Swarovski Nails Jet-Set Glamour For F/W '17
There are three reasons why Swarovski is the jewellery powerhouse it is.
#1: The Austrian brand is both a cinematic and a fashion icon. Its crystals have been worn on the big screen by Hollywood sirens Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe (Blonde Venus and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were the films, if you must know); embellishes the most memorable frocks of fashion’s breakout designers such as Rosie Assoulin, Maxime Simoens and Mary Katrantzou (just to share, Swarovski is also a loyal partner of the prestigious annual CFDA Fashion Awards); and even adorned Dorothy Gale’s ruby slippers in West End hit The Wizard of Oz.
#2: It has the mad skills to transform crystal into anything (we’re talking an imaginary underwater kingdom and uncharted galaxies in deep space). For Fall/Winter 2017, Creative Director Nathalie Colin embarked on a world tour, translating the organic architecture and the natural landscapes of bustling cities such as Singapore, Tokyo and New York into an energetic collection, named Urban Fantasy.
There are geometric Art Deco-esque earring and pendants, supersized chockers, and between-the-finger rings painted in hues inspired by neon lights; and sunburst necklaces that perfectly capture the wow factor of stunning firework displays.
Reason #3: It doesn’t rely on just great design. It’s serious about innovation, too. The star piece this season in the remix, a slender game-changing bracelet that can be combined, using an invisible magnetic closure, with other styles in the same range to create double- or triple-tour bracelets or even a long necklace. The best part? The combinations are virtually limitless. “Accessories are a great way to customise one’s look,” says Colin. “I have always been a strong activist of personal styles so the new concept is one of my favourites with its endless mix of possibilities.”
Here, Nathalie Colin talks us through the highs of Swarovski’s Urban Fantasy collection.
Are you inspired by your own travels?
Of course! I have always loved travelling and, now, I happen to do so for both work and leisure. I have a strong connection to Asia. It’s my go-to destination if I need to reload. I’ve also lived in China for two years. Colours, fragrances, design and local art and craft are what I absorb consciously and unconsciously.
What are the best styling tips you can offer this season?
Layering and staking are still key for all our categories – think multiple rings on a finger and mixing supple and stiff cuffs. Ear jewellery is also a strong focus. Oh, and mix your silhouettes for a trendy look.
“Colours, fragrances, design and local art and craft are what absorb consciously and unconsciously.”
You are known for giving styling tips on your Instagram account (@nathaliecolin_). How did you become such a “strong activist” of personalisation?
Fashion is meant for expressing oneself. It is very important for me that a woman’s personality shines through her look. I was actually hearing a lot of questions from our customers about the do’s and don’ts in styling jewellery. That was when I decided to show them that there weren’t actually such rules. You wear your pieces the way you like them. That said, I share what I personally find stylish, cool in the now, but the point is for everyone to adapt
