On January 23, Trieste-based ITS (International Talent Support) started preparing for its eleventh global design competition. Established in 2001, it aims to find young design talent in fashion, accessories, jewelry and photography. The jewelry category was added in 2011, and will again have SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS’s enthusiastic and generous sponsorship this year. The finals of ITS 2012 will be held on 13 - 14 July in Trieste, Italy!

A history of collaboration
SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS has been partnering creative talent – both celebrated and emerging – for years, taking special pleasure in nurturing the designers of tomorrow. Until now, jewelry-makers have been the Cinderellas of the fashion world, producing great work with little recognition – this support gives the cream of the crop the break they deserve.

The SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Jewelry Award
The Award carries a cash prize worth €10,000; a six-month internship at Swarovski’s Austrian Headquarters for the winner; and precision-cut SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS for jewelry finalists to use in their designs.

The competition
For ITS JEWELRY, the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, participants are invited to submit three sketches of never-before-seen, wearable pieces of crystal jewelry until 23 March: a  necklace, a bracelet and a third piece of their choosing. In step with the currrent return to heritage and tradition, these should be made from a mix of materials inspired by ethnic and tribal influences, using any preferred crystals from an assortment provided by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. 

Find out more details at www.itsweb.org