The Future is Here at Vicenzaoro

Image: Vicenzaoro

(IDEX Online News) – The Future is now, at least, that’s the theme of the inaugural Vicenzaoro boutique show format, which is currently underway in Vicenza. This is no longer the traditional gold show of days gone by; instead, it’s a fashion forward event that is trying to make the whole trade show concept more accessible, logical and – hopefully – profitable.   

The new design has corralled exhibitors into “homogenous communities,” in which similar types of companies (product type, positioning or overall image, for example) are exhibiting next to each other.

The show is now divided into six defined “districts:” Icon (bespoke jewelry), Creation (Italian jewelry and private label manufacturers) Look (fashion-forward jewelry), Essence (diamonds, colored gemstones and other precious components) Expression (packaging and visual merchandising and marketing materials) and Evolution (manufacturing technology).  

In the higher end jewelry districts, the show is now something of a mini-Baselworld, with large and luxurious booths. Although the move towards increased luxury was evident in previous editions of the show, there are definitely more and larger exhibition spaces in evidence this year, lifting the overall feel of the show.

And it seems to be something that visitors to the first major event of the year are welcoming. Numbers have been good throughout the show, with some vendors saying that even today – with the show entering its closing days – they are still fully booked with appointments.

Among the events taking place at the show, CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, announced the launch of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Developed by Branded Trust Assurance Systems, the new system is designed to be cheaper and easier for companies to implement than current CSR systems.  

During a seminar introducing the initiative, Braded Trust Assurance Systems CTO Dr. Donal Feaver said the time has come to end the debate and discussion about CSR, and to finally start acting to bring about change.

The new cloud-based tools of the Branded Trust Assurance Systems encourage increased CSR initiatives in four areas: “ethical” (integrity in trade/operations), “fair” (supply chain awareness) “green” (environment, wise resource use and minimal harm) and “sustainable” (to both staff and community connections).

The tools, he said, would provide mechanisms to multiply or “super-charge” the positive effects of CSR. These tools include accrediting people, via the CIBJO/WJCEF CSR for Jewelry Professionals course tested by and through Gem-A Ofqual Accredited Level 3 Certificate; certifying companies – CIBJO/Branded Trust SR Management System and assuring products – CIBJO/Branded Trust Ethical Market and Supply Chain.  

“This industry wants to improve and highlight what is good, and our consumers deserve the right to get it,” said CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri.

More than 1,500 brands from 30 countries are exhibiting at the Vicenzaoro show, which runs until Wednesday, January 28.