Much has changed with the world’s foremost crystal company. Eight months after announcing industry insider Giovanna Engelbert as its first Global Creative Director in May 2020, Swarovski rolled out a new corporate identity and a new corporate identity and a new fleet of Swarovski Instant Wonder concept stores across the globe. (Singapore’s is located in The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and is the region’s first to be launched.) Then there was Engelbert’s debut collection for the brand, Collection I, which drove home the point that Swarovski was indeed adding a new creative chapter to its book.
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Bursting with a rainbow spectrum of hues, the head-turning Collection I offered a sense of playfulness through the lens of innovation, with technique serving at the altar of design. A special glue was developed to allow crystals to be fastened together; hidden clasps and closures were designed to let you seamlessly string multiple pieces together; and elements were designed to pivot and swivel to reveal a different colour or look. It was clearly a collection for the TikTok generation, with statement looks delivered with chic cleverness that allows for individual style to shine through. And now, Engelbert is back with her sophomore collection singing the same joyful tune.
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Delving once again into the exploration of crystal and its properties, Collection II introduces four new ranges that throw the Austrian house’s heritage and craftsmanship into the spotlight. From Abunda comes elegant swirling lines topped with pierced crystals in green and blue, while Dextera offers a unisex range of geometric pavé earrings, ear cuffs and hoops. Imber’s central chain motif is adorned with champagne-toned teardrop crystal charms, while Stella looks to the sky with a range of star motif creations that pay homage to Empress Elisabeth of Austria (she once ordered a set of 27 diamond and pearl stars for her ladies-in-waiting).
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Accompanying these are extensions of the design families introduced in Collection I. From the stacked crystals of Chroma to the Orbita necklace with double-sided versatility, these baubles promise the same bold proportions and evocative colour palette that have proved so popular. It’s a thoroughly modern proposition of picture-perfect gems. The only question that remains: How will you wear yours?