Swarovski's Runway Rocks
Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks: Interviews from the Swarvoski Sparkling Carpet
Interviews with Joyce Chow
Swarvoski kicked off the week of the 79th ©Annual Academy Awards® with Runway Rocks at the Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills .
Styled by the Emmy winning Queen of Fashion Patricia Field, who had everyone following the fashions of Sex and the City, an electric group of global designers were commissioned to create their own ultimate catwalk jewelry. Prior to the show beginning, we had the privilege of speaking with some who helped to create the show.
Justin Giunta, a designer of couture jewelry, traditionally uses Swarvoski’s vintage turn of the century pieces in his creations. In creating The Queen of Hearts for Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks, he gave it his antique slant with an “intricate brocade trim to make it look very old”.
, a designer of couture jewelry, traditionally uses Swarvoski’s vintage turn of the century pieces in his creations. In creating The Queen of Hearts for Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks, he gave it his antique slant with an “intricate brocade trim to make it look very old”.MBN: What inspires you?
JG: “The entirety of art history inspires me. I love reinventing baroque into the modern concept, with the emphasis on intricate handwork and detailing. I think Swarvoski’s materials are great for that.”
MBN: Had Giunta ever considered using man made diamonds instead of Swarvoski crystals?
JG: “The idea of value in a finished piece is not about the sum of the materials, it’s about the overall proposition of the piece. In all of my work for Subversive Jewelry, we emphasize that they’re one of a kind compositions that are created out of inoucous material throught in time and space and culture that culminate in together to make a one of a kind compositions that outshine any diamond or emerald economically placed around the neck. So no, I’m not interested in diamonds or emeralds at this moment. I’ll stick with the Swarvoski for now.”
Nadia Swarovski, in creating Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks trys to tap in to the local market for each show. Previous shows since launching in London in 2003, have also been in Paris , New York , Barcelona , and Tokyo . Does Nadia have a personal favorite for the Runway Rocks designers? Mum was the word. “They’re all wonderful.”
, in creating Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks trys to tap in to the local market for each show. Previous shows since launching in London in 2003, have also been in Paris , New York , Barcelona , and Tokyo . Does Nadia have a personal favorite for the Runway Rocks designers? Mum was the word. “They’re all wonderful.”Each of the designers received the same briefing to create their interpretation of the ultimate catwalk jewelry piece, with Swarvoski crystals.
MBN: Were there other guidelines?
“(There are) 350,000 different variations of the uses of crystals between shapes, sizes and color. I think the exhibition demonstrates versatility and multifaceticity of crystal.”
Swarvoski, admits that technology helps to keep them at the forefront. Not to mention that “the designers keep us on our toes, we try very hard to develop new things every year, two times a year.”
MBN: How does Swarvoski fit with Hollywood and the silver screen?
NS: “I think we help a little bit with that sparkle. If it hadn’t been for the vision and the creativity of the costume designers,our product wouldn’t have meant anything either. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, Swarovksi with its craftsmanship and the designers with their creativity.”
Just yesterday we launched a new store, an Armani Swarovksi store, a collaboration between my father and Mr. Armani, announced at the Armani show in Milan . The last time that kind of collaboration took place was with my grandfather and Christian Dior.
MBN: Do you have some announcements to make with designers?
NS: “We have to wait 6 months for that to come out. The next designers are ready, yes. Stay tuned, in 6 months, Swarvoski has new announcements.”
MBN: Tell me about Swarovski and the upcoming Oscars®.
NS: “You will see Swarovksi on stage at the Oscars, namely the big crystal curtain. It weighs one ton. It contains 65, 000 crystals, 35 feet long, 20 feet wide.” How long did it take to make? “5 weeks. We’re very proud of it. It’s so amazing.”
Cate Adair, costume designer for Desperate Housewives, was so honored to be asked to participate that she couldn’t say no. With a busy primetime show, she created her Swarvoski gallery piece during her Christmas hiatus.
, costume designer for Desperate Housewives, was so honored to be asked to participate that she couldn’t say no. With a busy primetime show, she created her Swarvoski gallery piece during her Christmas hiatus.CA: “Perhaps because I am a costume designer, I wanted a dress that was somewhere between reality and fantasy… I wanted something that would push the envelope but be something you could come up to me and say, if I had a special occasion, Kate…”
MBN: (We started talking about the process of working on her Swarvoski Runway Rocks creation.) Did you feel like you were in toyland?
CA: They were like the best chocolate shop, and I love chocolates. They just dance, and they have a light and a life of their own. It was just spectacular.”
MBN: Are we going to start seeing more crystals on Desperate Housewives?
CA: When appropriate. There’s an upcoming episode with Gabrielle…”
MBN: How do you like working on Desperate Housewives?
CA: “It’s the most magical extraordinary journey.”
MBN: About the show, can you give us a preview of what we’re going to see? What was your inspiration?
PF: Theatrics and glamour, for a change. These are 20 different designers, each with a piece. So this presentation, is in some ways to bring together a presentation without unfocusing and losing focus on each separate piece, one having nothing to do with another except that it was made of Swarovski, so that was the challenge.
Nick Verreos, Project Runway
, Project RunwayMBN: Last time I’d seen you, you were at Gen Art with the model wearing a beautiful black and white dress.
NV: Somebody loved that dress so much that now I’m designing it for Miss California for the Miss USA pageant. So she’s going to be wearing that gown, for the Miss USA . Yes, next month at the Kodak Theatre, Donald Trump, Tara ..
MBN: Have you met her?
NV: “No, but I did meet Tomiko. I was right there with Tomiko, her first runner up. She was getting ready to go, but they didn’t know whether or not whether she was going to continue being Miss USA . I was right there with Tomiko, thinking she was going to go to.”
MBN: Was she on pins and needles?
NV: Literally she had her bags packed. That’s how close, No one knew what was going on.
Because I was good friends with her, I was like, what’s going on? What’s going on?
She was like, “I have my bags packed. I’m just waiting for the word.”
MBN: What have you been up to lately?
NV: I just launched a line for Windsor dresses. It’s like an Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Windsor has 50 stores throughout the country.
MBN: What’s the name?
NV: It’s going to be Nick Verreos for Windsor . It’s a prom dress line for the prom market. I designed 10 dresses, it’s going to launch next month. That’s the market, that’s who watches the show.
I’m launching my fall line and I’m getting ready to travel all around the country for Windsor , to do promotions. and I just signed a deal with FIDM to be their spokesperson for their next year, of the Fashion Institute.
MBN: Project Runway has been good to you.
NV: “Tim Dunn? just signed a deal with Liz Claiborne but I go back to school.”
MBN: So what are you looking forward to seeing?
NV: “Lots of crystal. Lots of beautiful dreses. Gorgeous gorgeous Austrian crystal. I’m such a fan of Swarvoski crystals. I’ve bedazzled too many t-shirts.”
MBN: Do they know?
NV: “I just bedazzled my Brittney Spears t-shirt, and was about to wear it, but thought it might be a little low brow. Just in lieu of her rehab moments. I’m a Brittney fan…I can help her.”
Swarovski Runway Rocks Kicks Off Oscar(R) Week In Los Angeles
Swarovski’s Runway Rocks, the show
The Swarvoski crystals sparkled across the black carpet entering the art gallery of museum white minimalism. Passing a waterfall of crystal suspended from the ceiling, guests entered, standing room only to view Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks. Two large monitors on both sides of the elevated stage enabled all to see as the models came out one at a time, standing and circling on a disk.
Runway Rocks, an electric group of global designers commissioned to create their own ultimate catwalk jewelry in a show styled by Patrica Field, the Emmy winning Queen of Fashion, who had everyone following the fashions of Sex and the City. In speaking with her earlier on the Swarovski sparkling carpet, her challenge in creation was “to bring together a presentation without unfocusing and losing focus on each separate piece, one having nothing to do with another except that it was made of Swarovski”
Prior to entering the gallery, I had heard there were no costume changes and that MAC cosmetics would be creating the white and bronze makeup looks. What they would be wearing is jewelry, a work of art, that was intricate to get on.
During the show, a unique luxury was having Vincent De Paul, an actor and long time Versace model, interpreting many of the designs as they appeared before us on stage. De Paul’s comments follow beneath the designers and their creations below.
Cate Adair – Crystal Siren
Tarina Tarantino – Hardcore – Sporty - Lolita
Fiona Winter-Swarvoski – The Swan Dance
Scott Stephen - Diava
Anna Hiscock – Cleopatra’s Asp
Betony Vernon – Minerva
Andrew Logan – The Bride of the Elements
Robert Allsopp - Princess Swarovski
Ed Griffiths – The Nightingale
Corto Moltedo – Little Beaver
Swarvoski’s Runway Rocks, comments about the show
Patricia Field, Styled Swarovski’s Runway Rocks and Emmy-winning Queen of Fashion
, Styled Swarovski’s Runway Rocks and Emmy-winning Queen of Fashion“I thought it came out gorgeous. I was very happy with it. I thought it was exciting and powerful and couture, the highest fashion.”
Nick Verreos from Project Runway
from Project Runway“I loved it. I thought, every piece looked like a museum piece. It looks like a gallery. And it almost seems like, I felt like I was in Paris .”
Salvador Pérez Jr., revolutionized the usage of American Express cards on the red carpet with Lizzy Gardiner’s American Express Gold Card Dress, and Veronica Mars costume designer
., revolutionized the usage of American Express cards on the red carpet with Lizzy Gardiner’s American Express Gold Card Dress, and Veronica Mars costume designer“I thought it was brilliant. Over the top with crystal you can’t use in real life.
It looks so good on the runway. I mean, to put crystals under the spotlights, it’s so amazing.”
21 designers came together to create the ultimate catwalk jewellery collection styled by Patricia Field at The Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills, February 20th 2007
Swarovski, the world leader in cut crystal, shimmered a new light on the art of couture jewellery with its signature event, Runway Rocks, an inspiring collection of one-of-a-kind jewels created especially for the runway by leading names in fashion and jewellery design. Debuting at The Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills, this new collection had a distinctive movie-style allure, featuring an eclectic line up of talent, including leading costume designers Patricia Field ("Sex and the City") and Cate Adair ("Desperate Housewives"); LA-based costume jewellery creator, Tarina Tarantino; master jeweller to the film industry, Martin Adams; special effects genius, Robert Allsopp; Milan-based cult designer-jeweller, Betony Vernon; London jeweller Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen; and fashion and accessory designers, Hussein Chalayan, Christopher Kane, Corto Moltedo, and Tokyo's Tae Ashida. The spectacular, cutting-edge show with a dramatic Hollywood feel brought together dynamic pieces commissioned especially for Los Angeles, and was styled entirely by Emmy-winning queen of fashion, Patricia Field.
Emmy-award nominated costume designer, Cate Adair, supplied her trademark glamour by merging jewels with a draped evening gown; Martin Adams conjured up a stunning show-girl creation, reminiscent of Hollywood 1920s spectaculars; and Tarina Tarantino created a crystal-encrusted urban warrior. Leading Japanese fashion designer, Tae Ashida, threw torrents of crystals over a neck and shoulder ornament; Corto Moltedo dreamt up a dramatic crystal-wrapped American Indian feathered headdress; Milan-based jeweller, Betony Vernon, conceived a deep, curved and crisp collar fixed to a red crystal studded neck harness; and fashion's hottest newcomer this year, Christopher Kane, created a fluid jewelled bodice of crystal encrusted ring links.
From tiny crystals sprinkled on the black carpet and a giant sparkling chandelier at the entrance, to the dramatic catwalk presentation and smoky lighting inside, Swarovski Runway Rocks reflected the elegance and style of pure Hollywood glamour. Guests mingled with the designers and enjoyed signature cocktails provided by Absolut Vodka, and had the opportunity to view the designs afterwards on a rotating stage.
Swarovski Runway Rocks designers are carefully chosen and invited by Swarovski to create their ultimate vision of jewellery for the catwalk: a couture jewel that perfectly captures the mood of the moment, fusing fashion, jewellery and body ornament. Swarovski crystal is the hero and vital creative ingredient of each provocative jewel, catching the catwalk spotlight. Launched in London in 2003, Swarovski Runway Rocks has travelled to Paris, New York, Barcelona and Tokyo, and came to Los Angeles just in time for the 79th Annual Academy Awards on February 25th.
As the art of catwalk jewellery is flourishing, jewellery today remains the most powerful expression of individuality. Innovative and imaginative, it pushes the boundaries of form and adornment to make extraordinary jewels which are created for a particular couturier and show, underlining the theme of a collection. Traditionally, these jewels have been made by individual ateliers, designers, craftsmen and artisans who have been unsung heroes - until now. Through Runway Rocks, Swarovski highlights this creative corner of couture and, at the same time, shows the endless possibilities of crystal as an innovative design material.
Swarovski Runway Rocks LA Designers:
Cate Adair, Martin Adams, Robert Allsopp, Tae Ashida, Brian Atwood, Hussein Chalayan, Trevor Collins, Patricia Field, Justin Giunta, Ed Griffiths, Anna Hiscock, Christopher Kane, Andrew Logan, Shaun Leane and Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, Corto Moltedo, On Aura Tout Vu, Pierre Rene, Scott Stephen, Tarina Tarantino, Betony Vernon, Fiona Winter-Swarovski.
*Watch Swarovski Runway Rocks LA at www.SwarovskiSparkles.com.*
About Swarovski and Crystal Creativity Touches of Brilliance: Crystal on the Catwalk
Ever since the early days of couture and throughout the 20th Century, Swarovski crystal has been a vital element in fashion jewellery. Swarovski has worked hand in hand with the leading names of fashion including Chanel, Schiaparelli, Christian Dior and Balenciaga, by interpreting their ideas and creating new crystal jewellery stones, colours, cuts and textures, to complement each collection. From that time, and right up to today, Swarovski crystal has taken centre stage on the catwalk, as designers from Giorgio Armani to Alexander McQueen, revel in the unrivalled fantasy and freedom offered by crystal.
Swarovski and Hollywood
Crystal, like Hollywood, is all about realizing dreams, and throughout Swarovski's history, stars, both on and off screen, stylists and costume designers like the legendary Edith Head have all turned to crystal, with its ability to catch and hold the spotlight, as a way of highlighting individual star quality. Marilyn Monroe's breathless performance, singing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy in 1962 was made more memorable by the skin tight, flesh coloured gown she wore, smothered in thousands of hand-sewn Swarovski crystals that shimmered in the lights of Madison Square Garden. In recent years, Swarovski has rekindled its close working relationship with the movie industry, to give crystal a new glittering role in costumes, jewels and sets, in films ranging from "Moulin Rouge," "The Phantom of the Opera," "James Bond's Die Another Day" and "Casino Royale," "The Golden Age," "Oceans 13" and recent hit, "Dreamgirls."
Illuminating Fashion and Culture, Home and Leisure www.swarovskisparkles.com
Source: Swarovski
Web site: http://www.swarovskisparkles.com/
Feb 20
Swarovski Presents Runway Rocks
THE ULTIMATE CATWALK JEWELRY COLLECTION COMES TO LOS ANGELES
Swarovski launches Runway Rocks 2007 - The Ace Gallery February 20th
Styled by Patricia Field
Los Angeles February 2007: Swarovski shines light on the art of couture jewelry. Runway Rocks is Swarovski's barrier-breaking collection of newly commissioned, one-of-a-kind jewels, created especially for the catwalk by the world's leading names in fashion and jewelry design. Giving this new collection a distinctive movie-style glamour, the high-profile line up taking part in Runway Rocks Los Angeles (LA) includes leading costume designers Patricia Field and Cote Adair, LA based costume jewelry creator, Torino Tarantino, master jeweller to the film industry, Martin Adams, special effects genius, Robert Allsopp, and Milan-based cult designer-jeweller Betony Vernon. As well as London jeweller Shoun Leone for Alexander McQueen, there are fashion and accessory designers including Hussein Chalayan, On Aura Tout Vu, Corto Molfedo and Tokyo's Toe Ashida. The spectacular show, with a dramatic Hollywood-flavoured concept, will be styled throughout by Emmy-winning queen of fashion, Patricia Field.
The Runway Rocks designers are carefully chosen and invited by Swarovski to create their ultimate vision of jewelry for the catwalk. A couture jewel that perfectly captures the mood of the moment, fusing fashion, jewelry and body ornament. Swarovski crystal is the hero and vital creative ingredient of each provocative jewel, catching the catwalk spotlight.
Runway Rocks LA - The Ace Gallery, Beverly Hills, 9430 Wilshire Boulevard
Now Swarovski brings the trail blazing Runway Rocks collection to LA with a sparkling event and conceptual catwalk show, to be held during the run-up to the Oscars Ceremony, on February 20th, in the Ace Gallery. This cuttingedge, thought-provoking Runway Rocks collection with its theatrical flavour brings together dynamic new pieces, commissioned especially for LA and 5 creations commissioned in 2006 for Tokyo. Emmy-award nominated costume designer for Desperate Housewives, Cote Adair supplies her trademark glamour, merging jewels with a draped evening gown, Martin Adams conjures up a stunning show-girl creation, redolent of Hollywood 1920s spectaculars, and Torino Tarantino creates a crystal-encrusted urban warrior.
Leading Japanese fashion designer Tae Ashida throws torrents of crystals over a neck and shoulder ornament, Corto Moltedo dreams up a dramatic crystalwrapped American Indian feathered headdress, both raw and refined, Milanbased jeweller, Betony Vernon conceives a deep, curved and crisp collar fixed to a red crystal studded neck harness, and from fashion's hottest newcomer this year, Christopher Kane, comes a fluid jewelled bodice of crystal encrusted ring links. This is jewelry as you've never seen it before, this is crystal creativity at its most flamboyant, this is Swarovski Runway Rocks; Crystal to make the Runway Rock.
Crvstal Creativitv
As the art of catwalk jewelry is flourishing, jewelry today remains the most powerful expression of individuality. Innovative and imaginative, it pushes the boundaries of form and adornment to make extraordinary jewels which are created for a particular couturier and show, underlining the theme of a collection. Traditionally these jewels have been made by individual ateliers, designers, craftsmen and artisans, who have until now, been unsung heroes. Through Runway Rocks, Swarovski highlights this creative corner of couture and at the same time shows the endless possibilities of crystal as an innovative material.
Touches of Brilliance: Crvstal on the Catwalk
Ever since the early days of couture and throughout the 20th Century, Swarovski crystal has been a vital element in fashion jewelry. Swarovski has worked hand in hand with the leading names of fashion including Chanel, Schiaparelli, Christian Dior and Balenciaga, by interpreting their ideas and creating new crystal jewelry stones, colours, cuts and textures, to complement each collection. From that time, and right up to today, Swarovski crystal has taken centre stage on the catwalk, as designers from Giorgio Armani to Alexander McQueen, revel in the unrivalled fantasy and freedom offered by crystal.
Swarovski and Hollvwood
Crystal, like Hollywood, is all about realising dreams, and throughout Swarovski's history, stars, both on and off screen, stylists and costume designers like the legendary Edith Head have all turned to crystal, with its ability to catch and hold the spotlight, as a way of highlighting individual star quality. Marilyn Monroe's breathless performance, singing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy in 1962 was made more memorable by the skin tight, flesh coloured gown she wore, smothered in thousands of hand-sewn Swarovski crystals that shimmered, sultry and seductive, in the lights of Madison Square Gardens. In recent years, Swarovski has rekindled its close working relationship with the movie industry, to give crystal a new glittering role in costumes, jewels and sets, in films ranging from Moulin Rouge, The Phantom of the Opera, James Bond's Die Another Day and Casino Royale, The Golden Age, Oceans 13 and Dreamgirls.
SWAROVSKI
Designers:
Cate Adair, Martin Adams, Robert Allsopp, Tae Ashida, Brian Atwood, Hussein Chalayan, Trevor Collins, Patricia Field, Justin Giunta, Ed Griffiths, Anna Hiscock, Christopher Kane, Andrew Logon, Shaun Leane and Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, Corto Moltedo, On Aura Tout Vu, Scott Stephen, Tarina Tarantino, Betony Vernon, Fiona Winter-Swarovski.
Watch livestreaming at www.swarovskisparkles.tv
Contact:
Over a hundred years ago, in 7895, Daniel Swarovskl I, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to the village of Waffens, Tyrol in Austria, with his newly-invented machine for cuffing and polishing crystal jewelry stones. From these beginnings, which revolutionised the fashion world, Swarovski has grown to be the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal, for fashion, jewelry and more recently lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the company, still based in Wattens, family-owned and run by 4'" and 5'h generation family members, has a global reach, with some 20,000 employees, a presence in over 720 countries and a turnover in 2006 of 2,33 billion Euros. Comprising two major divisions, one producing and selling loose crystals, the other creating design-driven finished products, the Swarovski corporation also includes four industrial brands, Tyrolit@, manufacturing grinding tools, Swareflex, for rood safety reflectors, Optik, producing precision optical instruments and Signity, Swarovski's brand for genuine and created gemstones, While Swarovski crystal, known by its product brand nome CRYSTALLIZED TM_ Swarovski elements, has become on essential ingredient of international design, Swarovski's own-brand accessory, jewelry and home decor lines are sold through more than 600 Swarovski stores and concessions in all major fashion capitols, and the exclusive Daniel Swarovski accessories collection has become the company's Couture signature, The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 400,000 members worldwide, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines, and in Wattens, Crystal Worlds, the multi-media crystal museum, has attracted over 7 million visitors since it was opened in 7995, as a celebration of Swarovski's universe of innovation and inspiration, of crystal as the ultimate creative material,
Illuminating Fashion and Culture, Home and Leisure www.swarovski.com
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SWAROVSKI
Running Order
- Martin Adams - Ravishing Roses
- Christopher Kane - Addicted to Mesh
- Shoun Leone and Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen - Nest
- Robert Allsopp - Under My Wing
- Shoun Leone and Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen
- Skull
- Hussein Chalayan - Pearl Dress
- Trevor Collins - Crystal Knits!
- Brian Atwood - Spellbound
9. Cote Adair - Crystal Siren
- Torino Tarantino - Hardcore - Sporty - Lolita
- Fiona Winter-Swarovski - The Swan Dance
- Scott Stephen - Diava
- Justin Giunta - The Queen of Hearts
- Anna Hiscock - Cleopatra's Asp
- Betony Vernon - Minerva
- Andrew Logan - The Bride of The Elements
- Robert Allsopp - Princess Swarovski
- Toe Ashida - Crystal Cascade
- Ed Griffiths - The Nightingale
20. Patricia Field for House of Field - Ancient Future
21 . On Aura Tout Vu - The Magic Princess of The Rising Sun
22. Corto Moltedo - Little Beaver
THE DESIGNERS AND THEIR JEWELS
Swarovski has commissioned designers from around the world to create their ultimate vision of jewelry for the catwalk The designers, all linked in some way to both jewelry and fashion, were asked to find new expressions for crystal in jewels, to experiment with the forms, meanings and conventions of jewels today, to merge fashion, body ornament and jewelry. Swarovski crystal was to be the hero of each design.
The result is Runway Rocks.
MARTIN ADAMS
Martin Adams has spent over thirty years making costume props for theatre, television and film. From the space suits and animals, masks and medals of his early years, he has gradually developed a specialty of jewelry and jewelry related work, which now takes up all of his time. He has created jewelry for over 100 films, often using Swarovski crystal, including Time Bandits, The Last Emperor, Dangerous Liaisons, Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves, Interview with the Vampire, Evita, Titanic, 101 & 102 Dalmatians, Gladiator, the Mummy films, various Harry Porters, and more recently The Queen.
RAVISHING ROSES
Following a creative collaboration for the film of "The Phantom of the Opera", Martin was invited by Swarovski to contribute "something theatrical" to Runway Rocks. Having the treasure trove of crystal wonders at his disposal, he was particularly captivated by the new 'Vintage Rose' color. "This crystal stone inspired me to make delicious, sparkling roses and somehow led me to think of rose windows as a very theatrical vehicle for them. I am delighted to have been asked to create a piece which I hope glorifies the jewelry stones I have always loved using, and which have helped me to create so many hundreds of pieces."
CATE ADAIR
Cate Adair is the Emmy-nominated Costume Designer for the smash hit series, Desperate Housewives. Her design work for this global sensation is credited with influencing fashion trends in 203 countries. Cate completed formal training in Fashion and Costume Design in her native Britain and has achieved industry-wide acclaim for her extensive design work in feature films, television, and theatre. Her credits include NBC's mini series The 70's, The District for CBS, Oprah Winfrey's critically acclaimed Before Women Had Wings, the teen hit I Know What You Did Last Summer, Beverly Hills Cop III, and Dream Works' Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. Cate has been nominated for numerous awards and makes frequent appearances on television. She was co-presenter with Bob Mackie at the first annual LA Fashion Awards 2005, Fashion Consultant to Marshall Fields Spring 2005 Season Kick-off, 2005 Honoree of Giorgio Armani and 2006 Style Consultant & Guest Speaker for Nordstrom in partnership with Vogue. CRYSTAL SIREN
Seductive, alive and flowing with light, this dress is inspired by the romance and beauty of the sea and the timeless legend of the Siren. The dress and body jewel conjure up images of warm Mediterranean waters sparkling with opalescent blues and greens, flashes of citrine, and shell pinks. "Because of my deep love of color and texture, I found working with these crystals, with all their fire and light, a pure joy. The possibilities are endless. "
ROBERT ALLSOPP
Robert Allsopp trained in Theatre Design, graduating in 1986, and then worked as a freelance costume prop-maker. He now runs his own business in London making costumes and props for theatre, television and film. His clients in the UK include The Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet, the BBC, and various film and TV production companies. He has also worked for many of the world's leading theatre companies, including the National Theatre, The Metropolitan, New York and Tokyo Opera. Stage musical credits include The Lion King (London) Wicked (LA, Broadway and London), We will Rock you (London) and Spamalot (London). Films featuring his work include Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven for Janty Yates, Phantom of the Opera and the soon to be released Elizabeth sequel The Golden Age.
UNDER MY WING
As one of the most frequently requested items in the area of costume props is a pair of wings, Robert decided to play with the idea of a wing, showing it, in a less literal way, as a form of protection, but at the same time restricting or imprisoning the wearer like a cage. He chose to work with the new Swarovski crystal yarn to bind the wire frame. PRINCESS SWAROVSKI
Robert Allsopp's second piece for Runway Rocks was partly inspired by the new Elizabethan epic, The Golden Age. The final design however has little to do with the Elizabethan age, resembling the ballet costume of a fairy tale princess. "I was interested in combining elements of armour, etched metal and crystal. I found that working with Swarovski's range of crystal products opened up many creative possibilities and added another dimension to each piece."
T AE ASHIDA
Born in Tokyo in 1964, the second daughter of designer Jun Ashida, Tae Ashida studied fashion in the Apparel Design Department of the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating with a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in 1987. During the 1980s she worked as an assistant for Christian Lacroix at Jean Patou, and for Nicole Miller in New York. In 1986, she was awarded the Nicole Miller Scholarship for designing "the most beautiful dress". She joined Jun Ashida in 1988, and in 1991 made her debut as an independent designer with her "miss ashida" collection. Now following in the footsteps of her father, she has become well known as a trend-setting spokeswoman with an international perspective for the new generation of young, fashion-conscious urban Japanese. CRYSTAL CASCADE
It was an article in a newspaper in 1996 about Swarovski's crystal zipper, that first inspired Tae Ashida to look at crystal in a new light. "As soon as I made contact with Swarovski in Paris, my dream came true. Since then, Swarovski crystal has always been an important element in my collection. I have always thought that the shine of crystal is like the shine and transparency of water. In my Runway Rocks piece, I wanted to express the graceful shine and shadow of water in motion."
BRIAN ATWOOD
Chicago-born Brian Atwood created his eponymous shoe label in 2001 and developed a devoted, cult-like following for his brazenly sexy footwear. The most elaborate skins, the longest fringes and the most sparkling jewels go into his fantasy footwear. Brian Atwood discovered his early aesthetic flair, studying art and architecture at Southern Illinois University, followed by clothing design at FIT in New York. In 1996 Atwood became the first American to be hired by Versace in Milan, for whom he designed the Versus collection, followed by women's accessories. Here he was able to master the intricacies of shoe design, creating a strong brand identity for the accessories division. In 2001 he took the decision to create his own brand, dedicated to stop-and-stare, drop-dead gorgeous shoes made by the finest manufacturers in Italy.
SPELLBOUND
Brian Atwood turns an accessory into a jewel with his clutch bag created for Runway Rocks, from hand woven fabric of chain link, metallic yarn and faceted beads. The bag features metal plates inlaid with Swarovski crystals in shades of gold. "Crystal invokes magic - the combination of classic construction with striking metallic elements transforms a clutch into a stunning statement jewel."
HUSSEIN CHALAYAN
Hussein Chalayan was born in Cyprus in 1970 and graduated from London's Central St Martin's School of Art in July 1993, with a collection of rotten silk and cotton garments, which had been buried in the garden with iron filings. He launched his own collection in 1994, and was named British Designer of the Year in both 1999 and 2000. In 2001 he was appointed Creative Director at Asprey and began to show his own women's label in Paris in 2002. In 2006 he was awarded an MBE for his contribution to fashion.
PEARL DRESS
The pearl dress was a showpiece in Hussein Chalayan's spectacular milestone S/S 07 collection, in which Swarovski crystal played a major role. The collection was inspired by the way in which world events over the course of the century have influenced and shaped fashion. "Swarovski crystals from different eras are incorporated into the dresses, reflecting the evolving history of the company and celebrating their 111 year anniversary." For this piece, Hussein made use of the lustre and colour of the Swarovski crystal pearl. "The fluidity of time is explored using the relationship between light, water and crystals."
TREVOR COLLINS
Born in the UK in 1953, Trevor Collins trained at Homsey School of Art (BA Honours 1973-76), and at the Royal College of Art (MA 1976-78), both in constructed textiles. Since then he has worked on a freelance basis producing knitted fabrics and costumes for various theatre, film and television costume designers including Stefanos Lazaridis, Nadine Baylis and John Napier, for English National Opera, The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Den Norske Opera Oslo, Teater und Philharmonie Essen, The English National Ballet, The Royal National Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also created costumes for the musicals Cats, The Lion King, We Will Rock You and Daddy Cool. Film work includes Supergirl, Excalibur and Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy; he has also worked on three exclusive fashion collections for Jasper Conran. CRYSTAL KNITS!
An eclectic group of influences for Trevor Collins' Swarovski Runway Rocks creation includes Klimt and Gaudi, The Supremes and glass artist Andrew Logan. " It has been an inspiration in itself working on the Swarovski proj ect. As a knitter I have been especially inspired by the range of yarns using crystal and pearls, something I have longed for over many years! As well as using them for knitting and crochet I have explored the possibilities of dying the yarns. The wide range of crystals available for embellishment has been a real luxury. Most of all it is enormous fun to work with these glittering, shimmering crystals of light."
PATRICIA FIELD FOR HOUSE OF FIELD
One of fashion's great visionaries, native New Yorker Patricia Field is an Emmy Award winning film and television costume designer and a boutique owner with her own clothing label. Patricia raised the standards for television glamour when she designed the costumes for Sex and the City, the most fashionable show in television history. The clothes formed a large part of the show's status as a cultural phenomenon, and fashion editors, socialites and celebrities adopted Patricia's style philosophy, taking front row seats at her House of Field fashion shows. Since the end of Sex and the City, Patricia Field has been involved with high profile projects, including designing the costumes for The Devil Wears Prada, styling television's Hope and Faith, and the new show, Six Degrees. She collaborates with global brands on special Patricia Field limited edition collections, and since 2004 has been Creative Director for the Japanese brand Smacky Glam. Alongside her Emmys, for Mother Goose Rock and Rhyme and for Sex and the City, other awards include Stylist of the Year, given by the CFDA.
ANCIENT FUTURE
Feeling strongly that every Runway Rocks creation should tell a story, Patricia Field was inspired by the ceremonial ornaments of ancient Egypt, touched by a contemporary influence of cyber futurism. "Swarovski crystal represents the 21 st century power and glamour of the female."
ED GRIFFITHS
After taking a degree in sculpture at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, London-based Ed Griffiths spent time immersed in the music industry before developing his specialty of supremely sculptural, hand-moulded leather accessories, which brought him to the attention of fashion designers, like Emanuel Ungaro and Clements Ribeiro, followed by Carlos Miele, Blaak, Boudicca and Julien Macdonald, who all commissioned him to accessorize their pret a porter collections. Recently, Ed has been making leather creations for film, including the forthcoming Sweeny Todd.
THE NIGHTINGALE
Named after the Hollywood female stars of the 1940s, this Runway Rocks creation embodies glamour from the Golden age of Hollywood. Inspiration came also from movies such as "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Mulholland Drive" and particularly from Greta Garbo, who epitomized the strength and character of legendary Hollywood stars. "I loved the fantastic depth and darkness of the jet crystal I used for this piece. The fluidity of the jet crystal fabric reminded me of caviar or sharkskin. I love the absolute flawlessness of Swarovski crystal; there is nothing else like it. Swarovski crystal draws light to it, with its incredible prismatic qualities."
ANNA HISCOCK
Anna Hiscock obtained a degree in fashion in 1989 in her native New Zealand and after the mandatory extensive travels in Europe, she stayed on in London to continue her career in the world of fashion and styling. She took a photography degree and married established London photographer David Hiscock, with whom she now collaborates on various projects, building a brand that is recognized for excellence in quality, originality and flexible diversity. Her jewelry, inspired by and often incorporating textiles, is made in limited editions or as one-of-a-kind pieces and commissions.
CLEOPATRA'S ASP
As a motif, the sensual serpent, rich in cultural references, runs through Anna Hiscock's work. Symbolizing energy, new life and renewal, the serpent is the guardian of immortality, always closely connected to the essence of femininity. For Runway Rocks, working with Swarovski architectural elements, Anna Hiscock created a grandiose version of one of her first pieces, a long rope necklace, in silk, steel and silver, fluid, tactile and weighty. She fabricated an imposing, powerful and graphic body ornament, with astrological and alchemical symbols; an ornament suitable for Queen Cleopatra. The serpent, or asp, is made of silk, hand encrusted with crystal stones, and intended to be draped around the body and across the arms. "The aspect that resonates with me most is the absolute 'perfection' of each single stone. Working with Swarovski crystals is like entering a place of perfection where your movements and thoughts will be mesmerized it is osmotic."
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Christopher Kane's degree shows at London's Central St Martin's School, both BA and MA Women swear, have won him numerous awards, accolades and sponsors along with a job with Versace. When he won the annual Lancome Colour Award for the second year running in 2005, one of the judges brought his work to the attention of Donatella Versace, who immediately decided to sponsor his MA collection. He launched his debut collection for S/S 07 in London last September. Christopher was asked to present his MA collection to Anna Wintour of US Vogue in a private viewing, after which he was invited to sit next to her at the front row of Donatella Versace's AlW06 show in Milan. This year, since graduating, he has been working in Milan with Versace on various projects including Couture and accessories.
ADDICTED TO MESH
The inspiration for Christopher Kane's Runway Rocks creation comes from obscure Picasso sketches and the construction of chandeliers. "I love working with crystal. It is a material that really inspires me. I especially love working with crystal mesh and exploring ways of making it more youthful and modern through my designs."
SHAUN LEANE & PHILIP TREACY FOR ALEXANDER McQUEEN
Shaun Leane started his career at fifteen, as an apprentice goldsmith in London's traditional jewelry quarter, Hatton Garden. During this time he produced one-off pieces for a prestigious list of clients including Asprey, Garrard and Kutchinsky. Four years after setting up his own business, Shaun began an exciting partnership with Alexander McQueen. Over the past nine years, they have collaborated on increasingly large and elaborate body sculptures that have become celebrated showpieces. Shaun has gone on to create his own diamond jewelry line, and his fine jewelry collection, Hook My Heart, has proved a major international success.
Born in a tiny village in the West of Ireland, Philip Treacy moved to Dublin to study fashion at the National College of Art & Design, where he made hats "as a hobby" to go with the outfits he was designing. In 1989 Treacy took one of his hats to Michael Roberts and Isabella Blow, the fashion director and style editor of Tatler respectively. After he graduated from the Royal College in 1990, Treacy set up a workshop in the basement of Isabella Blow's house in Belgravia. By 1994 Treacy had opened his own shop. For his AlW06 collection, Alexander McQueen asked Shaun Leane to work with Philip Treacy, to create jeweled head ornaments in precious materials, crossing boundaries between art, fashion and jewelry, with a strong feeling for rich, couture sophistication. Shaun Leane chose to work with gemstones by Signity, Swarovski's brand for genuine and created gemstones.
EAGLE SKULL FEATHERED HEADDRESS & NEST OF EGGS FEATHERED HEADPIECE
"To work with Signity is every jeweler's dream. The range of colors and the consistency of color and cut are amazing. The gemstones are diamond-cut, maximizing brilliance and depth of color, essential qualities when producing designs to couture standard. Wild eagles from the Scottish highlands inspire these catwalk pieces. Their majesty, power and beauty are reflected in the use of silver and pave set Smoky Quartz, Black Spinel and Buick Topaz Signity gemstones, entwining concepts of strength and fragility."
ANDREW LOGAN
English artist, Andrew Logan, famed for his cosmic sculptures made of fragments of broken mirror and glass, studied at Oxford School of Architecture, in England, during which time he spent a year working in North America. Andrew started working with glass in 1969, and his jewelry venture started in 1972, when the designer Thea Porter asked him to make jewelry for her shows. He played an important role in London's cultural climate in the 1970s, working closely with fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, and setting up his own Alternative Miss World contest. He says, "The mirror of the universe has been my life for thirty years. It has an energy like no other material. The humble grain of sand transforms to glamorous glass. I have played with mirror to create monuments, mobiles, portraits, wall pieces and jewelry. My artistic adventure is to create a world of magic moments."
THE BRIDE OF THE ELEMENTS
Andrew Logan is always inspired by the world and the universe we live in. His Runway Rocks creation is a distillation of his life's work, juxtaposing crystal with glass, mirror and objets trouves. His design depicts the four elements, a fiery headpiece, a bodice of clouds, leggings of crystal water, and shoes representing the earth. "Working with crystal is a gateway into another world".
CORTO MOLTEDO
Born in New York in 1977, Gabrielecorto Moltedo spent his childhood between New York, Paris and the Venetian countryside. His parents were the founders of Bottega Veneta, the world renowned leather goods brand, and from the age of fourteen, he spent his summer holidays in the factory, learning the skills demanded to produce exquisitely crafted handbags. Having graduated with an art history degree from New York University, and a Master's degree in Communications from Emerson College, Moltedo set up his own studio in the Veneto region in Italy, designing and making bags under his own label, Corto Moltedo. The first collection was launched in March 2004. He now shares his time between his design base in Paris and the studio in the Veneto.
LITTLE BEAVER
The dramatic American Indian feather and crystal headdress is inspired by Corto Moltedo's longing to return to America. He has always been fascinated by Native American princesses, and remembered a comic strip called "Red Ryder", in which one of the characters, a little Native American Indian sidekick, was called Little Beaver. "Working with Swarovski crystal was a lot of fun. It's amazing how a bag of crystals can completely change the feeling of a design. So much more rock and roll - yet still completely natural."
ON AURA TOUT VU
On Aura Tout Vu was founded in ·1995, as a collaboration of three artists, Livia S. Stoianova, Yassen Samouilov, and Andre de Sa Pessoa. They have created prototypes and fashion accessories for famous Haute Couture names like Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, and ready-to-wear accessories for brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Guy Laroche, Paco Rabanne, Nina Ricci, Rochas and John Galliano. In 1998 they began to produce their own collections of ready-to-wear accessories and couture clothes, and from 2002 have shown their collections regularly during Paris Couture week in January and July. They have collaborated on various design projects with brands including Swatch and Chopard.
THE MAGIC PRINCESS OF THE RISING SUN
The crystal-encrusted and embroidered Runway Rocks body ornament, a cross between fashion and jewelry, is made to look glamorous, provocative, individual and refined. "There could not be a more exciting moment in time for us to realize our ideas using such precious and creative materials."
JUSTIN GIUNTA FOR SUBVERSIVE
An artist working across different media, painting, fashion, interiors and industrial design, Justin Giunta brings an inventive sensibility to his Subversive Jewelry label, poised between fine art and commercial design. Born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, he has studied at several art institutions including Pratt Institute and th( Gerrit Reitveld Academie in Amsterdam. Following a baroque philosophy, he explains "In my work I am always drawing parallels between art history and modern design tc explore themes of accessible decadence and fine art. The only difference between the twc is where it is sold." Sourcing vintage materials from flea-markets to thrift stores, Justir selects his materials for their artistry and rarity to create a richly toned palette for hi~ creations. His clientele is equally eclectic, ranging from Courtney Love to Queen NoOJ of Jordan.
THE QUEEN OF HEARTS
Justin Giunta says that he has come to realize that the idea of fantasy always include~ great jewels. "A fantasy I frequently encounter among women is one where they are covered in fur and jewels and hold the position of a Queen! Therefore, my muse is the Queen of Queens; The Queen of Hearts. For me, she is representative of love and loss, fortune and fantasy and ultimately a symbol of worship and power". For Runway Rocks, Giunta has created a necklace and cape attached by a clasp, demonstrating a queen-like decadence and evoking the feeling of "wrapping oneself in jewels". He has used a variety of Swarovski crystals, including the pearl yarn, mixed with antique elements and fur. "I find the materials very inspiring as they can be appropriated and combined in seemingly infinite ways. En masse, these miniature compositions produce an effect of light and sparkle that no real gems could match"
SCOTT STEPHEN
Born in 1978, Scott Stephen gained a BA in Printed Textiles for Fashion from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, Scotland, and then headed to Milan to create couture fabrics for names such as Gaultier and Dior. Limited by his clients' briefs and searching for a creative outlet, he constructed new pieces from remnants of Chanel tweeds and boucles. London department store Liberty bought the entire first collection and he has subsequently collaborated with Dries Van Noten, Swarovski and Collette Dinnigan. Handcrafting each of his pieces with materials such as silk tulle, glass, leather, semi-precious stones and traditional Scottish Harris tweeds, he says, "I gather materials and push them beyond their conventional characteristics."
DIAVA
Scott Stephen's Runway Rocks creation, Diava, represents the modern female. He wanted to produce the look of a uniform, emanating strength and pride. "We are in awe of the wearer, she demands respect with her crystal encrusted epaulettes and her militaristic silhouette." When the epaulettes are removed however she embodies a totally different sentiment. She still commands authority but now she bestows a majestic presence, dazzling onlookers with the glittering opulence of her cascading neckpiece. The inspiration for the piece has come mainly from the Imperial Russian Court - from the heavily worked pelisse of a Russian General to the splendor and indulgence of the Grand Duchess Vladimir. "Walking into the Swarovski offices is like stepping into some magnificent utopia where everything glistens and each drawer hides an undiscovered secret. You cannot help but be entranced by the experience. "
TARINA TARANTINO
Known for her uniquely nostalgic yet modern designs, Los Angeles based Tarina Tarantino has sparked a global cult following. Established in 1995 with her husband and partner Alfonso Campos the company has grown into an international brand with stores in New York, Los Angeles, Milan, Tokyo and Osaka. The Tarina Tarantino collections brought a breath of fresh air to the minimalism of the '90s, and quickly became favorites of celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore as well as Hollywood stylists and costume designers. She channelled her lifelong obsession with Swarovski crystal into jewelry pieces that featured her signature op-art color combinations, creating "hair jewelry" which brought embellished hair accessories back into the spotlight, along with her "Bag Candy" collections in 2000. Soon after she was invited by Sanrio to makeover their 30 year old pop culture icon Hello Kitty, which resulted in the Hello Kitty Pink Head collections. Recently she was invited by MatteI to create a collection of Barbie inspired couture jewelry.
HARDCORE-SPORTY-LOLITA
She is a girl living in a futuristic metropolis of Tokyo. She is a reflection of the chaotic yet childlike and beautiful "culture of cuteness" that collides with the hardcore architecture and street fashion. She is modern and has the desire for a playful but hi-tech and sparkling lifestyle. She sees herself in the endless mirror of skyscrapers that she passes continually. "There is nothing more beautiful than a sparkle. The sparkle in my daughter's eyes, a sparkle on the ocean, a sparkle of sun through the trees and sparkling crystal beads and stones are some of my most favorite things in life. The color and hypnotizing sparkle of Swarovski crystal makes the world more magical, beautiful and happy. "
FIONA WINTER-SWAROVSKI
Born in Basel, Switzerland, Fiona Winter -Swarovski is the daughter of Marina Giori, one of the six members of the Family Board of Swarovski, now led by the fourth generation of descendants of Daniel Swarovski, who founded the company in Wattens, Tyrol in 1895. She studied in London and Switzerland, where she obtained her Degree in History of Art. Subsequently, she took a course at Sotheby's and attended the Parsons School of Design in New York. She then moved to Italy, where she worked in interior design, before turning her talents to designing jewelry and fashion accessories for friends and family. In December 2002, Fiona Winter-Swarovski opened her own design center:
Fiona Winter Studio, FWS, of which she is Creative Director. She lives between Italy, Switzerland and Austria, and is currently working on a number of creative projects, including a licensed collection of cashmere knitwear, the FWS line, for the Mariella Burani Group.
THE SWAN DANCE
Inspiration came from the famous ballet "Swan Lake". Fiona Winter-Swarovski's creation for Runway Rocks represents love through the image of two kissing swans. "I am fascinated by the reflection of lights radiating from crystal, which bring a touch of magic to everything."
BETONY VERNON
Since 1988, Milan-based designer Betony Vernon has specialized in limited editions and custom made one-of-a-kind jewels for international private collectors, exclusive boutiques and fine department stores. She personally creates all of the prototypes for her designs, while the pieces are crafted by skilled Italian goldsmiths and masters of old world techniques. Describing her work as "immune to trends", Betony is driven by a mission to create objects that connect the wearer to the world, to history, to spirituality and to the body. Her collections are informed by extensive research which gives each jewel a life of its own, enabling each piece to empower the wearer, create new sensations and offer new forms of expression. In 2001, her "Eco-coral" jewels adorned Missoni's summer fashion collection and she collaborated with Alain Tondowski on a collection of limited edition jeweled shoes called "Venus". In her most recent collaboration, she worked as principal designer for Gianfranco Ferre's premier fine jewelry collection that launched in Fall 2003.
MINERVA
The massive, moulded and crystal-covered armour-like collar and body-brace are based on Betony Vernon's exploration of the ways in which an object, or a jewel, can change body gestures. The Minerva, or neck brace, forces the chin upwards which is always a sign of self-confidence, and ensures that the wearer stands tall and straight. The Red Cross, a symbol of help, first-aid and rescue, makes reference to a medical neck brace, and the fact that its wearer would change from a victim to a survivor. Working within the concept of Runway Rocks, Betony Vernon encrusted the metal she so loves to work with in Swarovski crystal, linking her idea to the luxury of couture. "The Minerva is a dream piece", she explains. "She who wears it is a goddess."
Credit Sheet
Show styled by:
HOUSE OF FIELD
Make up:
Billy B
Product kindly provided by MAC
Hair:
Felix Fischer
For factorydowntown.com with products of Pantene
With thanks to:
Absolut Pears for exclusive Runway Rocks cocktails Syren
(C) MBN 2007 William Hoehne
