Sterling King Jewelry Wins The 2020 FIT Design Entrepreneur Award
Courtesy of Sterling King
Written by Cassell Ferere
As the winner of the 2020 FIT Design Entrepreneur Award, it’s no secret why Sterling King jewelry has been worn by pop icons like Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, and Katy Perry, and feature in high fashion magazines like Vogue, V Mag, Elle, Nylon, and Vanity Fair. Since studying at Central Saint Martins following her undergraduate degree at Parson’s School of Design, her organic designs and unique applications to traditional jewelry have elevated the eponymous brand to an avant-garde aesthetic.
Courtesy of Sterling King
Through a mastery of modern style, King created her first jewelry piece as a senior at Parsons. She was influenced by her affinity to dance, training as a classical ballet dancer, before focusing her career on jewelry post a stint in womenswear. Dancing is what molded her vision to the Sterling King namesake she has created today.
King says,
“In ballet, we are taught that the body is an instrument, and I used sculptural jewelry pieces to demonstrate the attention and care devoted to different parts of the body.”
Courtesy of Sterling King
The Design Entrepreneur NYC is a partnership between the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which started back in 2011. As an initiative to stimulate economic growth, the free “mini-MBA” program provides the business resources, advice, and mentorship that applying fashion brands need to prosper and grow as potential job providers.
Sterling King was one of the 25 designers who have submitted and pitched the organization for the 2020 campaign. And she did so, winning the prize money of $75,000 of which will be allocated in expanding on her artistic vision and business acumen resources. King will be paired with a fashion industry veteran who will mentor the young designer and help develop the Sterling King jewelry business plan.
Courtesy of Sterling King
King founded her brand on the idea of sustainable production and uplifting the workforce that helps make their product. King’s jewelry is distinctly handcrafted in New York City and uses an ancient tradition of lost-wax casting. Their materials are sourced locally in the garment district and jewelry district of NYC with the help of key partnerships with local manufacturers.
“I work back and forth between traditional hand-carving/sculpting and digital rendingering/3D printing, blending old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. [...] my background in apparel design informs how I work and design. I go seamlessly between 3d and 2d, and the forms evolve based on how they fit the body.”
Courtesy of Sterling King
Sterling King jewelry uses sustainable materials, including recycled metals and upcycled lucite, to sculpt their earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. These bold and unique forms are distinctive to the brand with organic texturing and baroque embellishments. Inspired by King's experiences with fine art, nature, her memories, and the body, she often recreates movement in her jewelry pieces. Contemporary luxury is highlighted in the brand aesthetic while applying a street-savvy ambiance to her sculpted pieces.
“I enjoy creating bold, sculptural pieces both in metal and in fabric, and eventually found that jewelry was the best platform for me to express these ideas. I find jewelry reaches a broader audience, and that many people are more willing to take risks with their accessories,”
King accredits to her designs.
Courtesy of Sterling King
With access to FIT classes, contacts, events, and resources, each proposal from prospective brands are considered for the top prize. The participants are then narrowed to a list of 12 designers. From there, each one competes for a cash prize to continue to foster their creativity and business.
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