Unlike some European trade fairs, Italy’s VicenzaOro is thriving. Here’s why.
While many trade fairs are seeing declines in exhibitors and attendees, VicenzaOro appears to be bucking the trend. The Italian gold jewelry fair takes over the Vicenza fairgrounds Jan. 18–23, when the show expects to welcome more than 1,500 brands from 36 countries (nearly three times the watch and jewelry exhibitors expected at Baselworld in Switzerland next March).
Marco Carniello, division director of jewelry and fashion at the Italian Exhibition Group, organizers of the fair, attributes the growth to changes set forth in 2015, when VicenzaOro introduced its Boutique Show format. “We split all the exhibitors into different communities based on their products, and we also started to target the high-end jewelry sector,” Carniello says.
The changes include a series of talks, dubbed “Visio.Next,” that debuted at the show’s September edition—the topic on tap in January is sustainability—and the 2-year-old Design Room, which will feature 16 independent jewelers from around the world, including Paris-based Lydia Courteille.
The show’s core established exhibitors are equally focused on innovation. For example, Pesavento, a made-in-Italy brand new to the U.S. market, will showcase its signature silver and gold vermeil styles featuring experimental finishes. Prepare to veni, vidi, vici!
Polvere di Sogni braided cuffs in 18k rose gold vermeil with dark brown and black Polvere finish; $435–$550; Pesavento; 914-289-0206; pesaventojewelry.com