Swarovski Exhibition: Masters of Light

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Swarovski Exhibition: Masters of Light

Swarovski has unveiled its traveling exhibition, “Swarovski – Masters of Light,” in Milan. Open to the public at Palazzo Citterio from June 17 to July 14, 2024, the exhibition is a celebration of nearly 130 years of the Austrian brand’s legacy in fashion, jewelry, and pop culture. Conceptualized by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and curated by British fashion journalist, author, critic, and curator Alexander Fury, the showcase delves into the brand’s historical and cultural impact.

The “Swarovski – Masters of Light” exhibition, which premiered in Shanghai last fall, is hosted in the historic and newly-renovated Palazzo Citterio, an extension of Pinacoteca di Brera. This partnership with Milan’s foremost museum allows visitors to experience the grandeur of Palazzo Citterio, which will permanently house modern art collections from December 2024.

Tracing Swarovski’s journey from its founding in 1895 to the present day, the exhibition is a testament to the brand’s enduring influence and innovation. It features an array of crystal-embellished fashion pieces from international brands like Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Schiaparelli, Versace, and Armani. Additionally, red carpet outfits worn by celebrities such as Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé are on display, underscoring Swarovski’s creative prowess and its collaborations with top names in fashion, cinema, and music.

Alexis Nasard, Swarovski CEO, expressed his delight at presenting the exhibition in Milan, highlighting the city’s status as a global fashion and cultural hub. He emphasized the significance of the partnership with Pinacoteca di Brera in offering a unique opportunity to explore Swarovski’s universe.

Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski’s Global Creative Director, shared her enthusiasm for seeing her vision come to life in the exhibition. She described it as a journey of wonder and discovery, celebrating Swarovski’s craftsmanship and collaborations with major fashion houses and pop icons.

“Swarovski – Masters of Light” pays tribute to the fashion industry, showcasing over 50 crystal-embellished outfits from prestigious fashion houses, including Italian brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Fendi Couture, and Armani Privé. The exhibition also features historical couture gowns, such as an 1895 dress by the House of Worth, many of which are on public display for the first time.

Additionally, the exhibition presents an unprecedented collection of outfits worn by iconic figures like Josephine Baker, Tina Turner, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue. A unique array of stage costumes, red carpet ensembles, and thousands of sparkling jewelry pieces, figurines, and crystals, including the largest crystal chaton ever created is showcased at Palazzo Citterio. A highlight is the display of fine jewelry showpieces made with lab-grown Swarovski Created Diamonds.

The exhibition guides visitors through Swarovski’s evolution, from its 19th-century beginnings in Vienna to its contemporary innovations. Divided into seven thematic sections, the show includes a chronological journey through the brand’s history (Time Chamber), a showcase of Swarovski’s statement bijoux (Jewelry Box), the debut of its lab-grown diamond collection (Diamonds Of The Future), its mastery of light through crystal (Masters Of Light), and its collaborations with the music and cinema industries (Pop Icons). A central feature is “Future History,” which explores fashion through 20 visual dialogues between outfits by top designers. The Milan edition introduces “Mathemagical,” a new section dedicated to Swarovski’s exceptional craftsmanship in crystal making and jewelry artisanship.

For more information, visit swarovski.art.