Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, comments: “We are delighted that we are once again joining forces as part of the Vogue Salon. This wonderful initiative offers young, creative fashion designers invaluable support at different stages in their careers.”

This year’s designers, Rianna + Nina, I’VR Isabel Vollrath, Lou De Bètoly, and William Fan, were selected by Christiane Arp, editor-in-chief of Vogue Germany, and Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board. Their exclusive creations were showcased at the Kronprinzenpalais (Crown Prince’s Palace) on January 16, 2018 during Berlin Fashion Week. Of the four designers chosen, three participated in last season’s program, proving that their unique and forward-thinking approach to fashion design stands the test of trends and time.

Design duo Rianna + Nina presented a collection inspired by traditional costumes of the Alpine region featuring colorful, sparkling pieces harmonizing flamboyant and time-honored elements of the culture. This is the second time Greek designer Rianna Konou and German designer Nina Kuhn have collaborated with Swarovski since founding their label in 2014. “For us as a young brand, this collaboration is particularly inspiring and a real honor,” says Nina Kuhn.

Lou De Bètoly, helmed by Odély Teboul, formerly of design duo Augustin Teboul, made her solo debut last year. The French designer shared a series of elaborately decorated, crocheted, and knitted garments, surprising the event’s guests by replacing the once typical black with a range of bright colors. “My designs are all about detail and texture,” reveals the designer. “It was really exciting to experiment with all the different colors, shapes, and finishes of the Swarovski crystals.”

William Fan, celebrated for his superior amalgamations of Asian and European aesthetics, consciously placed sparkling crystals across his showpieces to accentuate their features and provide a dynamic effect. “The precious stones from Swarovski add the finishing touch to every garment and give them a very special luster,” expresses William Fan. “This year we have been playing with the crystals and trying to create a light, modern look. I am really grateful to Vogue Germany for bringing us together with Swarovski.”

New to the program for 2018, I’VR Isabel Vollrath is a graduate of Berlin’s Weißensee Academy of Art with a strongly artistic approach to design that cultivates expressive silhouettes and sculptural forms. Her “Water for Elephants” collection is a tribute to elephant conservation. “This work was inspired by my close friendship with the Swedish textile artist Sofia Olander,” explains designer Isabel Vollrath, who showcases her friend’s vibrant elephant prints using Swarovski crystals. “The drama of my garments underlines my love of these gray giants.”

Vogue Germany’s Christiane Arp acknowledges the importance of nurturing these budding talents, commenting “The fashion and design scene in Germany is constantly evolving and I am very glad that creative talents are effectively showcased at a range of presentations, conferences, and shows at Berlin Fashion Week. Initiatives like the Vogue Salon are a vital catalyst for promoting young talent. The work of the Fashion Council Germany creates attractive environments for creatives. I really feel that our involvement makes a lasting contribution to consolidating Germany as a fashion center.”