by Monica Oproiu

The January 2015 edition of Vicenzaoro, the leading Italian exhibition in the jewellery sector, took place between 23rd and 28th of January, in none other than Vicenza. It marked the debut of a new concept for The Boutique Show, which received unanimous appreciation from exhibitors, buyers and visitors alike. The theme of the 2015 edition was “The Future, Now”, chosen to herald in a new era for international jewellery trade shows which better meets the dynamic requirements and demands of the international jewellery sector.

Magerit

The new format entailed an innovative rearrangement of exhibition itineraries through the creation of clearly recognisable unified company communities, clustered according to their reference values, market positioning, production type, distribution systems and overall image. The result was six districts – Icon, Look, Creation, Expression, Essence and Evolution – which provided a complete display of offers and trends in the global market. It also helped buyers identify more easily the most appropriate target companies in line with their individual profiles.

The result of the new theme and organising concept was clear: a 13% increase in the number of buyers compared to the 2014 edition, reaching 18,532 buyers. The number of foreign traders also increased 8% compared to the previous year, reaching 8,361 from 122 countries. Importantly, the 18% increase in the number of Italian traders - reaching 10,171 participants - sent the optimistic message of the Italian domestic market’s possible recovery.

Roberto Coin (left), Isabelle Langlois (center), Mathon Paris (right)

The show was also designed as a platform for disseminating information and raising awareness of the sector’s main trends. It was accomplished through a series of seminars and events covering diverse topics like: best practices for social responsibility, jewellery trend forecasting, technology and innovation in the jewellery industry, sale strategies, 3D printing, transparency and traceability of the jewellery trade, etc.

One of the main highlights was the exhibition “Timeless seduction. Corals and cameos, a mix of modernity and memory”, curated by Cristina Del Mare and organised by Assocoral, the national association of manufacturers of coral, cameos and associated products in collaboration with Fiera di Vicenza.

Another one was the introduction of an area dedicated to TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting, the first Observatory identifying trends and consumer attitudes in the jewellery, diamond and watch world.

Palmiero (left & right), Paolo Piovan (center)

As an added incentive, Vicenzaoro January provided the chance to visit the recently inaugurated Museo del Gioiello (Jewellery Museum) in the Basilica Palladiana. The project - developed by Fiera di Vicenza in partnership with the Vicenza Council - is the first Museum in Italy and one of only a few in the world exclusively dedicated to jewellery. A carefully organised visit for the participating journalists at Vicenzaoro was marked by the privilege of having Alba Cappelieri herself - the Director of the Museum and Professor of Jewelery Design at the Polytechnic of Milan – as a most graceful and patient guide. Nine exhibition rooms, curated by international experts, are dedicated to some of the numerous perspectives by which jewellery can be studied in its overwhelming complexity: as Symbol, Magic, Function, Beauty, Art, Fashion, Design, Icons and, of course, the Future.

Mattioli (left), De Simone Fratelli (right)

As the first international jewellery show of the year, Vicenzaoro January confirmed its importance as a business hub for global gold and jewellery market trends. Matteo Marzotto, President of Fiera di Vicenza, declared at the end of the show: «We are extremely pleased with the results of this edition of VICENZAORO January 2015 and above all, with the positive feedback on our new format that we received from the exhibitors, buyers and the media. With VICENZAORO the Boutique Show, we firmly believe that we have opened up new prospects for the entire global gold and jewellery industry».

Roberto Coin (1), Casato (2), Joïa (3), Bohemme(4)

Wild fauna-inspired pieces continued to dominate the trends, from fierce lions, tigers and panthers to slithery snakes, lizards and crocodiles. Jewellery items depicting mysterious underwater creatures and surprising elephant paws were a rare distraction among the many feline and reptilian motifs. Delicate flowers and butterflies set with precious and semi-precious stones were omnipresent, as usual. Finally, animal details like wings, feathers or claws completed the natural pantheon featured in numerous collections. Stunning diamonds and coloured gems of every sort complemented increasingly sophisticated designs. Lavish Art Deco–inspired pieces and intricate geometrical designs set the tone for a dazzling new season. Coral jewellery and ornamental objects confirmed once again the Italian mastery of coral carvings. Also, with a few weeks before Valentine’s Day, some colections featured a range of hearts and other love motifs.

Rebecca (left), Pasquale Bruni (right)

Stefan Hafner

Stefan Hafner launched its new line Aria as the second in a trilogy dedicated to natural elements. Following the Acqua collection, Aria is a dynamic line, whose distinctive feature is the oval cut of the gems (diamonds, smoky quartz, blue sapphires and precious topaz) and an extremely contemporary use of colours.

Roma 1947

Better Silver launched Roma 1947, its third own-brand during a lavish event attended by the management of the Fiera di Vicenza. The Intrecci collection evokes the atmosphere of la dolce vitta, at Cinecittà and in Via Veneto, with a contemporary twist, in a reworked Baroque style, and features gold plated bronze and silver earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets with zircons.

World Diamond Group

The World Diamond Group not only amazed the participants with its incredible diamond Olive Tree, but also launched two new colections. The first, Damelise, boasted a contemporary design, strict lines and a significant uniqueness of colour, while the second, DLuce had a more classical feeling, featuring traditional precious stones or custom-cut diamonds.

Argenesi

Last but certainly not least, the Italian silver brand Argenesi launched its new generation of music amplifiers Argenesi® SOUND TOUCH. The innovative Silvan Sputtering Ag technology allows to elegantly conciliate pure silver with other kinds of materials, without hiding their natural beauty or producing any kind of waste during the procedure.

Sutra

After redesigning VicenzaOro’s format for the winter show, Fiera di Vicenza’s subsequent bet was the first edition of Vicenzaoro Dubai, organised in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre during April 23rd-26th. Promoted through a Road show in Saudi Arabia, Vicenzaoro Dubai added to an already exciting calendar for the international trade fairs in gold and jewellery. For Fiera di Vicenza, success is indeed the only accepted outcome.

www.vicenzaoro.com