All good things come to an end. And so the joint venture between Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show closed its doors on Nov 18. The 4-day event featured the Crème de la Crème of jewelry industry players, wholesalers, manufacturers, traders, retailers – and unlike other trade fairs: end consumers.
Organised by DV Global Link, the show had the support of important strategic partners including Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG) and Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) from India as well as TRENDVISION Jewellery & Forecasting – Vicenzaoro’s very own institute dedicated to trend outooks. Keep reading to catch up on the highlights of this year’s event… Teaming up with Arab Fashion Week (AFW) promised fashion-filled events and entertainment. Naturally, the first day was kicked off by a catwalk. Models dressed in statement knits, over-sized jumpers and embellished kaftans by Mua Mua Dolls showcased a desirable selection from Malabar Jewels and statement caricatures of Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour. After this “Fashion Tableau Vivant” catwalk, the second show of the day – “Extreme Sophistication” – made way for VOD Dubai’s most glamorous gold creations including designs by Micheletto, Maria De Toni, T.Ristori and Chiampesan Jewels. Drawing in the attention of consumers and exhibitors were “The Fashion Talks”, with Dubai One TV presenter and YouTube sensation Aishwarya Ajit taking the stage alongside editor-in-chief of Masala, Lekha Menon to share their love of gold jewelry.
The second day featured once more a “Fashion Tableau Vivant” catwalk and a second presentation called “Master’s Archive”. “The Fashion Talks” were hosted by Olivia Phillips, Deputy Editor of Grazia Magazine and Nina Zandnia, chairman of the first lifestyle TV channel in the Middle East, lifestyle-dubai.com and fashion designer. The stylish duo spoke of their shared love of diamonds as well as the gem’s standing in the global jewelry industry. In addition to jaw-dropping creations, VOD Dubai also set stage for a variety of new collections and brand launches as well as innovation in production and technology. South African jeweller Skylar T led the way with the first and only diamond that glows in the dark. The patented technology used to create this Ocular Brand diamond takes the industry to a whole new level.
Alongside the “Fashion Tableau Vivant” catwalk the third day hosted a second presentation titled “Fauvist Fantasy”, that featured eye-catching colored gems and designs by by Angeletti 1940, Jewels of Jaipur, Hazoorilal Jewellers Pvt Ltd, Oro Trend and Hasbani. “The Fashion Talks” addressed the importance of colored gemstones, featuring Ellen Kerry, Deputy Editor of Ahlan! magazine and Nina Ali, the Lebanese-American mastermind behind social media sensation @LipStickMommy as key speakers. Although this year’s event is already over, we’ve got some good news: You can already save the date for 2018. VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show will be held from Nov 14-17 2018. In the meantime, get inspired here. by Vanessa Loeffler
