Hints of playful pink, neon and sassy candy tones lead Swarovski’s trend forecasts for Spring/Summer 2006, a clear indication that fashion is returning to young, bold and decadent inspirations.
A Swarovski representative shows the
delicate beadwork on a canvass bag
from the Acid Pink collection
Pink in this case does not exactly refer to the color’s sweet, dainty and placid stereotype. Swarovski’s Acid Pink collection is infused with fashion statements from the rebellious, cosmopolitan city of Tokyo, Japan—deconstructed lace in bags, plush embroidery on skirts, and of course, loud, lustrous crystals on the tops, skirts, bags and shoes!
Fashion’s return to the young, hip and adventurous character is an emerging trend discovered through the months of extensive research conducted by the Swarovski team. Together with Acid Pink, the Austrian brand of cut crystal has also released four other trends—in raw materials and semi-ready pieces—which fashion, interior and jewelry designers can use to develop new creations.
Direkt is the crystal brand’s take on Eastern Europe’s creative and yet functional designs. Most notable in this collection are the metallic crystals in geometric shapes and 3-D effects. Their uses are limitless; the blue, gray and amber crystals can be stitched and sewn anywhere, from wall décor to street shirts and accessories.
Tropical blue, yellow and green comprise the dominant tones for Swarovski’s Liquid Sunshine trend, while ethnic motifs rule in Light and Shadow. These two trends feature amulets, dangling jewelry, khakis and silk in topaz, opal and pearl colors. In Grand Hotel, Swarovski brings back the luxurious Belle epoch glamour—touches of feather boa, jewel-encrusted Chinese fan, ball stilettos adorned with luscious crystal, chandelier earrings and cascades of pearls.
“It’s all reminiscent of a bygone era which remains a strong influence in the world of high-end fashion,” says Raoul Bacani, Swarovski’s business development executive in the Philippines.
The 2006 trend preview, held last week at the office of Swarovski Singapore Trading, located at the Orient Square Building in Ortigas Center, also marked the relaunch of the crystal brand’s bi-annual business magazine dubbed Crystallized. The magazine sets crystal trends as well as gives updates on high fashion lingerie and swimwear, which Bacani describes, “Displays an emerging fashion trend where garments are ‘coming out,’ decorated with glittering crystals!”
