The models may not have had diamonds on the soles of their shoes, but they certainly had something that looked posh: crystals, which bedecked not only handbags, but belts, jewelry, and other accessories during Swarovski's fashion show and gala. The event, held in a tent set up on the rink at Rockefeller Center, introduced the Poetic Night Collection, the autumn/winter accessory offerings created by the Austria-based company. Melissa Carden, brand communications manager for Swarovski and coordinator of the event, collaborated with Swarovski's global and U.S. teams, IMG, and other partners to design a flower-filled grotto à la A Midsummer Night's Dream."Since the collection has Art Nouveau and Asian influences," Carden said, "we incorporated these into the party through color." Blacks, golds, and reds formed the primary palette, while the setting was softened with abundant flora: crescent-shaped forms festooned with cherry blossoms arched over the runway, a weeping cherry tree sat at the entrance, and another floral display inside dripped with petals and Swarovski's crystal orchids set among a pattern of loose crystals. A black lacquer runway snaked through the center of the tented space, giving the models a sinuous path to strut during the fashion show.
"The fashion show was the most important element of the gala event—so IMG's expertise here was very helpful," said Carden, who noted that her French colleague, François Ortarix, styled the fashion show and worked with IMG to produce it. Law & Order alum Angie Harmon was tapped to introduce the line. "We met Angie at the [Heart Truth's] Red Dress fashion show, which Swarovski sponsors, during Fashion Week in February and we liked her," Carden says. "We feel she fits the Swarovski spirit well." Miho Hatori, a swank bossa nova band, performed after the 20-minute fashion show.
The cherry blossom-motif was also used on most of the printed materials, including the invitation, the signage at the event, and the gift bags and gift boxes guests received at the end of the evening. Even the kitschy kaleidoscopes inside the gift bags were embossed with cherry blossoms on black velvet. Michelle Rago Ltd. supplied large floral displays decked with boughs of cherry blossoms, and purple and bright red orchids decorated the tables and bar areas.
The Asian theme carried through to Catering by Restaurant Associates' menu, which featured portobello tempura bites; mini scallion pancakes with Peking duck, hoisin sauce, and scallion garnish; and Asian tuna tartare with wasabi cream as passed hors d'oeuvres. At the buffet, available before and after the fashion show, guests chose from soba noodles, lobster fried rice, and marinated flank steaks with sesame, ginger, and garlic.
—Jenny Sherman
Posted 05.10.06
Photos: Billy Farrel/Patrick McMullan Company (room, buffet)
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"The fashion show was the most important element of the gala event—so IMG's expertise here was very helpful," said Carden, who noted that her French colleague, François Ortarix, styled the fashion show and worked with IMG to produce it. Law & Order alum Angie Harmon was tapped to introduce the line. "We met Angie at the [Heart Truth's] Red Dress fashion show, which Swarovski sponsors, during Fashion Week in February and we liked her," Carden says. "We feel she fits the Swarovski spirit well." Miho Hatori, a swank bossa nova band, performed after the 20-minute fashion show.
The cherry blossom-motif was also used on most of the printed materials, including the invitation, the signage at the event, and the gift bags and gift boxes guests received at the end of the evening. Even the kitschy kaleidoscopes inside the gift bags were embossed with cherry blossoms on black velvet. Michelle Rago Ltd. supplied large floral displays decked with boughs of cherry blossoms, and purple and bright red orchids decorated the tables and bar areas.
The Asian theme carried through to Catering by Restaurant Associates' menu, which featured portobello tempura bites; mini scallion pancakes with Peking duck, hoisin sauce, and scallion garnish; and Asian tuna tartare with wasabi cream as passed hors d'oeuvres. At the buffet, available before and after the fashion show, guests chose from soba noodles, lobster fried rice, and marinated flank steaks with sesame, ginger, and garlic.
—Jenny Sherman
Posted 05.10.06
Photos: Billy Farrel/Patrick McMullan Company (room, buffet)
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Crescent-shaped forms festooned with cherry blossoms arched over the tented room.
An arrangement of cherry blossoms, crystal orchids, and loose Swarovski crystals was arrayed in Art Nouveau patterns in the corner of the entryway.
Models showed off the new collection from a black lacquer runway that snaked through the center of the room.
A square archway decorated a buffet station.
A floral display inside dripped with petals and Swarovski's crystal orchids.
A weeping cherry tree sat at the entrance.
