ROSIE SANDERS CROWNED ‘NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR’ AT THE UK JEWELLERY AWARDS 2015
Rosie Sanders has been named ‘New Designer of the Year’ at the UK Jewellery Awards 2015. The award was presented by radio & TV presenter George Lamb in front of 700 industry guests at a ceremony held at the Tower of London on 17 June.
Rosie was one of seven short listed designers selected to present her work to a panel of industry judges, including top London independent retail owner Jos Skeates of ECOne, Ruth Faulkner, Editor of Retail Jeweller, Lindsey Straughton of the British Jewellers Association (BJA), Jo Henderson Director of JHJC and Vanessa Burkitt, Director of Catherine Jones of Cambridge.
Rosie impressed the judges with her brand of neoclassical couture: Neoclassically inspired luxury jewellery with a contemporary feminine edge and the development of her signature collection, Renaissance Rebel. The collection is comprised of three parts that draw inspiration from the life and style of Madame de Pompadour, the 18th century French courtesan at King Louis XV’s court.
They feature a variety of high fashion catwalk statement pieces alongside a range of everyday luxury pieces. Rosie’s work was selected for its unique feminine aesthetic, its handmade in London ethos, luxurious finish and the variety of specialist materials and techniques used including precious metals, enamel, reclaimed exotic hardwoods and gemstones.
On the development of her brand, Rosie explains, “I am interested in the process of finding something extremely modern through something very historical. I’m fascinated by how the foundations of one era are based on another, how the future of fashion, identity and power builds on the past.”
The title of New Designer Of the Year is the jewel in the crown for Rosie after an amazing 2 years since launching on International Women’s Day in March 2013. In 2014 Rosie won the BJA Cocktail Rings On The Catwalk award and was nominated for the Professional Jeweller Hot 100 in the NEXTGEM category. In 2015 Rosie became a member of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) and exhibited a statement piece from her latest couture collection, Nautilus II, at the Goldsmiths Craft & Design exhibition at Goldsmiths Hall in London.
Commenting on the event, Retail Jeweller editor Ruth Faulkner said: “The UK Jewellery Awards remains the only awards for the industry, judged by the industry and competition this year was extremely tough with a record number of entries received. Those who were crowned winners really are the very best at what they do and should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. The Tower of London provided a superb backdrop for the awards this year and guests all had a great night.”
