Luxury group Kering has unveiled its latest initiative in sustainable innovation with the launch of "Kering Generation Award X Jewelry," marking a significant step towards transforming the jewelry industry's approach to sustainability and innovation. The award, developed in partnership with CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation) and scientifically coordinated by Poli.Design - Politecnico di Milano, represents an ambitious expansion of Kering's existing award program into the jewelry sector.
Under the compelling theme "Second Chance, First Choice," this pioneering initiative brings together talented students from ten prestigious universities and innovative start-ups to reimagine the future of sustainable jewelry design. The program challenges participants to transform waste materials into valuable jewelry pieces, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship while addressing crucial environmental concerns.
The competition draws strength from the collaborative involvement of Kering's prestigious jewelry houses - Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin - alongside academic excellence from Poli.Design - Politecnico di Milano. This unique partnership creates a powerful platform where education meets industry expertise, fostering innovation at the intersection of luxury and sustainability.
The competition structure reflects Kering's commitment to nurturing both emerging talent and entrepreneurial innovation. Each participating university will submit a minimum of three projects, with students receiving dedicated mentorship from local professors throughout their development process. Simultaneously, start-ups will present their innovative solutions, creating a dynamic ecosystem of creative sustainability solutions.
The culmination of this initiative will take place at JCK, one of the world's premier jewelry trade events, in June 2025. Four finalists - two from the student category and two from the start-up category - will present their projects to a distinguished jury, showcasing their vision for sustainable luxury jewelry.
Professor Alba Cappellieri, Head of Jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and scientific coordinator of the Awards, emphasizes the program's role in aligning beauty with ethics. The initiative creates a collaborative platform that celebrates both creativity and sustainability, inviting participants to shape the future of sustainable jewelry through innovation and design excellence.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering's Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, highlights the award's significance in advancing sustainability and innovation within the jewelry industry. She emphasizes the importance of fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness to drive meaningful industry transformation.
This expansion into jewelry builds upon Kering's successful history of sustainability initiatives. Since joining the "Plug and Play - Fashion for Good" accelerator in 2017, Kering has consistently demonstrated its commitment to identifying and supporting sustainable innovations. The Group's previous launches of Generation Awards in China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have already created significant impact in their respective regions.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in Kering's ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the luxury sector, creating a platform where academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry expertise converge to shape the future of sustainable jewelry design.
Kering
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