The Wondrous World of Crystal at Swarovski Kristallwelten

Maison Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier accepted with great pleasure an invitation to the headquarter of Swarovski, located in the Tyrol Valley in Austria. Greeted by a clear sky and sunshine reflecting in the "Crystal Cloud" (artwork by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot), this was a promising sign that the visit would be rich in innovation and creativity.

The journey began with a visit to the archives. It was an opportunity to admire the evolution of Swarovski's expertise through crystal decorations, creative jewellery and works of art. It was pleasing to see again the piece that Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier created years ago in collaboration with Swarovski for Daniel Swarovski.

Guided by Céline Garcia and Céline Boiteux, Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier and her assistent Maud Toussaint were able to dive into the inspiring past of the creation of the company, founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895. They visited the design and development department, exchanged their thoughts on the process of choosing new colours and shapes. They were amazed by the upcoming Swarovski collection and the technique of manufacturing and shaping the crystals, as well as the making of nacreous pearls - even though the whole of the process remains a well-kept secret.

The following day began with a visit to the spectacular Swarovski Kristallwelten, Austria's second most visited museum. Divided into 16 « rooms of wonders », each of them creating its own universe, the museum displays the infinite diversity of crystals. Delphine-Charlotte was enchanted by the atmosphere of each room, and was in awe of "Into Lattice Sun", an installation by Lee Bul, who drew her inspiration from modernist architecture, transforming the room into a metropolitan, dramatic, and utopian landscape, inviting the visitor to re-think their relationship between the space and inner self.

The team returned to Paris with new creative input and a suitcase full of lovely memories.