Swarovski unveils new collective for SS14

London Fashion Week designers Michael van der Ham and Sister by Sibling, along with Paris-based Alexis Mabille are all joining the Swarovski Collective for the first time for Spring/Summer 2014. The designer’s selected for their “cutting edge talent

and ability to demonstrate exquisite craftsmanship with crystal” will collaborate with the fashion and jewellery company along with 10 other designers on their forthcoming collections.

The Swarovski Collective, which was founded in 1999, following Nadja Swarovski’s collaboration with a young Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow, aims to support emerging and established designers in exploring the creative boundaries of crystal use and craftsmanship.

The scheme assists designers at New York, London and Paris fashion weeks with financial support for their shows as well as giving the designers free reign and access to experiment with Swarovski crystal.

It has been a breakthrough year for Sibling, helmed by Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery, its mainline knitwear label was selected to represent Europe in the International Woolmark Prize final, which is set to take place in Milan in February 2014, while its womenswear Sister by Sibling was announced as a recipients of the Newgen catwalk sponsorship for SS14.

While for Michael van der Ham, this is his latest success, in January the designer won Fashion Forward sponsorship to show at LFW for two consecutive seasons, and had previously been a recipient of the Newgen scheme.

Commenting on his selection, Van der Ham said: "It is a huge honour to be part of the Swarovski Collective especially considering the heritage; with designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior having collaborated with Swarovski in the past.

"Swarovski crystal is an amazing element to have within the embellishments this season, mixed with other couture embroideries for a set of cocktail dresses. The Swarovski crystal collection is of such a high standard and is so vast that it really lifts the textures and the garments themselves."

Swarovski Collective adds Michael van der Ham and Sister by Sibling

The newcomers in London join existing Swarovski Collective members Mary Katrantzou, Giles, and Huishan Zhang, while New York will be represented by Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, Suno, Wes Gordon, Band of Outsiders, and Creatures of the Wind. In Paris, Mabille will be joined by Masha MA.

Nadja Swarovski, member of the Swarovski Executive Board, added: “Swarovski is delighted to be working with some of the most exceptional emerging and established talents this season.

“Our collaborations result in extraordinary experimentation within the fashion world and we are excited to see how each designer will use their artistry to explore the infinite creative potential of Swarovski crystal.”

The initiative has supported more than 150 designers, including Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Christopher Kane, Viktor & Rolf, Jean Paul Gaultier, Philip Treacy, and Givenchy.

Image: Sister by Sibling