fit for a fairytale
It has been 25 years since a tale as old as time was introduced to Disney fans around the world, and on March 17 the classic movie will return to the spotlight with a live action film version in association with Swarovski crystals.
From the emblematic glass bell jar, to the princess’ iconic yellow dress, Swarovski’s shining crystals were provided for use throughout the adaptation. Academy Award winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran designed Belle’s famous dress with golden embroidery and 2,160 crystal embellishments. Costumes for Madame de Garderobe, Maestro Cadenza, and the Prince also received a sparkling treatment. In addition to this, Swarovski supplied vintage jewelry and crystals for several music boxes made by Maurice, Belle’s inventor father.
The bell jar was manufactured by master cutters at Swarovski’s headquarters in the Austrian Tyrol and based on Disney’s original design. The glass was etched with a delicate frozen effect by an artisan craftsman in London and features a bespoke-cut crystal finial sparkling with 543 facets at its dome. Academy Award nominated set director Katie Spencer visited the operations base, commenting “Working with Swarovski was an incredible experience. Their crystals bring that extra touch of magic, especially to the beautiful centerpiece that is the Bell Jar. Swarovski’s technical team in Austria were so passionate, and their expert craftsmanship and dedication really shine through in the end result.” These iconic elements found in the beloved Disney film inspired a new collection of jewelry from Atelier Swarovski which features a full range of designs including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. The aesthetic of the collection is based on bold and intriguing shapes, and uses Beauty & the Beast’s legendary magical rose as a focal point, reimagining the flower with Swarovski’s crystal Pointiage technique.
The highly anticipated live action film Beauty & the Beast celebrates its launch with enchanting events worldwide before moviegoers can watch the film in theaters March 27. The world tour begins in London on February 23 and the world premiere is being held in Los Angeles on March 2. Singapore hosts a grand premier fête at The Grand Cathay on March 4, featuring Swarovski crystal décor and a presentation of the enchanting Atelier Swarovski Beauty and the Beast jewelry collection. On March 9 a screening at the State Theatre in Sydney will feature candlestick performers and Swarovski crystal-embellished décor. Coinciding with the movie launch, a release of an interactive WeChat H5 game taking followers on a crystal treasure hunt inspired by the film will occur in exclusively in Shanghai, China.
Since the 1930’s Swarovski crystals have played a supporting role in the world’s most iconic movies, from Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, to Audrey Hepburn’s tiara in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the glass slipper for Disney’s 2015 release of Cinderella.
