For the Spring 2011 Press Preview of Swarovski Crystallized™, we were commissioned to design an installation that would evoke the nautical inspiration of the collection, while immersing the viewer in the wide array of custom designed jewelry pieces.

Inspired by Vincent Van Duysen's towering crystal Cascade Chandelier that appears to pour down within the stairwell at the Swarovski Crystallized™ store, we flooded the floor of the 1000 sqft lower level with undulating crystal 'islands' over white sand. Laying over 30kg of loose Swarovski Crystal Elements - in blues, turquoise, yellows, greens, opalescent and clear tones - the space appeared to shimmer and dance, similar to sunlight sparkling on the oceans surface. Two wall-inset vitrines with selected jewelry placed inside were backed with rich photographic images of such glittering reflections. Further inside the space, thin white metal pedestals stood amidst the crystal 'pools', suspending the jewelry collection above the crystallized floor. To further amplify the nautical inspirations, we placed four large format photographs of coiled white yachting ropes on the walls of the space. The cumulative effect of sparkling light, reflective materiality, layered texture and graphic lines created an exquisite environmental installation within which to view the Spring 2011 Swarovski Crystallized™ Collection. All photography by Erika Rojas.