HOLLYWOOD AND SWAROVSKI

I enjoyed learning of the involvement of Swarovski within the set and costume design of the film Black Swan. To see the Swarovski product used in this manner highlights it's extraordinary beauty and versatility within creative media. The production designer for Black Swan, Therese DePrez talks of how Swarovski elements elevated the set, "much like the movement in ballet, the crystals give kicks and glint no matter what direction you see them in."

"From the early days of Hollywood, Swarovski has worked hand in hand with costume and set designers, creating show-stopping jewels, costumes and sets which capture the spotlight. The company’s reputation for the highest quality and largest variety of the finest cut crystal is unchallenged on and off the silver screen, adorning sets and stars in classics such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and more recently The Young Victoria, NINE, and The Black Swan."

-SWAROVSKI UK PRESS RELEASE 2010

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AUDREY

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."

-AUDREY HEPBURN

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JULIE & JULIA

Recently very much enjoyed the film Julie & Julia. A fabulous homage to the wonderful Julia Child and a gorgeous inspiration to bloggers of the world. A beautiful soundtrack, simply delightful insights into the art of French cooking and of course the magical Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Love the gorgeous French locale and colourful film stills capturing my artistic imagination. Highly motivating in the dream and pursuit of success. Official theatrical website is quite lovely.

{website: here} {image: alejandra siles}

MARILYN

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.

— MARILYN MONROE

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BURLESQUE, SWAROVSKI, THE COSTUMES

I recently viewed the 2010 film, Burlesque, featuring the powerhouse Christina Aguilera. Thought to share an insight into the costuming of this musical. Swarovski crystals feature heavily in my current collections and they are a feature of my works. I was inspired to learn that costume designer Michael Kaplan incorporated 250,000 Swarovski crystals into the costumes for Burlesque. He also worked with an eclectic range of materials including feathers, leather, pearls and gold coins.

Aguilera wore an array of detailed costumes including a bikini made mostly of pearls, a Madonna style conical bustier studded with dazzling crystals. In the film's finale, Aquilera wears a short gold costume hand-made with gold coins and crystals.

The set design for Burlesque also heavily featured Swarovski elements to evoke a sense of glamour. The burlesque club’s curtains were made up of 80,000 crystals weighing 1.3 tonnes.

Nadja Swarovski, VP International Communications and Creative Director of Swarovski is quoted as saying, “Swarovski is thrilled to have been incorporated into the creative vision of Burlesque and to have had the opportunity to work alongside costume designer Michael Kaplan. The sparkling costumes are showcased against a shimmering backdrop of crystal curtains which perfectly encapsulate the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Burlesque!”

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FILM

I have a strong appreciation for cinematography and the beauty of the moving image. Atonement is one of my favourite films. Some stills capture the elegance of this superb motion picture.

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CHANEL, BAZ AND NICOLE

Adore the 2004 Chanel No 5 short film featuring Nicole Kidman. Shot by the wonderfully talented director, Baz Luhrmann. Costumes by Karl Lagerfield.

{video: here} {images: the inspiration room / rie yukutake / angi face}