Vicenzaoro September 2023: Discover the Top Finds by Chief Editor Agata!
Vicenzaoro Fair is a mainstay in my glittering calendar. I value this event mainly for its ambiance and energy. Still, trips to mingle with the golden community in Vicenza are invaluable sources of knowledge and inspiration helpful in my work as a jewelry stylist and art director. Join me for a subjective review of the top jewelry finds from my recent VO trip!
With as many as 1200 brands showcasing at Vicenzaoro, proper preparation is a must! I acquaint myself with the fair’s exhibit agenda several weeks before the trip. From the seemingly endless list of exhibitors, I pick out brands that I recognize from Instagram – VO is a fantastic opportunity to see the online-ogled gems in person. Sometimes, I correspond with the brand owners and designers beforehand to announce my booth visits. On-site, thanks to the excellent VO mobile app, I efficiently navigate to every brand on my wishlist, yet I always stumble upon some novelties while wandering through the exhibit halls.
Artistic flair, a celebration of craftsmanship, and the use of unconventional materials were especially evident in this year’s showcases. It won’t surprise you that my heart raced at the sight of eclectic, opulent sparklers, and I couldn’t resist trying on and styling my favorite finds! Here are four brand discoveries I want to share with you from my latest dazzling trip to Vicenza.
Amlè – Art for Art’s Sake
Whimsical compositions with coral and shells; religious symbols and votives; hand-painted mini-tambourines – Amlè has established a rich lexicon of motifs for creating theatrical jewelry. I fell in love with this Italian brand years ago. Keen Jewellery Lovers will find photos in the Blingsis archives where I’m literally draped in Amlè masterpieces. At Vicenzaoro, I had the pleasure of meeting designer Marisa Angelucci. Before her jewelry journey, she worked in an antique store, and that heritage is apparent in Amlè’s collections, where exceptional craftsmanship blends with ethnic elements typical of the Campania region. The warm-hearted Marisa gifted me a beautiful pair of earrings, personally matched to my styling, factoring in my love for color and angels! (laughs) Expect more of my appearances adorned in this brand’s spectacular necklaces and earrings.
Rosso Prezioso – Noble 90s
Hands up if you remember the crazy 90s fashion and black velvet chokers?! Rosso Prezioso gracefully references these fashion sentiments in their new collection. The cross-shaped pendants boast enchanting colors – all thanks to the use of intriguing materials. The chokers incorporate gemstones and an unexpected material: enameled and lacquered olive wood! I was so smitten that I quickly put together a signature style, composed of three cascading necklaces. The hallmark of Rosso Prezioso’s handcrafted jewels is their vibrant colors and charming color combinations. Merging creative color compositions with traditional artisanal skill results in fantastic fashion jewelry – sophisticated and contemporary at the same time.
Cameo Italiano – Ancient Elegance for Jeans
Moving back from the 90s, further and further, until… ancient times. Cameos are jewelry motifs adored since the times of Greek antiquity and the Roman Empire. Small pieces crafted from stones, ivory, or shell fragments were sculpted into a miniature relief portraying rulers, goddesses, or sometimes entire mythological scenes. The Cameo-making tradition has been revived by Cameo Italiano, drawing from the amazing history of this refined jewelry “genre”. Mounted as rings, pendants, bracelets, or earrings, these mini sculptures are a feast for the eyes and showcase artisanal talent. Jewelry that flirts with ancient elegance remarkably stands out in modern styles. My fashion pro-tip? Pair this collection with simple jeans and a t-shirt, but… I promise that cameos will soon inspire you to more creative and daring styles!
Dimitrios Exclusive – Glimmer “made in Greece”
Let me reveal, Jewellery Lover, that this Greek brand was my Instagram “crush”. Like a true #blingaholic, I sent an enthusiastic message to the Dimitrios Exclusive team, gushing over their latest collection. Next thing I knew, I was at their Vicenzaoro booth, trying on all their stunning pieces and chatting with the brand’s talented designer, Vasilis Kapsaskis. It’s no wonder Dimitrios Exclusive won the Best Design award at the prestigious American JCK Fair in 2019. Kapsaskis, staying true to the brand’s DNA, taps into ancient Greek jewelry inspirations, offering unique interpretations of antique forms. The latest collection mesmerized me with its intricately adorned designs, playful colors, and #oldglamour elegance. Dimitrios Exclusive necklaces and earrings paired wonderfully with my favorite Affair t-shirt, but these are jewels fit for the Oscars or the MET Gala.
