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Heirloom

December 3 – December 5, 2009

Early registration discount of $250 in lieu of
$350 through November 17, 2009

Student discount of $100 available

TheThe 11th Annual New York Fashion and Design Conference considers the link between sustainability and stewardship as embodied in the broad concept of "Heirloom," the process whereby one generation's creations become the valued patrimony of those that follow.

Our examination will be inclusive, focusing not only on objects that are traditionally conceived of as heirlooms such as watches, wedding gowns, and jewelry, but also on the materials used to create them (fibers, for example) and on other, less obvious heirlooms (fragrance, for example). Eco-consciousness, differing approaches to the transmission of craft, and fair trade are considered, as is the notion that enduring design and craft are a form of preservation.

Linking all are rituals that transform materials and objects into heirlooms. The ultimate heirloom is the Earth itself, and attention to eco-friendly principles and practices is important to the custodianship that heirloom status implies and requires. We consider a central question for the 21st century: How do we carry on the traditions of the past while meeting contemporary challenges such as the need for conservation of the earth’s resources?

Among speakers for this year's conference are the following (as of 10/29/09):

Nanette Lepore, designer, and president Robert Savage of Nanette Lepore
Deborah Milner, designer who created a sensation with Aveda Ecoture collection
Robin Renzi, jeweler who is president and designer, Me & Ro
Amy Skoczlas-Cole, director, eBay Green Team, a community of consumers dedicated to using what exists in the world today
Deborah Lindquist, designer noted for her high style eco-sensitive wedding attire
M. Sanjayan, chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy
Yael Alkalay, perfumer and founder, red flower, which creates original scent using entirely natural substances
Matt Crawford, author of the best-seller Shop Class as Soulcraft: an Inquiry Into the Value of Work
Jack Ogden, President, Gemological Association of Great Britain and renowned jewelry historian
Penny Walsh, founder and principal of Dyework, renowned London-based workshop dedicated to traditional textiles and dyeing methods
Edward Faber and Philip Poniz, horological experts and founding partners, Patrizzi & Co., world-renowned watch and timepiece auctioneers
Benjamin Zucker, authority on precious stones, who went into the family gem business, and whose recent publications are Gems and Jewels: A Connoisseurs Guide (2003), and the novels Blue (2000), Green (2001) and White (2008)
Meghan Myers, founder and president Portovert (roughly translated: "the green gateway"), praised as "The Number 1 Green Wedding Site" by Martha Stewart Weddings
Françoise Hoffman, who holds the rank of Maitre d'Artisan in France, is a Lyons-based creator of one-of-a-kind felt garments
Gabriella Cortese, founder and designer, international fashion line, Antik Batik
John Rudolph, principal and founder, Mammoth Tusk Gold, dedicated to bringing eco-gold to market
David Wolfe, chief forecaster, Doneger Group
Chris Del Gatto, Founder and CEO, CIRCA
Carol Brodie, creator of Rarities and luxury brand advisor
Patti Geolat, senior partner of Geolat & Associates, Dallas, Texas; one of the nation’s most prominent independent jewelry appraisers
Scott Jorgenson, independent fashion historian who works with museums, auction houses, and collectors
Jenny Taliadoros publisher, Paper Studio Press and Paperdoll Review
Cheryl Kremkow, director, Citrine Media, and former editor-in-chief of Modern Jeweler magazine.
Keith Spodek, Group Director of Quality Assurance and Sustainability, Birks & Mayors, Inc., retailer of fine jewelry and gifting throughout Canada and the southeastern US
Steve D'Esposito, president RESOLVE and formerly president, Earthworks Action.

We are grateful for generous support received from CIRCA, e-Bay, Macy’s, Mammoth Tusk Gold, The Louis and Lena Minkoff Foundation, and Timberland, (as of 10/5/09).

To Register

Registration confirmations are sent via email.

To register on-line: go to: www.acteva.com/go/heirloom

By e-mail: Fill in the registration form and send to: lisa.koenigsberg@artinitiatives.com

Fax: Fill in the registration form, including credit card information, and dial (212) 935-6911.

By mail: Return form at least 10 days before the conference start date with a check or money order payable to Initiatives in Art and Culture or complete the credit card information on the form, and mail to Initiatives in Art and Culture, 333 East 57th Street, Suite 13B, New York, NY 10022

By phone: Using American Express®, Discover®, Visa® Card, or MasterCard®, call (646) 485-1952.

Fee: The conference fee is $350; an early registration discount of $250 is available through November 17, 2009. A discounted rate of $100 is available for full-time students with ID.

Withdrawal and Refunds: Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to: Initiatives in Art and Culture, 333 East 57th Street, 13B, New York, NY 10022 or to the Program Office via email at lisa.koenigsberg@artinitiatives.com. No refunds after November 25, 2009.

Conference Location: This conference is held at The Graduate Center City University of New York (Fifth Ave. between 34th–35th Streets).

Program subject to change.

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