Sandra‘s Closet

STALACTITE-SHAPED CRYSTAL
A futuristic fantasy from Maison Martin Margiela

A striking new crystal cut has made a stunning début: Swarovski has teamed up with high-end, haute couture collective, Maison Martin Margiela, to launch a new type of crystal technology—the groundbreaking Crystalactite.

In the beginning of July during the Haute Couture week in Paris, in the chic Espace Yves Toudic, five as-yet-unseen, state-of-the-art crystal jewelry and accessories pieces, each featuring the new Crystalactite fusion technology, took center-stage at Maison Martin Margiela’s eagerly awaited Couture Show, entitled ‘Artisanal’.

What makes the Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski totally unique is the fact that it is made using the pioneering Crystal Fusion technique, by which crystal is merged with matt white resin before it is cut, making gluing unnecessary. This is unprecedented, and the result is startlingly futuristic—an avant-garde and asymmetric beauty, inspired by the shape and structure of stalactites. Maison Martin Margiela showed how the five Crystalactite Haute Couture jewelry pieces can be turned into amazingly versatile accessories. A specially integrated clip mechanism enables them to be worn on the hair, clothing, or footwear, giving an eclectic, cutting-edge look that is way ahead of its time.

Please enjoy some of the amazing show pieces along with some exclusive backstage photos:

I have been so thrilled to discover that there is to be a Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Atelier Swarovski collection based on the Haute Couture pieces. It will consist of a stunning pendant, ring, and bracelet, each displaying Maison Martin Margiela’s signature clean-lined asymmetry, lit up with Swarovski’s famous sparkle. Even better, it will be available for Christmas 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Product and backstage photos: Courtesy of Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski
Show photos: Courtesy of Maison Martin Margiela

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” could be easily changed to “Swarovskis are a girl’s best friend”. Those crystals sparkle, glitter and reflect the light just beautifully. This can be seen in perfection in the Austrian house’s new advertising campaign, created by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse, and photographed by award-winning British photographer Nick Knight.

It features Supermodel Candice Swanepoel in a variety of poses as an action woman – sleek, confident and accessorized with dazzling sporting gear made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS including a motorcycle helmet, dumb bells and skiing goggles. The radiance of Swanepoel’s beauty and her exquisitely crafted fantasy props is juxtaposed with Knight‘s stunning still lifes of lush freshly-cut garden roses, sprinkled with dewdrops of crystal stones.

Check out these cut behind the scenes shots of Swarovski’s global media campaign, that can be seen exclusively here on Sandra’s Closet. I am dying for this helmet.

If you want to get your hands on some Swarovski sparkle, check out the newest summer collection TROPICAL PARADISE that will take you on an exotic journey.
Destination? Latin America!

Creative Director Nathalie Colin explained, “I was strongly influenced by my travels in Brazil and Mexico, where I discovered intense creative energy and joie de vivre.” Signature Swarovski techniques such as Pointiage®, faceting, and the pavé setting, are evident throughout the collection along with an array of vibrant colors that conveys the festive spirit of Tropical Paradise. Turquoise tones symbolize the clear waters of the seas of Acapulco, beetles appear beside dragonflies and pink flamingos, all inspired by the diversity and exuberance of South America.

My favourite piece: Texture Big Shape Necklace
Wouldn’t that be just the perfect statement necklace? It could be worn in a casual way over a grey sweatshirt or would be complementing an evening gown perfectly.

During Paris Fashion week, I was able to browse through this beautiful collection at the stunning showroom, located at an inner courtyard on the famous Rue Sant Honoré. Enjoy those extraordinary pieces!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski and © Sandra Bauknecht
Campaign Photos: Swarovski 2013 Ad Campaign ©Nick Knight

Swarovski once again adds sparkle to the big screen! Julia Roberts stars as the queen in Mirror Mirror, a fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, wearing spectacular handmade costumes adorned with over 100,000 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Oscar®-winning costume designer Eiko Ishioka (Immortals) put her imagination to the test. “The Swarovski crystals were used in Eiko’s designs in creating three spectacular handmade costumes for the Queen, adorned with over 100,000 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in nearly twenty colours, including the outrageous golden costume ball and blood-red party dress, as well as the elaborate wedding gown,” said assistant costume designer, Martine Gagnon.

In theatres now, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince (Armie Hammer) in this magical adventure comedy, directed by Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell).

A visually stunning movie for the whole family!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Jan Thijs. Copyright 2012 Relativity Media. All rights reserved.