Fashion
Viktor & Rolf - Paris Spring/Summer 2009
Photographer: Claire Robertson
Swarovski Crystals illuminate fashion
“The Crystallized Swarovski Elements used on our special pieces of S/S 09 transform the dresses into wearable kaleidoscopes. With every step new colours and dimensions appear. We like this fairytale effect and play it to full effect with the three couture mini dresses, each one covered in crystal. The matt black effect was specially developed for this collection.”
- VIKTOR & ROLF
• 20,000 large crystals in various colours & black were hand embroidered to fully encrust the three couture dresses.
• These one-off pieces took over 10 weeks to be created
• They weigh over 10 kg each
This season, VIKTOR & ROLF drew their attention to large facetted crystals, which initiated their design process for the S/S09 Ready-To-Wear collection. The silhouettes were kept simple to focus on oversized crystals and striped elements.
Contradiction within the designs is achieved by juxtaposing light silk organza plissé with large multi facetted stones. Five different cuts of sparkly coloured crystals in Rose, Erinite and Sapphire form another layer of contrast against the mat finish of the black stones.
Swarovski has developed this black mat effect exclusively for VIKTOR & ROLF’s S/S09 couture dresses. VIKTOR & ROLF have named them the ‘Black Hole’ stones, as an homage to the A/W 01-02 collection and the heritage of their brand.
Black Hole stones are carefully crafted into black stripes further elaborated with intricate patterns in the silk plissé. Therefore, it gives the illusion that each dress has been hand painted.
"This season, we are very excited to have worked again with Viktor and Rolf, whose artistic vision we greatly admire. It is always a joy to witness their creative process and to see the beautiful integration of our crystal in their work".
- Nadja Swarovski
ATELIER SWAROVSKI by VIKTOR & ROLF
Viktor and Rolf have created two jewellery collections for ATELIER SWAROVSKI. For the Striped designs, clusters of crystals in flower shapes are unified by a pattern of screen-printed stripes, which run across the crystal petals.
The individually screen-printed crystals explore new Swarovski techniques and demonstrate the versatility of crystal design. In the Flame collection, brass flames in powerful shapes glisten with Siam, Sunshine and Orange crystals set into necklaces, cuffs and earrings.
For more information:
Cedric Edon/ Isabel Mössinger at Karla Otto Paris -Tel: +33 1 42 61 34 36
Pascale Montaner/Vanessa Young at Swarovski -Tel: +44 207 016 67 80
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