Swarovski is always thinking outside the crystal box. For their ninth Atelier Swarovski collection, they enlisted designers from the worlds of fashion, jewelry, architecture and costume design to create cutting edge collections. You can find some items by Rodrigo Otazu, Arik Levy, and Mary Katrantzou in the Swarovski store on Geary, and you can peruse the others on their website. Here's a selection of some sparkling favorites that would make extraordinary stocking stuffers.
For British fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, inspirations went from perfume bottles and artisan glass to eighteenth century society paintings. The end result was colorful clusters and pendants mixed with cord fastenings and enameled bracelets. Adversely, Arik Levy's study of industrial design is evident in his modern 'RockCrater' collection. Tiny crystal chatons sparkle within smooth metals delivering a sophisticated, raw aesthetic.
Costume designer Rodrigo Otazu shakes up contemporary style with his luxurious collection. He flipped the crystals upside down to expose a different part of the rock. Tribal shapes and linear formations make up his dramatic pieces. Meanwhile, jewelry designer Lesley Vik Waddell was inspired by '50s glamour and nature — her architectural crystals and chandeliers are paired with twisted silk cords to make up the most whimsical collection of all.
The first designer to take on clutches for Swarovski, Cate Adair is a renowned television and film costume designer. Details like a crystal bracelet secured to the clutch and crystal clasps make these encrusted clutches ideal for the red carpet.
Sam Durbin (sami.7x7@gmail.com) is a California lifestyle writer who honed her blogging skills as Editor of FabSugar.com. Sam graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and also writes for 7x7 Magazine and Gilt City.
