VicenzaOro gets a new, fashion-forward focus

When Matteo Marzotto, the new president of Italy’s VicenzaOro fair, took over in early 2014, he ushered in a slew of changes: The January fair—set for Jan. 23–28 at the convention center—and the September edition are now called Boutique Shows and boast a new, more buyer-friendly format. Meanwhile, the May edition has been rechristened the Origin Fair: Passion and Belief, and benefits from an expanded exhibition space intended, in part, to entice other fashion categories to join jewelry on the show floor.

At the winter fair, expect to find innovative gold treatments (as is the Italian way), next-generation machinery and tools, and lots of color. Second-time exhibitor Le Vian, for example, is bringing plenty of morganite and tanzanite, says CEO Eddie LeVian.

Meanwhile, new exhibitor Lecil Henderson of Charlotte, N.C.–based The Henderson Collection will bring his price point–friendly Luca collection to Vicenza. The silver and 18k gold vermeil styles—some with copper, leather, and neoprene, and all with natural gemstones—retail $125–$870, and have been a hit stateside. A collector in Wichita, Kan., who bought more than $150,000 worth of gold pieces at trunk shows this year didn’t flinch at the $795 sticker price. “She just asked me when I was coming back again,” Henderson says.