Look Book

32 | The Jewelr y Book 32 | e Jewelry Book FEW EVENTS CARRY AS MUCH WEIGHT FOR FINE JEWELRY brands and buyers as the COUTURE Show. It's a defining time on the industry calendar where relationships are built, ideas are shared, and careers are often shaped. At the heart of its small but mighty organizing team is one of the industry's most beloved and respected figures: Michelle Orman, Owner of Last Word Communications and Head of Press Relations and Communications for COUTURE. Her work across Emerald Expositions' portfolio of jewelry shows aside from COUTURE includes the JA New York and U.S. Antique Shows, making her a constant industry presence. While she may technically oversee public relations, her impact is much more significant as one of the industry's most trusted and recognized figures. For more than two decades, she has helped launch and elevate designers' careers, advocating for them not just as brands, but as people. THE COUTURE PODCAST: THE HUMANS BEHIND THE BRANDS Orman's multifaceted role at COUTURE includes moderating the insightful and always engaging COUTURE Podcast. Her role is much more than a guide to conversation; she draws valuable insights from her guests, bringing warmth, depth of knowledge, curiosity, and easy laughter to every chat. Whether she's speaking with industry veteran luminaries like Jeffrey Feero of Alex Sepkus and Tom Heyman of Oscar Heyman, or rising stars like Hiba Husayni of ZAHN-Z, she speaks with equal warmth and familiarity. ese are not formal interviews; they're conversations between friends—because, in fact, they are. at familiarity stems from true passion for the industry and a desire to help everyone in her orbit succeed. THE COUTURE EXPERIENCE: INTENTIONAL, NOT EXCLUSIVE If you pause for a moment to consider whether attending the COUTURE Show is right for your business, Orman will quickly reinforce the show's value. She qualifies its reputation for being "selective" by explaining: "We vet who attends because we want brands—especially newer brands—to feel confident they're working with reputable retailers." What matters most, she emphasizes, is what that selectivity is not. "We're not snobby. We're intentional." From extraordinary high jewelry priced above $20,000 to layer-worthy mantra pendants under $2,000, the show's diverse range is deliberate. "ere's something for everyone," Orman says. And she highlights the beautiful culture of collaboration on the salon floor. Designers regularly usher retailers into neighboring salons, encouraging discovery rather than guarding it. It's an unspoken code of conduct rooted in trust and respect— values that Orman has helped reinforce year aer year. HONORING EXCELLENCE: THE COUTURE DESIGN AWARDS One of Orman's most visible—and most cherished—roles is organizing the annual COUTURE Design Awards. is year it's bittersweet following the passing of beloved colleague Jan Mohr, with whom she partnered so closely. Orman will continue to take the reins, managing everything from working with her colleagues selecting judges to organizing the awards process itself … even pitching in as a neutral-faced jewelry model during the judging process if the need arises. In 2019, the Design Awards spotlight unexpectedly turned toward Orman herself, when she was honored with the prestigious Cindy Edelstein Award. Watching the award presentation video (link on eCoutureShow.com/watch/) is profoundly moving. e stories shared and gratitude expressed by industry leaders reveal the depth of respect felt for Orman, her commitment to COUTURE and her authentic love for the jewelry community. by Gail Melikian MICHELLE ORMAN: BUILDING COMMUNITY IN FINE JEWELRY T J B C E L E B R A T E S

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