CFDA Brings Out Top Jewelry Talent

New York--Of the 508 designers that are current members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, an impressive 82 are jewelers, and 16 of them were present to display their work to press and buyers this week at the third annual CFDA fine jewelry showcase.

The showcase was held at the Samsung 837 venue in downtown Manhattan.

Sharon Khazzam, Stephen Dweck, Nicholas Varney, Coomi Bhasin of Coomi and Brooke Garber Neidich of Sidney Garber were some of the designers present with their newest collections.

Perhaps more than the brand exposure, designers seemed to appreciate the connections made with their fellow artists.

“I love and appreciate the camaraderie that the CFDA offers, allowing us, as individual designers, to meet, share and laugh together--people with whom otherwise we may not have met,” said Khazzam, the Great Neck, New York-based designer who has been creating her eponymous line since 1993.

Nicholas Varney, a fellow New York state-based designer, echoed Khazzam’s feelings.

“I like the creative conversation and the overwhelming optimism jewelers have as a whole,” he said.

Khazzam continued, “This community helps all our businesses in terms of healthy idea exchange, without rivalry or fear of competition. It is actually quite refreshing.”

The CFDA was established in the 1960s as a not-for-profit organization.

In addition to holding its annual awards, the CFDA owns the Fashion Calendar and hosts men’s New York Fashion Week. It is also home to a series of initiatives that support designers, including its Fashion Incubator and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

This year, the council merged its fine jewelry and eyewear previews, with 15 eyewear designers present at the showcase. It was the second year that eyewear designers have been shown.

“Showcasing CFDA’s jewelry and eyewear designers under one roof at Samsung 837 allows us to make a strong statement for accessories and our growing membership in the category,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the CFDA.

The other jewelry brands who participated in the showcase were: Anndra Neen, Dannijo, Ex Ovo, John Brevard, Lulu Frost, Mimi So, Mish New York, Robert Lee Morris, Scosha, Title of Work and Zadeh.