An up-and-coming Canadian designer is among JCK’s first-ever Kickstarter Class.
Sophia Chai of Georgian College in Barrie, Ont., is one of seven students chosen to make their debut at JCK Las Vegas in June.
“When I heard I had been selected to participate in the Kickstarter Class, it took a few seconds for it to register in my mind,” Chai tells Jewellery Business. “The first thing I did after the news sank in was call my mother to tell her.”
Held during JCK Las Vegas in the re-imagined Design Center, Kickstarter was created as a platform to launch the next generation of designers. Student designers were chosen by the design advisory board to showcase their work and receive complimentary showcase space. The students will also benefit from a mentorship program focusing on the next generation.
Chai says she has never been to JCK and has been researching it to get a feel for what to exhibit.
“I find it slightly difficult to prepare because I’ve never had the chance to experience anything remotely close to this,” she says. “As for the pieces that will be shown, I want to present my best work and jewellery I enjoyed making and made well. These will be the ones that represent my style and esthetic the best.”
The Kickstarter Class also includes:
- Maneli Sarmadi of Savannah College of Art & Design;
- Katherine Dannenberg of Rochester Institute of Technology;
- Olivia Shih of California College of the Arts;
- Vicky Lew of Central St. Martins;
- Lizz Roberts of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM); and
- Lisa Krulaski from the Pratt Institute.
“We are extremely excited about the new Design Center, which will be a pathway to success for emerging designers,” said Katie Dominesey, industry vice-president, JCK.
“Our Kickstarter phase is essentially capturing these designers in their infancy and bringing them up through the system. Our resident designers, which include brands, such as Sydney Lynch and Michael John Jewelry, have paved the way for designer talent and shine as beacons of the Design Center. These veterans will undoubtedly have a hand in mentoring the future generations and benefiting from their influence, as well. We couldn’t be happier with the way the Design Center is shaping up and excited for everyone to see it have its moment.”
JCK Las Vegas runs from June 3 to 6 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
