The Community Reunites for a Long-Awaited Celebration of the Best in DesignThe 2021 edition of the COUTURE Design Awards took place last night and the excitement surrounding the event was palpable. The thrill of being together again in person coupled with the buzz of anticipation among the designers and brands who entered pieces into the competition created a sense of elation, and a high level of flare and glamour on the event stage in the Outdoor Pavilion perfectly encapsulated the mood of the celebratory evening.
Opening up the event was COUTURE Director and EVP, Emerald, Gannon Brousseau, “While I obviously wasn’t at the first COUTURE, I’ve heard all the stories. I’m told it was an intrepid band of misfits who came together to define the industry, united by a shared love of beauty and design and a deep appreciation for one another. What I see here tonight reminds me a lot of those stories. All of you, against all odds, coming together, believing in this event, believing in each other and showing up, because this is COUTURE and that’s what we do.”
In addition to thanking her team at For Future Reference, as well as her production team, Lauren Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, who took home the award for Best in Colored Gemstones under $20,000 said from the stage, “This is a career that I love so much, I love these stones, and I love this work. You have embraced me and I feel the love here, I appreciate it so much. Thank you!”
Along with the announcement of the winners and finalists in the 14 design categories, COUTURE also presented Larry Pelzel, Vice President of Neiman Marcus, with this year’s Cindy Edelstein Award. The annual award honors an individual who is a true leader in the industry who is dedicated to the success of designers and brands, has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to COUTURE, and who is an inspiration to others through an enthusiastic attitude and unabated vitality. All of these are qualities for which Larry has been widely revered throughout his 40-year career at Neiman Marcus, and the standing ovation he received upon being surprised with this acknowledgement demonstrated the appreciation the entire COUTURE community feels for his many contributions.
The winners and finalists of the 12 primary categories are selected by a panel of judges, while Editors’ Choice and People’s Choice are voted upon by attending media and retailers. This year’s judges were Kareem Rasheed of Robb Report, Fashion Correspondent Lynn Yaeger, designer Silvia Furmanovich, Liebe Gamble of June Simmons Jewelers, and Yael Reinhold Lipnik of Reinhold Jewelers.
[Pictured: Cindy Edelstein Award Recipient Larry Pelzel]
