Metal + Smith Is Coming Back to NYC in Jan., May

The trade show is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9 and again on May 9.

Ashley Davis Ashley.Davis@nationaljeweler.com

Pictured here is a tableau from Metal + Smith’s inaugural event held in September. The jewelry is by designer Liz Smith.

New York--Those who enjoyed Metal + Smith’s “not a trade show” format the first time around are in luck, as the event gears up for a second and third showing in New York City.

Metal + Smith is returning to the Mercantile Annex in Manhattan (this time at Mercantile Annex 38), with a show planned for January 9, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and another planned for May 9.

Last September, Metal + Smith debuted, playing host to approximately 50 designers, many of whom had never participated in any type of trade show.

To prevent what show organizers say is the inevitable show burnout, Metal + Smith is held on one day only and limits its number of designers to the aforementioned 50. Whereas trade shows can feel overwhelming and easy to get lost in, Metal + Smith’s organizers says its goal is to be manageable and personal.

These earrings are by Envie Simaya, who will be exhibiting at the January edition of Metal + Smith.

Swati Dhanak, the designer of this ring, will also be new to Metal + Smith’s January event.

A design by Two of Most, another Metal + Smith first-timer

National Jeweler chatted with Metal + Smith Vice President of Exhibitor Relations Olivia Lucas ahead of the upcoming January event.

National Jeweler: Can you explain a bit about the niche that Metal + Smith is filling in the jewelry trade show market?

Olivia Lucas: Metal + Smith is first and foremost an experience: a place our guests can slow down, enjoy a glass of champagne, and get to know our designers.

Jewelry should start a conversation and the largest niche we fill is bringing a platform supportive of real interaction, which exhibitors and guests seem to appreciate.

There is no sense of urgency, no mile-long corridor to walk; it’s clean and uncomplicated, an invitation to take your time.

NJ: Will there be any changes from the first show?

OL: September’s launch was a wonderful starting point. We were so humbled by the level of excitement, especially from industry veterans.

Since we are new to this space, I personally like to work very closely with our exhibitors to ensure we give them all the support we can to make showing at Metal & Smith worthwhile. I want to know what is working, what isn’t working, and while the core of our experience will remain intimate, minimal and interactive, there are always opportunities for improvement.

NJ: Will you keep to the same number of exhibitors? How many spots have you opened for new exhibitors?

OL: Roughly 70 percent of the exhibitors (roughly 35 out of 50) for January will be new. It is important

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given our size to evolve our assortment with each event. This means assembling a mixture of new and exciting designers alongside established talent within the entry-, mid-, and high fine jewelry category.

Each space will never hold more than 50 brands.

NJ: Are there any new exhibitors whom you are particularly excited about?

OL: It’s so hard to choose, we have such amazing brands this January.

We are excited to see collections from new exhibitors like Two of Most, Envie Simaya, and Swati Dhanak. We also have Jessie VE who is coming from the U.K., which is an international market we look forward to including in the future.

Returning exhibitors like Julie Lamb, Roule & Co, and Onirikka are always cooking up something new so we are excited to see their tables too.

For information on attending Metal + Smith, e-mail Olivia at olivia@metalandsmith.com.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.