Crystals added a “magical flourish.”
(Press Release) LOS ANGELES, CA – Celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” held its World Premiere in Los Angeles on March 2, in association with Swarovski. “Beauty and the Beast” (in cinemas March 17) is set to be a will sparkle with thousands of Swarovski crystals, with this new adaptation inspiring a bold new jewelry line by Atelier Swarovski.Swarovski provided the 2,160 crystals used in the design for Belle’s iconic yellow dress.
Swarovski manufactured the glass bell jar, based on Disney’s original design, and provided the 2,160 crystals used on Academy Award winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran’s design for Belle’s iconic yellow dress. Swarovski crystals were used in the opening scene on the dress worn by Madame de Garderobe, the Prince and Maestro Cadenza’s costumes and the crystal house also supplied vintage jewelry.
Durran said: “Swarovski crystals were an important addition to the Prince’s costume and Belle’s yellow dress. For the Prince, crystals were a key element in recreating an 18th century coat – for the character to be wearing a coat covered with sparkling stones seemed the perfect way to represent his opulence. For Belle, the crystals were part of Garderobe’s finishing touch to the yellow gown, when added to the dress’s golden print they provided the final magical flourish.”
Academy Award-nominated set decorator Katie Spencer flew to Swarovski’s headquarters in the Austrian Tyrol to work with the company’s master cutters to manufacture the Bell Jar, based on Disney’s original design. The delicate frozen etching effect was carried out by an artisan craftsman in London. Decorating the top of its ornate dome is a bespoke-cut crystal finial shining with 543 facets. Further crystal embellishment to the set includes several music boxes made by Maurice, Belle’s father.
Spencer said: “Working with Swarovski was an incredible experience. Their crystals bring that extra touch of magic, especially to the beautiful centerpiece that is the Bell Jar. Swarovski’s technical team in Austria were so passionate, and their expert craftsmanship and dedication really shine through in the end result.”
Alongside Swarovski’s work with Disney, Atelier Swarovski has created a feminine jewelry collection inspired by the film’s themes of inner beauty and female empowerment. The mystical rose at the heart of Beauty and the Beast is the centerpiece of the collection, reimagined using Swarovski’s crystal Pointiage technique across a range of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.
Nadja Swarovski, member of the Swarovski Executive Board, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Disney on the Beauty & the Beast ‘Atelier Swarovski Jewellery Collection.’ We hope the collection celebrates the message of the film of inner beauty, belief and strength of heart and soul, thus empowering all Swarovski clients with this meaning, but also with the beauty of the jewels.”
The mystical rose at the heart of Beauty and the Beast is the centerpiece of the Atelier Swarovski collection. The iconic flower is reimagined using Swarovski’s crystal Pointiage technique, forming a beautifully faceted bloom with fluid and curvaceous lines.
The collection comprises necklaces and earrings as well as bracelets and rings in deep reds and greens. Three high-end designs will be available exclusively online: a statement pendant necklace, a bold cuff bracelet and an oversize ring.
In 2016, as part of its ongoing commitment to female empowerment, Atelier Swarovski launched its specially designed UN Women Bracelet in support of the organisation. For every bracelet sold, 30% of the RRP was donated to the UN Women’s Safe Cities campaign.
In addition, Swarovski has created a limited edition figurine of the Enchanted Rose. A 40%-size replica of the Bell Jar and rose in the new live-action film, the figurine stands 65 centimeters high with a beautifully faceted crystal rose held inside a hand-engraved bell jar. Only 350 pieces have been made.
The Atelier Swarovski collection and the Enchanted Rose figurine became available in stores and online in February.