 
New York--Couture is putting fine jewelry on the radar of fashion editors this week via a special exhibit that will appear in the main hall of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Through a first-time alliance with IMG, which produces Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Couture will unveil the "Couture Fine Jewelry Exhibition," featuring the designs of seven brands that represent the best in high-end jewelry design, Couture show organizers said in a press release. The exhibit is designed to attract editors, stylists and retailers to not only view the pieces but to delve deeper and consider reinforcing the connection between the two industries--fashion and jewelry--in their editorial spreads and merchandising assortments.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, which has in past years been held inside "the tents" at Bryant Park, will debut in its new home at Lincoln Center, running from Sept. 9 through Sept. 16. While fashion and fine jewelry have been incorporated to greater and lesser degrees on Fashion Week runways in past years, the Couture exhibit will ensure that fine jewelry is front and center this time around, as editors from around the world converge in Manhattan to view the spring 2011 collections.
Among the pieces in the Couture Fine Jewelry Exhibition are Yossi Harari's blue sapphire and rose-cut diamond drop earrings, a combination of 24-karat gold and oxidized "gilver," and Gurhan's "4/24 Collection," rings, featuring chocolate-hued 4-karat gold alloy mixed with 24-karat gold
The exhibit will be set up in the main lobby at Lincoln Center, providing attendees with a "glimpse into the world of contemporary fine jewelry design by seven of Couture's brightest stars," Lee Arevian, Couture director of business development, said in a news release.
Joan Landis, Couture show director, added that the exhibit will be a great opportunity for Couture to leverage its leadership position and help fine jewelry designers and brands deepen their connections with the fashion industry.
"Couture is more than a trade event; we've built a community of the finest jewelers and we're committed to expanding their reach and visibility to various markets," Landis said. "Fine jewelry and fine fashion are synonymous with style."
The Couture Jewelry exhibit was designed by Mark Testa, an event/set design artist who aimed to echo the design vibe of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center by creating a space that features similar soft lines, clear glass and earthy green hues. Each case will have a layer of short green grass in the bottom, with placements within the case designed to play up the beauty of the individual jewels.
The designers featured in the Couture exhibition at Fashion Week include the following:
- Scott Kay: As the exclusive men's jewelry brand appearing at Fashion Week, Scott Kay will showcase the "Art of Man" collection of sterling menswear with 18-karat gold and gemstone accents, featuring the bold and intricately carved designs that the brand is known for.
- Gurhan: Freshly released for fall 2010, Gurhan's "4/24 Collection," features a new chocolate-hued 4-karat gold alloy mixed with pure 24-karat gold in contemporary designs that give fashion a new spin in fine jewelry and mixes well with Gurhan's signature pure 24-karat gold designs, too.
- Paul Morelli: This season, Paul Morelli is emphasizing its "Meditation Bell" collection, and taking it to another level. The brand also aims to help bring black back, adding some sultry jewel tones to fashion's most classic color.
- Yossi Harrari: Timeless, modern and chic, the Yossi Harari collection is an eye-catching ensemble of handcrafted jewelry incorporating 24-karat gold and the brand's signature oxidized "gilver," an alloy comprised of 25 percent gold and 75 percent silver. The brand has reinterpreted its classic designs to celebrate its 10-year anniversary at Bergdorf Goodman and in the United States.
- Andrea Fohrman: Fine, feminine and flirty, Andrea Fohrman's contemporary collection combines antique touches that are reminiscent of past generations, yet undeniably modern. Incorporating cool and edgy materials, the brand's fall collection is fresh and bold, featuring black hues and the use of an unusual material: bone.
- Sally Sohn: Exquisite, cool and charming, Sally Sohn's over-the-top and whimsical designs are sparkly show-stoppers with a twist. "Naughty and Nice" charms, signature diamond wings and stackable beaded bracelets distinguish the brand.
- Bavna: A newcomer to the U.S. jewelry scene, Sunny Jain of Bavna is showcasing modern takes on traditional Far East techniques, utilizing rose-cut diamonds and exotic gemstones.
Couture is an annual event for upscale retailers, designers, and manufacturers of fine jewelry and timepieces, held at the Wynn Las Vegas. Both Couture and National Jeweler are part of the Nielsen Expositions' Jewelry Group, which is a part of the Nielsen Co., a global information and media company.
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