Tiffany unveils Jewelry Designer Award with CFDA

Tiffany has unveiled a fresh new LVMH group honor, the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award created in conjunction with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, US fashion’s governing body.

A prize invented to recognize outstanding American jewelry designers committed to driving inclusivity within the design industry, and elevating jewelry design as its own category akin to womenswear and menswear, the New York based brand explained in a release.
 
The winning designer will receive a yearlong fellowship within Tiffany & Co.’s design department, along with a $50,000 award. While other participants will be granted mentorship and an immersive learning experience, delving into the environments that nurture the House’s legacy of inventiveness and unparalleled craftsmanship.

The application process for the 2024 program kicked off on Monday, July 29, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 16, 2024. Participants will be announced in the fall and the award recipient will be announced in early 2025.
 
“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.” said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial, Tiffany & Co. Alexandre is the middle of the five children Bernard Arnault, the controlling shareholder of luxury behemoth, and Tiffany owner, LVMH.
 
Added Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA: “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.”
 
Creative awards are a feature of many LVMH activities. It’s LVMH Prize – dreamed up by Arnault’s daughter Delphine – for young fashion designers is one of the most watched in the industry, while its Spanish label’s Loewe Craft Prize celebrates diverse artisanal excellence. Earlier this year, the conglomerate also launched the LVMH Watch Prize, unveiled in Paris in February of by Frederique Arnault, Bernard’s fourth son.
 
Designed to foster the next generation of American jewelry designers, they can apply on the CFDA website. 
 
Tiffany hopes each participant will embody the core pillars of creative excellence, inventiveness and extraordinary savoir faire synonymous with Tiffany since its establishment in 1837. This also reflect CFDA’s mission to strengthen American fashion globally by amplifying creative excellence, business longevity and positive impact since its establishment in 1963.
 
Besides Alexandre, the 2024 Selection Committee includes Bethann Hardison, CFDA Board Member & Advocate; Frank Everett, Vice Chairman, Jewelry, Sotheby’s; Gabrielle Union, actress, producer & best-selling author; Jason Wu, founder, CEO and CFDA Member; Joan Smalls, supermodel & actress; and Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany’s chief artistic officer, Jewelry and High Jewelry.
 
Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, the brand is America’s most prestigious jewelry marque. And, after Arnault acquired Tiffany following a contentious $16 billion takeover in 2021, it’s most valuable jeweler.
 
With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 14,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories.