The Daily Jewel: 6/10/18

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

2018 COUTURE Design Awards Announced at this High-Energy Event

from a Press Release

2018 COUTURE Design Awards Announced

Anticipation, Community, and Artistry

were Predominant at this High-Energy Event

A high-level of anticipation and a strong sense of community filled the Encore Theater last night for the announcement of the finalists and winners of the 2018 COUTURE Design Awards. 15awards were presented, including Editors’ Choice and Peoples’ Choice.

COUTURE Director Gannon Brousseau greeted the packed house from the stage, “Welcome to another annual COUTURE Design Awards! No matter how many times I'm up here, it never gets less thrilling and it's always more humbling! In fact, the longer I get to know the incredible people in this community, and the more I learn about what it is you do, I am increasingly in awe of all of you.”

The judges this year...

Adam Gorman of I. Gorman in Washington DC
Jill Newman is the editor of Muse by Robb Report
Laura Freedman, the owner of Broken English
Victor Velyan, Jewelry Designer
Will Kahn, Accessories Director, Town & Country

DEBUTING:

WINNER - VRAM

1st Runner Up - Moksh Fine Unseen Jewels

2nd Runner Up - Noor Fares

"It took a long time, and it took no time, to get here,” enthused Vram Minassian from Vram upon receiving his Best in Debuting at COUTURE Award. “The support the last three days has been incredible, and this is the cherry on top. Thank you so much."

EDITOR'S CHOICE:

WINNER - Fernando Jorge

1st Runner Up - Muse X Gemfields

2nd Runner Up - Sheryl Lowe

In accepting his award for Editors’ Choice, Fernando Jorge emoted, "From the editors that have so much knowledge, that we love, that are working hard to promote our works, to open doors and opportunities for us. I thank each one of you. I also want to thank the COUTURE community. And this is becoming a tradition; I want to thank Stephen Webster, for bringing me here 7 years ago.”

SILVER:

WINNER - HEATHER B. MOORE

1st Runner Up - Nancy Newberg

2nd Runner Up - Konstantino

Upon accepting her award for Best in Silver, Heather B. Moore gave an impassioned speech about what this winning piece symbolized, “I travel with my kids around the world, I’m on a quest to make sure they see everything they can. When we were in Africa, we were touched by the animals we needed to protect. Inside of this bracelet is high-polished so you can see your reflection, and it says ‘The Tipping Point.’ We are all leaders in our communities and our actions are very important and we all need to give back!”

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