Designer Xiao Wang is one of 12 designers, and one of three jewelry designers, selected to participate in the Made in NY initiative.
New York--Three New York City jewelry designers are among the artisans being recognized for producing their collections in the city.
The New York City Economic Development Center for Urban Innovation has partnered with trade show Designers & Agents on a project called Made in NY: Fashion Initiatives to raise awareness about manufacturing locally in New York City and to support the artists who do.
Made in NY chose 12 brands based and produced in the Big Apple from a pool of applicants.
The selected companies, three of which make jewelry, earn a fully subsidized spot at the upcoming D&A tradeshow from Sept. 17 to 19 at the Starrett Lehigh building and Cedar Lake venue in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
“The goal of the D&A: Made in NY Collective is to allow fashion designers who design and manufacture in New York City the opportunity to reach a wider retail audience through D&A’s market week tradeshow,” said Kate Daly, senior vice president of the New York City Economic Development Center for Urban Innovation.
“The fashion and design industry is instrumental to New York City’s economy, employing more than 182,000 people, generating $11.6 billion in wages and $1.4 billion in tax revenues annually,” she added.
D&A’s managing director, Meryl Mandelbaum, noted the advantages designers have by producing their work locally.
“Producing in NYC allows designers to obtain outstanding quality and to have accessibility and input throughout the production cycle,” said Mandelbaum. “These designers are part of such a long-standing tradition of the fine design and refined craftsmanship associated with NYC production.”
Xiao Wang, Sabre Jewelry and Dan-yell Jewelry were the three jewelry brands chosen to participate in the initiative.
This is the “Gravity” ring from Xiao Wang. Wang is a buzzed-about designer who launched her line to much acclaim in 2014. She is stocked at retailers like Twist, Broken English and Just One Eye. Wang’s design style is organic and off-kilter, featuring natural color diamonds set in recycled 14- or 18-karat gold.
The designer, who is inspired by pop art, manga and traveling, said that giving back to the local economy is a priority for her.
“I love producing in New York because I have great quality control,” Wang said. “Working directly with setters and casters makes sure my designs are translated exactly the way I envisioned.”
A trio of styles from Sabre Jewelry, designed by Lana Ogilvie
Sabre Jewelry is designed by Lana Ogilvie, originally from Canada.
Ogilvie officially launched her line a year and a half ago. She works mainly in silver and vermeil, sometimes incorporating black diamonds.
“Nature informs a lot of my work,” explained Ogilvie of her first collection. “The pieces are very organic and look almost as though the metal was worked by hand.”
Ogilvie has a fine arts background and studied jewelry making in New York. Though she likes to make as much of her jewelry by hand as possible, costs and time constraints make outsourcing part of her production the best route.
“I think that because the finish is so particular in my collection, I really need to be able to sit with someone as it’s done,” said Ogilvie of the importance of producing locally. “If I don’t finish the piece myself I really have to watch or it becomes overly polished and loses the whole feel of the work. Having (production) all local allows me to control the quality of the work. Quality is the most important thing to me.”
A smattering of delicate jewels from designer Danyell Roscoe, of Dan-yell Jewelry
Danyell Roscoe, the Brooklyn-based designer of Dan-yell Jewelry, launched in 2014, noted how lucky she felt to be able to produce her jewelry in her adopted home city.
“Being able to learn, source, and produce in the same city and country is beyond a blessing, and being able to somehow contribute, in my small way, to the artistry, diversity and weirdness that drew me to New York in the first place is amazing,” she said. “I love to be a part of the ongoing creative energy.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.
