The 2016 Swarovski Collective has been announced and includes a roster of 15 designers from London, Paris and New York. The UK is well represented, with newly inducted members Thomas Tait, David Koma, Haizhen Wang and the Savile Row trained Alexander Lewis joining returning designers Peter Pilotto and Emilia Wickstead.
Creatures of the Wind, Rosie Assoulin, Tanya Taylor, Tim Coppens, Tome and Vivienne Hu are holding it down for New York. Iris Van Herpen, Christian Wijnants and Esteban Cortazar are bringing the Parisian vibes.
“It is a pleasure to build on the success of the Swarovski Collective with this new line-up of creatives, and our ongoing commitment to emerging talent with the Swarovski Collective Prize,” says Nadja Swarovski, adding that, “This is an exceptional group of designers, and we look forward to seeing them innovate with crystal looks over the coming year.”
Crystal newbie Tait says that he is, “excited to be part of the Swarovski Collective and to be using crystals as a creative ingredient for the first time to add a new dimension to my collection.” Wickstead added: “It is such an honor to be a part of the Collective. Swarovski crystals add excitement and innovation while creating a point of difference.”
All 15 designers will work with Swarovski on their spring/summer 16 and fall/winter 16 collections, with the crystal purveyors offering year-long financial and sparkle support. The designers will also compete for the chance to win the coveted Swarovski Collective Prize, worth €25,000 ($28,000,) which will be announced in May 2016.