7 Ways Designers get their Jewelry into the Oscars

It's every designer's dream: getting an A-list celebrity like Katie Cruise or Angelina Jolie to wear your earrings, pendants, necklace or watch. But with so many baubles vying for Hollywood's attention, how does a new designer stand out among all the “bling” to get that coveted celebrity endorsement?   

Just like your stunning designs, the answer is a lot of hard work, matched with a dash of creativity. Here are Gallery Atlantic's top tips for getting started.

 Tips for Jewelry Designers

1. Gift Bag It. America's top award shows like the Oscars provide gift bags to celebrity A-listers. Celebrities wait for the bags every year with anticipation because they know the products they receive are of value and quality, and have been hand-picked by someone with discriminating taste.

Note that it might cost a small monetary donation and 50-75 samples to insert your design into the gift bag –– and of course it's not the place for diamonds. In its member lounge, the website Contact Any Celebrity provides updated lists of gift bag opportunities. 

Try Gavin Keilly from GBK Productions who organizes gift suite lounges for less known jewelry designers at glittery shows like the Emmy Awards and MTV. Costing anywhere from $2000 to $5000, these kinds of forums make it easy to get a photo of celebrities trying on your creations.

2. Hire a Model. Most fashion models won’t become a runway superstar like Kate Moss overnight. Before the big break, many models in New York City are also moonlighting as waitresses in The Village or sipping tea at the Whole Foods store near Union Station in between jobs. Find a model that reflects your look and taste, pay him or her $300 to hang out with the paparazzi during Fashion Week, or some other event that brings out the glitterati, like major film events.  
 

3. Talk Shows. Be in contact with talk shows in your area. They love featuring fashion and fashion experts. Position yourself as an expert in jewelry design, and offer some pieces on loan or as gifts during makeover segments. Who knows, maybe you'll be brushing elbows with celebrities in the makeup room, or between commercials. Also consider donating pieces to the wardrobe of the talk show host. Maybe your newest creation will be worn by Oprah or by one of the ladies on The View. 

 
4. Your Designs on TV. Like talk shows, even top TV sitcoms are looking for ways to cut down on their wardrobe budget. Focus on shows that are watched by your clientele. If your pieces get chosen for a Fox or ABC show, you can advertise this placement on your blog.

5. Personal Gifts. Major fashion companies call it gifting, and you can do it too. Send or donate samples of your newest collection to the celebrities you admire. Some celebrities are already paid to endorse certain brands, but give it a try.  The online service Contact Any Celebrity, provides the mailing address and relevant contacts to publicists of most A-listers. If you're lucky, your jewelry designs will be chosen to debut on a red carpet event.  

The Screen Actors Guild lists all major Hollywood actors and their publicists, and contacts can be found by calling the U.S. to 323-549-6737.
 
6. Follow Your Favorites. If you've sent out samples, it's not enough to wait and see. It's unlikely that Brad Pitt or George Clooney will call and thank you for the new watch, so be on the lookout.  Follow photo syndicates such as Photorazzi or Wire Image. If you see George wearing your design, then license the picture to use for your own marketing purposes.