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INDUSTRY NEWS: CELEBRITIES IN PALLADIUM, DEF WOWS IN HONG KONG, MORE September 28, 2011 (0 comments)

Palladium’s Very Buzz-y Month

Billings, MT—The newly reinvigorated Palladium Alliance International (PAI) has been creating buzz this month. From the launch of its new consumer campaign, which includes print, digital and social media exposure, to rocking both runway and red carpet, PAI is increasing consumer awareness of the white metal. 

Its consumer campaign features spreads with three separate celebrities, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Osbourne, and Rose McGowan. To add to the traditional print advertising exposure, PAI created a large presence at New York Fashion Week last week, showcasing nearly 10 designers at events such as Gen Art Fresh Faces, the Ruffian runway show, and the New York premier of “I Don’t Know How She Does It.” Celebrities, including Christina Hendricks, Jessica Szohr, Kelly Rutherford, Erica Christensen, Rose McGowan, Jordin Sparks, Bar Refaeli and Beverly Johnson all were sporting palladium jewelry.

Palladium jewelry on the runway at the Ruffian fashion show in New York.

Less than a week later, palladium popped up again, this time on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards. E! Fashion Police hosts Kelly Osbourne and Giulianna Rancic spoke about the stunning palladium pieces they chose for the night, then moved right into the red carpet coverage, which featured palladium jewelry by Andrew Meyer, Simon G., Todd Reed and Zeghani by Simon.  Palladium jewelry again graced Christina Hendricks, named one of People.com’s top 10 best-dressed females of the night, and Emmy award winner Juliana Margulies, top left, who wore 10 ct. t.w. diamond stud earrings set in palladium. Ashlee Simpson and Ariel Winter also chose palladium jewelry for their big night out. 

  

Ashlee Simpson wears Todd Reed's palladium earrings, left, while Kelly Rutherford, right, opts for Andrew Meyer's palladium and diamond cuff and earrings.

 

Charity Gala Nets Over $1 million for DEF

Hong Kong—At the fittingly named Diamond Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton here, the ‘Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong’ gala successfully raised over U.S. $2.5 million dollars to benefit both the China Charity Federation (CCF) and the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF).

Event co-chairs Dr. Henry Cheng, vice chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group, and Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), joined forces with honorary co-chairs Li Bengong, CCF vice president, and DEF co-founder and advisory board chairman Russell Simmons to support social causes in Africa and China.

The international gathering was in aid of both DEF’s and CCF’s shared mission to empower the economically disadvantaged in, respectively, Africa (DEF), where diamonds are a natural resource, and China (CCF), the fastest-growing diamond purchasing market. 

A live auction, MC’d by Tim Dabson of DTC, raised U.S. $700,000 with lots consisting of diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook, and an exclusive selection of celebrity experiences including travel packages, dining packages, sports packages, and a unique one-day fashion photo-shoot in New York with DEF Angel Rahma M.

From left, DEF Angel Rahma M., former governing board president Ben Chavis, current governing board president Phyllis Bergman, board member Anna Martin, DEF co-founder and advisory board chair Russell Simmons, executive director Nancy Orem Lyman, and board member Yancy Weinrich.

“CCF is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event. Apart from raising money, it will also help sustain the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, which is the foundation of CCF,” said Li Bengong.

“We are grateful for Chow Tai Fook’s leadership in being the main sponsor of this hugely successful fund raiser last night in Hong Kong.  The money raised will go a really long way towards benefitting the youth in Africa that DEF supports!” added Russell Simmons.

Cynthia Carroll, chief executive of Anglo American PLC and Dr. Cheng Yu-tung, chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group, were honored for their efforts in improving the lives of individuals in China and Africa.

 

Couture and UBM Announce Couture India

New York, NY—Couture is pleased to announce the launch of Couture India, a pavilion of luxury designers and brands serving the domestic Indian market. The pavilion will be a component of UBM India’s inaugural Mumbai Jewellery and Gem Fair, set for December 9-11 at the Mumbai Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India. 

“Couture is expanding its mission to bring our leading designers to emerging markets throughout the world,” said Chris Casey, vice president of Couture. “The growth of the affluent Indian consumer and their increased interest in global design makes Mumbai the logical first step in bringing 'Couture design' to other markets.”

“UBM India believes that the combination of our local market knowledge in combination with the global brand reach of Couture will create a unique opportunity to introduce global brands to the Indian market,” said Shamal Pote, UBM India Project Director – Jewelry.

Brands interested in an exhibition package including a fully built show floor salon, hosted buyer events with key domestic retailers and wholesalers, and full accommodation and transportation in Mumbai, should contact Chris Casey, chris.casey@nielsen.com.