PHOTOS BY JAN MELKA

 
Where would razzle-dazzle be without Swarovski? Instead of limiting itself to the humble role of purveyor, the Austrianbling empire has waged an all-out campaign to keep crystals—or at least Crystallized Swarovski elements—alive and kicking in fashion through nonstop innovation, sponsoring countless design events and encouraging young and not so young designers alike. Last night the brand presented "Crystallized Ways To Say Black" at the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo (Karl's Lagerfeld's former residence, who himself has a number of methods for showing black). The temproary exhibition demonstrated the fruit of the crystal-maker's collaborations with 22 designers based on that fashion classic: the little black dress. Philips de Pury & Company will auction off all these beauties next September in New York to benefit the American Cancer Society and France's National League to FightCancer. Everyone and their mother showed up for this event including Miss France 2010. Meandering around the crystal-encrusted gowns by Alexis Mabille, Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, Giorgio Armani Privé and of course Sonia Rykiel.  As fashion curator Pamela Golbin recalled in her preface to the show's catalogue, "Coco Chanel did not invent the little black dress, but in 1926 she most definitely put it on the map. Dubbed 'The Ford' by American Vogue, it was the beginning of the era of equality." Crystals for democracy: who knew?


SEE ALL OF INTERVIEW'S COVERAGE OF COUTURE WEEK.