‘Swarovski-Masters Of Light: From Vienna To Milan’ Opens At Palazzo Citterio

Envisioned by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and curated by British fashion journalist and critic Alexander Fury, it celebrates almost 130 years of the Austrian house’s heritage and influence across the worlds of fashion, jewelry, and pop culture.

Swarovski – Masters of Light, which premiered in Shanghai last Fall, is displayed across the historic salons of the newly-renovated Palazzo Citterio, the magnificent extension of Pinacoteca di Brera in the heart of Milan. This cultural partnership with the city’s foremost museum allows visitors to admire for the first time the renovated Palazzo, which will host the modern art collections of Pinacoteca di Brera donated by the Jesi and Vitali families from December 2024.

Mapping a journey through time and space across Swarovski’s storied history, from its foundation in 1895 through to today, this landmark show is the first exploration of the heritage and revolutionary spirit of one of the oldest European luxury brands.

The exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey from the birth of Swarovski in 19th century Vienna to 21st-century Milan and beyond. It is divided into seven key themes: roaming through a chronology of the brand (Time Chamber); a specially curated kaleidoscope of Swarovski’s statement bijoux (Jewelry Box); the house’s first lab-grown diamond collection (Diamonds Of The Future); its inimitable capturing of light through crystal (Masters Of Light); and its unique collaboration with music and cinema (Pop Icons). Central is Future History, an exploration of fashion in 20 visual dialogues placed throughout the Palazzo Citterio, between outfits by some of the world’s greatest designers. In Milan, the selection is expanded to include an array of key Italian talents. Also newly introduced to the Milanese iteration of the show is Mathemagical, a chamber devoted to Swarovski’s inimitable savoir-faire in crystal making and jewelry artisanship. Additionally, this space showcases the unique jewelry couture looks created by Giovanna Engelbert for this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York.

Masters of Light also features a Pop-Up Store where visitors can browse an exclusive Swarovski product assortment, and a Garden Café housed in the Palazzo Citterio’s orangery with a menu created by renowned Milanese chef Carlo Cracco.

Swarovski - Masters of Light is open to the public at Palazzo Citterio from June 17 to July 14, 2024, free of charge.

Alexis Nasard, Swarovski CEO, commented: “We are pleased to present the ‘Masters of Light’ exhibition in Milan, celebrating 129 years of Swarovski’s rich heritage and bold modernity. As a global capital of fashion, luxury, design, and culture, Milan is the perfect location, and our partnership with Pinacoteca di Brera offers a unique opportunity to experience Swarovski's universe in the extraordinary setting of Palazzo Citterio, highlighting our unique savoir-faire and rich cultural contributions."

Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski Global Creative Director, commented: “I am glad to see my creative vision expressed in this showcase of Swarovski’s world, from its rich history to its collaborations with the biggest Fashion Houses and Pop Icons as well as the jewelry we have been making. Seeing this astonishing exhibition come to life is incredibly fulfilling, a true journey of wonder, discovery, dream, and joy. Masters of Light celebrates Swarovski’s craftsmanship and savoir-faire across every creative discipline. I am thrilled that its European premiere is here in my hometown of Milan, and proud and humbled to be part of this incredible Luxury House that has innovated into the future for 129 years.

Paying homage to the fashion industry that is the beating heart of the Made in Italy brand, Swarovski – Masters of Light brings together an exceptional selection of over 50 crystal embellished outfits designed by storied fashion houses, including Italian brands Prada and Miu Miu, Fendi Couture, Gucci, Atelier Versace pieces designed by Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace, and Armani Privé by Giorgio Armani, alongside global designers including Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Thierry Mugler Couture and Vivienne Westwood, and historical couture gowns including an exceptional 1895 gown by the House of Worth – many brought to Italy for their first-ever public display.

It also includes an unprecedented curation of outfits worn by global pop culture icons, from Josephine Baker to Tina Turner, Madonna to Kylie Minogue; a unique array of stage costumes and red-carpet ensembles drawn from the Swarovski Heritage Collection; and thousands of shining jewelry pieces, figurines, and crystals, including the largest crystal chaton ever created. Another highlight is a selection of fine jewelry showpieces made with laboratory grown Swarovski Created Diamonds.