Giovanna Engelbert has paved a bright path in creating her debut collection, a joyous yellow brick road leading to her very own Diamond City. The first ever creative director of Swarovski, Engelbert brings a spirited new momentum to the 125-year-old brand, adding a sanguine sparkle at a time when it is most needed in the world.
Giovanna Engelbert, Creative Director of Swarovski
Formerly a fashion stylist, model, influencer and editor, Engelbert’s list of creative credentials are endless. In fact, the Italian multi-hyphenate credits her varied experience for being able to view Swarovski with an expansive, uncompromising lens. “I love music and the arts – and of course fashion. All these elements, I call embellishments of life. I think that Swarovski’s role in society is the embellishment of life and fantasy and dreams. And I can tap into my previous roles to realise this.”
Adwoa Aboah wearing Hyperbola
Photo: Mikael Jansson
Engelbert’s debut collection, simply coined Collection 1, is a personal expression of light and colour that speaks to jewellery lovers from all walks of life. Swarovski crystals are born anew in thick oversized chains, while a palette of juicy greens, pinks and purples suffuse the Dulcis collection, inspired by glittering displays of candy in a candy store. Unyielding optimism and exuberance permeate throughout each piece: neon pink spiked chokers offer a punk-rock vibrance, while a necklace from the Chroma family sees a rainbow of gems that appear to float on ones décolletage.
“What is the role of jewellery in society. And what does this mean now, during a pandemic?”, mused Engelbert. The creative director was determined to bring jewellery that brought hope to the wearer while simultaneously inspiring creativity. “Swarovski has been illuminating fashion, movies, stages, celebrities. The role of crystals is to amplify creativity, and to bring joy and a sense of escape.”
Engelbert’s vivacious collection was grounded by practical versatility and wearability. “It was important to bring this [joy] into the collection, but to weave it into reality. We are in search of a new glamour, a relaxed glamour. For something you can wear with your jeans, with your t-shirt, that still makes you feel uplifted.”
Fadhi Mohamed wearing Harmonia
Photo: Mikael Jansson
The collection juxtaposes exuberance with a sense of structured formality, one that speaks to Swarovski’s craftsmanship and Engelbert’s fascination with mathematics, science and form. “Having something so geometrical and strict and pure gives a result that is absolutely magical. This is the world where mathematics, science and magic meet”.
This is the world where mathematics, science and magic meet
Giovanna Engelbert
In regards to future plans for Swarovski, the sky is the limit. “Of course now it is jewellery, because we focus on jewellery first. But this crystal lifestyle will come into the next collection,” she hints, detailing the likes of bags, pants, watches and more. “All of this is very exciting. It’s just another way I can apply creativity, with Swarovski as the catalyst.”
Shop 11-12, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central; swarovski.com/en-hk
Editor
Carina FischerCredit
Lead image: Maggie Cheng wearing Chroma by Mikael Jansson
