Swarovski's new product brand 'Crystallized - Swarovski Elements' unveiled an astounding collection of wedding-related designs, under the name Unbridaled, in an exhibition on Tuesday night. The range of one-off pieces created uniquely for Swarovski by around forty 'mostly British' designers - including Julien Macdonald, Vivienne Westwood, Viktor & Rolf and Erdem to name but a few gems of the fashion world - encrusted unsparingly with clusters of glistening jewels, were displayed in the luxurious, pure white setting of the Crystallized Cosmos and Lounge in central London. Strung white feathers hung from ceiling to floor, and pristine white sculptures of books, pears, miniature dogs and an oversized sea snail bedecked the crystal-scattered display cabinets. Betwixt this stunning array of rainbow-twinkling crystals, delicious canopes were served and glasses of Moet continuously replenished by the affable waiting staff. The incredible attention to detail throughout the exhibition was encapsulated by the cocktail sticks on which the scallops were served; a tiny seashell had been glued onto the top of each and every one.
But the feast for the eyes was even more satisfying; wedding dresses, veils, headpieces, shoes and tableware were all embellished with various manifestations of the world-famous rocks. Among the most ravishing of items on display was a Vivienne Westwood dress, a crystal-studded, cream and silver baptismal gown by Dries Van Noten, wine bottle corks surmounted with shards of translucent purple and clear crystal by Irina Volkonskii and an intricate golden headpiece by Erickson Beamon (modelled mischievously by our very own Lauren).
The Czech-born Daniel Swarovski founded Swarovski crystals in Wattens, Austria in 1895 and the company has remained in the family ever since, retaining its classic sophistication yet moving subtly along with the changing zeitgeists, and this exhibition was a sumptuous example of the company's ability to marry the traditional with the excitingly avant garde.

A coffee-table book featuring these designs, entitled 'Unbridaled' is available from the Crystallized Cosmos and Lounge at the address above.