Mamont Joins 1928 Jewelry, Will Be Honored by AIU
Karen Mamont has joined the 1928 Jewelry Company as director of marketing.
In her new position with the Burbank, Calif.–based company, the longtime marketing executive will oversee all marketing responsibilities for 1928’s brands—the 1928 Signature collection, the 2028 collection and the Vatican Library Collection—as well as for any future collections, according to Reed Strobl, executive vice president of sales and marketing for 1928.
Mamont will help shape 1928’s promotions, advertising, public relations and merchandising, said Strobl, who noted that Mamont would be filling a much-needed role with the company. “We have a product development team and we have a sales team,” he said. “What’s missing is Karen’s piece in between.”
Strobl said the ebullient Mamont, who started in her new job June 5, had been a welcome addition to the company. “She rolled up her sleeves and jumped right in,” he said. “She has brought to her staff a whole new energy. People are inspired.”
Mamont previously was public relations and fashion director for Sharagano, Spy Zone Exchange and Western Denim. She is perhaps best known for her 10-year tenure at the California Market Center (formerly called the California Mart), where she held several positions, including executive director of marketing, director of public relations, director of merchandise, leasing liaison and trade show producer. Her career in the industry also has included stints at Directives West, Barbara Fields Buying Office, Merry Go Round’s men’s division, the Carole Nystrom Showroom and Judy’s stores.
Mamont is joining a company founded in 1968 by Mel Bernie, who remains with the firm as chief executive officer, president and owner. The company sells its 1928 Signature collection to large mid-tier department stores, including JCPenney, Kohl’s and Mervyns, as well as to independent stores and military organizations. The 2028 collection, which was launched for Fall 2004, is a premium jewelry collection that was developed exclusively for Macy’s stores and carries price points that are 25 percent higher than the 1928 Signature collection.
The 1928 Jewelry Company has an exclusive license to reproduce pieces from the Vatican’s collection in Rome. Its Vatican Library Collection sells in specialty stores and in Dillard’s stores, as well as in Catholic bookstores and libraries.
The company’s sales grew by 25 percent last year and are expected to grow 20 percent this year, said Strobl, who credited the growth to the consolidation of many large retailers. “We’ve been having a tremendous success over the last two years,” he said. “There’s so much consolidation, we’ve been successful with segmenting our brands in terms of distribution— we’re covering all our bases.”
AIU’s Style and Substance honoree
American InterContinental University will honor Mamont as its 2006 Style and Substance recipient at the design school’s Portfolio 2006 Graduation Fashion Show.
The event, set for June 22 at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood, will feature a fashion show and awards presentation. Confirmed judges include swimwear designer and AIU alumna Ashley Paige, My-Tee designer and AIU alumna Chrissy Azzaro, designer and “Project Runway” contestant Nick Verreos, Nike entertainment events marketing manager Blanca Gonzales, retailer Elizabeth Mason of Paper Bag Princess Vintage Couture and fashion pundit Lawrence Zarian.
For more information about AIU’s event or to buy tickets, call (310) 302-2481.
—Alison A. Nieder
