Tiffany & Co. & CFDA Celebrate Jameel Mohammed’s Vision At Inaugural Jewelry Designer Award

In a remarkable union of art, design, and social impact, Tiffany & Co., in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), has bestowed its first-ever Jewelry Designer Award upon the talented Jameel Mohammed. This pioneering award, conceived to champion inclusivity within the jewelry design landscape, not only recognizes Mohammed’s innovative spirit but also awards him a significant USD $50,000 and a coveted one-year fellowship at Tiffany & Co.’s design department.

Photo Credit: Joe Schildhorn/BFA

The announcement was made with much fanfare at an exclusive cocktail reception at Tiffany & Co.’s iconic Fifth Avenue flagship, The Landmark. The evening was marked by a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the future of American jewelry design. Presenting the award to Mohammed were Tiffany & Co.’s Global Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Stéphanie Oueda-Cruz, alongside CFDA CEO Steven Kolb and Tiffany & Co. CMO Andrea Davey.

The event was graced by luminaries from the fashion and jewelry worlds, including Bethann Hardison, Frank Everett, and Jason Wu, among others, who also served on the award’s selection committee. Their presence underscored the significance of this new accolade in fostering a more inclusive design community.

Photo Credit: Matteo Prandoni/BFAPhoto Credit: Neil Rasmus/BFA

The journey to this moment began in October 2024, when ten promising designers embarked on a four-month program, culminating in January 2025. These designers, including Mohammed, were challenged to pay homage to Tiffany & Co.’s rich heritage while infusing their unique visions. The participants engaged in a series of enriching activities, from monthly mentorships with Tiffany’s design team to exclusive tours of The Landmark and the Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop (JDIW). They were also treated to an insightful lecture series covering critical topics like visual merchandising, sustainability, and the intricacies of gemstones, all under the auspices of Tiffany Atrium and CFDA Impact, platforms dedicated to social and environmental responsibility in design.

Photo Credit: Neil Rasmus/BFAPhoto Credit: Joe Schildhorn/BFA

The full list of participants in this inaugural program included Angie Marei, David Perry, and Hi Vu, to name a few, each bringing their own distinctive flair to the table. The selection committee, composed of industry icons like actress Gabrielle Union and supermodel Joan Smalls, had the formidable task of selecting from this talented pool.

Photo Credit: Neil Rasmus/BFA

Photo Credit: Neil Rasmus/BFA

This award not only marks a milestone for Jameel Mohammed but also sets a precedent for how luxury brands and fashion councils can collaborate to nurture diversity, push creative boundaries, and uphold the legacy of American design while looking towards the future. It’s a testament to the power of inclusivity in catalyzing innovation and excellence in one of the world’s most revered jewelry houses.