Fostering Sustainable Creativity in Jewelry Design
Launched in November 2024, the Award is the result of a collaboration between Kering, CIBJO: The World Jewellery Confederation, and Poli.Design, Politecnico di Milano, which oversaw the scientific direction. The goal: to encourage emerging talent to rethink jewelry design through the lens of sustainability and innovation.
This year’s theme, “Second Chance, First Choice,” challenged contestants to reimagine waste materials as the foundation for new creations. Designers were asked to craft individual pieces or collections that breathe new life into discarded resources combining creative ingenuity with sustainable intent. The competition attracted 22 startups and students from 10 prestigious design schools and institutions around the globe.
Celebrating the Winners of Tomorrow
The student award went to Lee Min Seo, a jewelry and metalwork student at Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea, for her bold and thoughtful design approach.
In the startup category, the award was presented to Ianyan, China’s first curator-style retail brand for independent jewelry designers. Ianyan was honored for its innovative, socially conscious business model and artistic vision.
The event was further elevated by the strong backing of Kering’s jewelry maisons: Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, and Qeelin underscoring the Group’s long-standing dedication to sustainable practices and responsible innovation across its entire jewelry ecosystem.
Empowering Careers Through Recognition and Mentorship
Both winners will receive a tailored mentorship with academic and industry experts from Politecnico di Milano, helping them refine their practice and build professional networks. Their work will be featured by Kering at the JCK Show and across global media platforms, highlighting their contribution to sustainable luxury.
Additionally, student winner Lee Min Seo will be offered a professional internship within one of Kering’s prestigious jewelry Houses; an opportunity to turn creative promise into real-world impact.
Recognizing Excellence and Impact
The award trophies, designed by Yi Design: previous winner of the Kering Generation Award in China were presented by Professor Alba Cappellieri, Head of Jewelry and Accessories Design at Politecnico di Milano; Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer; and Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO.
This initiative reinforces Kering’s conviction that the future of luxury must be shaped at the intersection of creativity, ethics, and sustainability.
Driving Industry Change Through Talent
“With the Kering Generation Award X Jewelry, we want to uplift emerging talents who are reshaping the jewelry world through responsible design and creative excellence. The exceptional work of Lee Min Seo and Ianyan proves that sustainable innovation is not just a possibility; it’s already becoming reality. I also extend my warmest congratulations to all the finalists, whose dedication and imagination are paving the way for a more sustainable industry.” Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, Kering
“CIBJO represents the full spectrum of the global jewelry supply chain. I’m honored to support Kering in this meaningful initiative, which sets a new benchmark for sustainable progress in our field. The winning projects stand as proof of the transformation underway.”
Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO
Article source : https://www.kering.com/en/news/kering-hosts-the-inaugural-kering-generation-award-x-jewelry-ceremony-in-las-vegas/
