In just two short years Fashion Trust US has become an exciting incubator for emerging designers in ready-to-wear, jewelry, and accessories. Join this year’s group of jewelry finalists Ashley Harris, Jade Ruzzo, Mia Vesper, and winner, MoAnA LUU to learn about their respective career trajectories and what the future of jewelry holds. Also learn how to apply for the 2025 FTUS Awards. This panel is moderated by Malaika Crawford.
Clean lines, classic shapes and unexpected edges. Jade Ruzzo makes fine jewelry that is devoid of trends but big on attitude. “To me, nothing is more beautiful than a simple design that whispers instead of yells,” explains Jade. “There’s such power in that.” Her pieces—understated but with a distinct ‘cool factor’—feature chunky colored gemstones, hand-chosen diamonds and lustrous pearls deftly set into luxurious 18-karat gold. After studying at FIT and spending a decade in fashion and personal styling, Jade decided to bring her own vision for less-is-more heirlooms to market: a timeless ode to sentimental moments.
Don’t Let Disco is a collection of one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry individually crafted to capture life’s most significant, evanescent moments. Founded by Ashley Harris in 2021, Don’t Let Disco playfully strings together treasured moments of connection, memory, closeness, and nostalgia within an art historical lens. Harris scours the world to source artisans who deal in bespoke materials, like Murano glass made in Venice or hand painted porcelain in Detroit, to create worldly, sentimental pieces. The brand takes a lighthearted and whimsical approach in celebrating the moments in-between, reminding the wearer, ‘don’t let this go’.
MANLUU, a New York-based luxury fashion house that celebrates Creole culture, was founded by Martinican creative director and brand architect MoAnA LUU. The brand reimagines the evolution of Creole jewelry and pays homage to the rich, diverse cultural heritage of the French West Indies. MoAnA’s passion for Creole jewelry, rooted in generations of heritage and expertise, was nurtured in her grandparents’ jewelry store in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Launched in 2021, MANLUU quickly gained notoriety with its fine jewelry line, especially after superstar Cardi B was seen in a series of viral pregnancy photos wearing MANLUU bracelets. The brand, under MoAnA Luu’s guidance, has also adorned celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary J. Blige, Issa Rae, Wyclef Jean, and fashion legend Maye Musk.
Independent NYC based designer Mia Vesper has been bringing the other worldly to this world since 2017. The transition from her eponymous label “Mia Vesper” to VESPER OBSCURA coincides with the shuttering of her ready to wear collection in order to focus on jewelry — including fine— and sustainable couture made from vintage and artisan-made materials.
Though she is self taught, much of Vesper’s work and ethos is influenced by the preternaturally stylish and dynamic women in her life and history. Her grandmother was Milwaukee Ballet’s costume director and the president of her regional Planned Parenthood, while her mother was an artist, primitive antiques dealer and wildlife rehabilitator. Folklore, folk art, texture, color, and handcraft form the lush core from which VESPER OBSCURA emerges, lending credence to the brand mantra: “Like nothing else on earth.”
Malaika Crawford is the Style Editor at HODINKEE, a world leading platform for all things watches- here she focuses primarily on style related content in hopes of broadening the watch space and converging fashion and watch audiences. Malaika is also a Wardrobe Stylist who has previously worked with celebrities such as Rihanna and Alicia Keys. Prior to her position at HODINKEE she was the Watch and Jewelry editor at Highsnobiety and Contributing Fashion Editor at Interview Magazine. Malaika co-hosts a watch and pop culture podcast called “Killing Time” with founder of Dimepiece, Brynn Wallner.
Each November, NYC Jewelry Week proudly presents ‘The Week,’ a 7-day celebration dedicated to the art of jewelry. This annual event invites a global audience to explore the world of jewelry through a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual experiences, spanning New York City and beyond.
