RAPAPORT... Jewelry style expert Michael O'Connor has taken on an expanded consulting role with Couture's executive team. The company announced that O'Connor was expanding co-marketing opportunities with other luxury brands across a variety of disciplines and that he would also look into strategic positioning to develop tactical relationships with international brands.

“With Michael O’Connor’s new role on the Couture team, we have added important insight into luxury brands, along with the benefit of his deep relationships with the industry, celebrities and key media,” said Chris Casey, the vice president of Nielsen's jewelry group. “We are excited at the prospect of utilizing Michael’s strengths and solid expertise to bring maximum value to our exhibitors and sponsors. Couture is heading in exciting directions and Michael will be an integral part of our diverse new scope.”

Joan Landis, Couture's show director, added, “Working closely with Michael in this new capacity will add such an important piece to all that Couture can provide for its customers. We are taking Couture to a very exciting track and adding Michael to the mix is the beginning of many new firsts for our show. His in-depth relationships overall will add so much to Couture, as well as our retail and design partners.”

O’Connor's  career spans 25 years working with some of the industry's most recognized brands. He has  covered Red Carpet events live for a number of broadcast segments, reporting on style, celebrity jewelry choices, celebrity engagement rings, men’s jewelry and the newest trends.

In 2005, O’Connor founded his own consultancy, Style and Substance, Inc., and prior to that, he held the positions of senior vice president for Platinum Guild International (PGI), vice president of Goldstein Communications and director of corporate marketing for Frederick Goldman, Inc.