Copyright The Hollywood Reporter
After shining with stops in Vienna, Milan, Shanghai and Seoul, Swarovski brings its Masters of Light exhibition to Hollywood starting today. The one-of-a-kind immersive activation was designed to spotlight the Austrian crystal brand’s milestone 130 years in business and is the brainchild of Swarovski global creative director Giovanna Engelbert, curated with the help of British fashion journalist and critic Alexander Fury. Per Swarovski, the Hollywood installment has been “reimagined” to land Stateside, and will be an “homage to Swarovski’s savoir-faire, showcasing its influence on stage, screen and style.” Masters of Light: Hollywood is organized into nine themes that cover that shiny history: Time Chamber, Masters of Light, Silver Screen Style, Hollywood Idol, Diamonds of the Future, Mathemagical, Jewelry Box, Hall of Fame and Pop Icons. The Masters of Light section will feature Swarovski’s largest crystal chaton, which weighs approximately 75 kilos and required 180 hours to shape its 156 facets. There are 41 outfits total included in the exhibition including seven film costumes, five fashion looks, eight Swarovski custom looks and 21 ensembles worn by pop icons. The looks have been worn by Madonna, Harry Styles, Grace Jones, Madonna, Josephine Baker, Beyonce, Tina Turner and Katy Perry, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Carey Mulligan while the repped films include Shakespeare in Love, The Great Gatsby, Queen Christina, Angel and The Phantom of the Opera. Also noteworthy: The Jean Louis-designed gown worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy is on display. The Jewelry Box section hosts 286 pieces, a chamber that was specially curated by Engelbert as “an ode to Swarovski Crystal,” while the Hall of Fame chamber features a selection of 15 character figurines from Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Superman, Spider-Man, Wicked and Frozen. Masters of Light: Hollywood will be open in the former Amoeba Music space until Nov. 3. Proceeds from $10 tickets will be donated to Baby2Baby. See exclusive images from inside below.
