FAUSTINE STEINMETZ WINS THE 2017 SWAROVSKI COLLECTIVE AWAR

Swarovski announces London-based French designer Faustine Steinmetz as the winner of the 2017 edition of the Swarovski Collective Award.

Now in its third year, the award recognizes creative talent, innovation and craftsmanship within the collections shown by Swarovski Collective members over the Spring/Summer 2017 and Autumn/Winter 2017 seasons.

Faustine Steinmetz was selected by Nadja Swarovski and a panel of industry experts for her outstanding contribution to the Swarovski Collective program this year, and in recognition of her ability to push the boundaries of Swarovski crystal in fashion. The designer will receive a prize of €25,000, which comes in addition to the year-long crystal product and financial support provided by the company to all Swarovski Collective members over the two seasons.

Steinmetz’s two collections explored denim in all its cultural and aesthetic facets, combining hand-dyed indigo yarns and recycled denim with delicately embroidered Swarovski crystals. Standout pieces included Moroccan slippers encrusted with rough-cut Swarovski stones for Spring/Summer 2017 and an all-over crystal embroidered distressed jean and jacket look for Autumn/Winter 2017.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “We are delighted to announce Faustine Steinmetz as the winner of the 2017 Swarovski Collective Award. Her sustainable and ethical design approach, and the innovative and visually stunning use of crystal in her collections make her a unique talent and an emerging role model for the industry.” 

Faustine Steinmetz, commented: “Working with Swarovski helped us to use the codes of that very elevated universe and incorporate them into denim. On a personal level as a designer you really have to believe in your product and your brand, it’s not always easy, so to have that validation from Swarovski is amazing- that the brand trusts and challenges designers to push the boundaries of crystal in fashion is inspiring.”

Jefferson Hack, CEO & Co-founder of Dazed Media and a member of the Swarovski Collective panel, commented: “Faustine Steinmetz is a designer as magician, a technician of fabric, so adept at manipulating textures that she is an almost supernatural dreamweaver. She has brought magic, light, stardust and invention to her Swarovski imbued collection and she is a shining example of where craft, creativity and technique converge into effortless beauty. It was Faustine Steinmetz’s daring ideas and delicate handling of Swarovski crystal that really impressed me. She is the modern edge of British Fashion.”

Swarovski is committed to supporting the next generation of global design talent. First founded in 1999, the Swarovski Collective has since supported over 150 emerging and established designers as they explore the creative potential of crystal use and craftsmanship.