders. The bags come in a variety of silhouettes and colors and retail from $100 to $250.
N+A: The handmade jewelry brand is shorthand for its designers and founders, Noriko and Akiko, sisters from Japan. N+A is now based in New York and cultivates a whimsical aesthetic with sinewy tassel necklaces and tiny flower drop earrings in vermeil sterling silver. Their designs are available at New York boutiques Lori McLean and Peipers + Kojen and are typically priced from $20 to $100 at retail.
Arik Kastan: Jewelry designer Arik Kastan was born and raised in Israel, and despite his recent expansion into the U.S., his workshops remain in Tel Aviv. The Victorian-era-inspired line is primarily crafted from a blend of 14k rose gold or 18k yellow gold, which is offset with myriad stones such as tourmaline, citrine and diamonds. The collection ranges from $250 to $2,500 and can be found at Roseark in Santa Monica and West Hollywood.