swarovski03PARIS, March 10, 2010/ FW/ — Founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski in Wattens, Tyrol in Austria, Swarovski for the past 100 years has been the world’s leading producer of precision-cut crystal, for fashion, jewellery and more recently lighting, architecture and interiors.

Today, the company, still based in Wattens, family-owned and run by 4th and 5th generation family members, has a global reach, with some 23.900 employees, a presence in over 120 countries and a turnover in 2008 of 2.52 billion Euros.

Swarovski comprises two major businesses, one producing and selling loose elements to the industry and the other creating design-driven finished products.

Swarovski crystal components, known by their product brand names CRYSTALLIZED(tm) – Swarovski Elements for fashion and STRASS® Swarovski® Crystal for architecture and light, have become an essential ingredient of international design.

Every season here in Paris, Swarovski launches its latest product lines and shows samples of what can be done with it. Fall 2010 runs through to form as the crystal manufacturer proposed new ways on how to embellish a dress and create jewelry using their crystals.

And for the true Swarovski aficionados, they even included their collectibles!

[ERROL MURRAY]
Photos by THOMAS BARNES

Paris Prêt-a-porter Fall 2010