JCKstyle - January 12, 2007
Move over Italy, Brazil, and Germany. Israeli designers, long lost in the shuffle of countries looking for global exposure, are making a move toward international exposure. A newly formed group of Israeli jewelers named—appropriately enough—the Holy Land Group aims to introduce Israeli designs to folks beyond their borders.
HLG comprises eight Israeli jewelry designers whose work, in sterling silver and karat gold, is made in the Holy Land. The artists banded together out of a need for marketing help. "It's hard to design the jewelry and make it and market it—it's too much," says Lisa Kuperman, vice president, Ari Kuperman. Enter another Israeli, HLG co-founder and sales and marketing director, Jay Kohn, to help solve their dilemma. Kohn takes HLG jewelry to trade shows in various American markets, including Miami and Orlando, Fla., to strike up new business. HLG debuts at the upcoming New York International Gift Fair.
Store owners who're uneasy buying from unknowns should know that HLG members already have multiple retail accounts on their home turf. By branching out overseas, HLG aims to introduce Americans to their Eastern Mediterranean themes and motifs, including doves for peace and the pomegranate fruit for righteousness. Oxidized silver, swirls, and beading are other "typically Israeli" looks, says Kuperman. A goal for members: Get some orders.
"British and American designers are very safe," notes Kuperman. "That safety has to do with their general public and what they buy. But here in Israel, it's so diverse that anything goes."
For more information about HLG, log onto its Web site at www.hlgjewelry.com.
Weekly Gem
It's time again for the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Awards, where a few fine jewelry designers are ever hopeful of nabbing the award for their category. This year's contenders are Amrita Singh, Christine J. Brandt, Coomi Bhasin of Coomi, Chhaya Kapadia of Maya Jewels, Ceava Kats of Soho Enamel, and Yupadee Kobkul-Boonsiri of Grunberger Jewelers. Perhaps the Academy Awards of the fashion world, this honor comes with lots of accolades and attention, but no gold statue (they get crystal ones).
