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Couture DAC Opens Applications for Next Class of Mentees
BIPOC designers can apply for a spot in the mentorship program’s third cohort until Oct. 8.
The outgoing cohort, The Luminaries by Couture, pictured here, will finish out its year and assist with the selection of the incoming class.
New York—The Couture Diversity Action Council (DAC) has opened its application window for the next cohort in its mentorship program.
The two-year program is designed to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers access and guidance in the fine jewelry industry through one-on-one mentorship, community resources, and education.
Participants have the opportunity to attend the annual Couture show in an observational capacity in the first year, and in the second year, they may be offered the chance to exhibit their collections.
“Our DAC mentorship program aims to identify the best and brightest of BIPOC talent and utilize our combined resources to provide the education, access, and information necessary for their success,” said Eric Ford, precious jewelry buyer for Neiman Marcus and head of the DAC.
“The fine jewelry industry already has a high barrier for entry, and while it is that much more challenging for those from marginalized communities, we firmly believe that these voices deserve to be heard. By pairing designers with mentors who complement their strengths, and providing education from experts in their fields in group sessions, we not only arm them with information, we also create opportunities for these individuals to expand their network and their community.”
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The two-year program is designed to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers access and guidance in the fine jewelry industry through one-on-one mentorship, community resources, and education.
Participants have the opportunity to attend the annual Couture show in an observational capacity in the first year, and in the second year, they may be offered the chance to exhibit their collections.
“Our DAC mentorship program aims to identify the best and brightest of BIPOC talent and utilize our combined resources to provide the education, access, and information necessary for their success,” said Eric Ford, precious jewelry buyer for Neiman Marcus and head of the DAC.
“The fine jewelry industry already has a high barrier for entry, and while it is that much more challenging for those from marginalized communities, we firmly believe that these voices deserve to be heard. By pairing designers with mentors who complement their strengths, and providing education from experts in their fields in group sessions, we not only arm them with information, we also create opportunities for these individuals to expand their network and their community.”
The program is in its third cycle.
The current cohort, The Luminaries by Couture, will continue to receive direction and guidance via mentors and education sessions through the end of this year, as well as taking part in Zoom meetings with select designers from The Radiance by Couture, the culmination of the DAC’s first mentorship program in 2020.
The Luminaries by Couture are, from left to right, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z Fine Jewelry, Sasha Flynn of Adore-Adorn, Casey Perez, Alexia Connellan, Bliss Lau, and Ama McKinley of Ilium Wing. The seventh DAC mentee, Ope Omojola of Octave Jewelry, continues to be a part of the program but did not participate in Couture this year.
The outgoing cohort will also be part of the selection process for the incoming mentees.
Couture’s DAC was formed in the summer of 2020 in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the nationwide calls for racial justice, and more diversity and equity in all fields.
Comprised of retailers, designers, press, and other industry insiders, DAC focuses on addressing the issues of systemic and institutionalized racism that have contributed to the lack of diversity in the fine jewelry industry.
Its mission is to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry through programs that support BIPOC individuals throughout the jewelry supply chain.
A complete list of DAC members is available here.
To apply for the next DAC mentorship program, click here.
Applications will be reviewed by the full council and then narrowed to a smaller group, which will be interviewed by committee before the final selection of mentees.
The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 8.
For more information about the DAC mentorship program, to schedule an interview with DAC decision makers, or to volunteer as a mentor and/or expert speaker, please contact Michelle Orman at (646) 302-5521 or via email at Michelle@LastWordComm.com.
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