Heel in Mint Fashion and Style Blog

Sparkle in Swarovski - Atelier Swarovski Spring / Summer 2013 collection

2013-05-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Swarovski for inviting me to view their sparklingly beautiful Spring / Summer 2013 Atelier Swarovski collection and introducing me to this gorgeous collection with unique and exclusive designs by some of my most favorite designers in the world including Christopher Kane, Nicholas Kirkwood, Vanessa Seward, the iconic Diana Vreeland and Stefano Poletti.

While I couldn't make it to the event, I consider it an honor to have been invited to such a sparkling event involving one-of-a-kind designs from some of the most creative designers in the world.

Here is a video on Atelier Swarovski Spring / Summer 2013 collection -

Here are the Designers involved in designing the Atelier Swarovski SS’13 collection and their inspiration behind their unique and exclusive designs -

Christopher Kane

Award winning and Glaswegian born British fashion designer Christopher Kane is known for being instrumental in re-launching of the label Versus, for having the largest ever capsule collection for Topshop, receiving the BFC British Collection of the Year Award, winning the BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and many other noteworthy achievements. His first collection with Swarovski was introduced in 2007, when he created the original limited edition Bolster jewelry collection for the company. (source).

Chris Kane at British Fashion Awards 2008, Christopher Kane Bolster Bracelets in Crystal Bronze, Dark Indigo and Crystal shadow, Christopher Kane Bolster Bracelet in Crystal Bronze from ATELIER SWAROVSKI Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. All Pictures - courtesy of Swarovski.

About the collection - Kane's original collection for Swarovski, the Bolster collection, which was introduced in Autumn / Winter 2007, is known for its timeless style and has become a core element to the Atelier Swarovski collection according to Swarovski and the popularity of this collection continues to soar season after season. The versatile and modern Bolster bracelet shown in the picture above, can also be worn as a short necklace and comes in newer colors.

Diane Vreeland Legacy Collection

Fashion legend and the iconic Mrs. Diana Vreeland is known for her touching philosophy on timeless elegance. In the Video, you see her grandson, Alexander Vreeland talking about his grandmother's style and inspiration behind the Atelier Swarovski SS'13 collection. Read more about Diana Vreeland here.

Image Source - cdni, Diana Vreeland.com, AtelierSwarovski

About the collection - This unique and timeless collection, a homage to her and celebration of her unique style, tries to stay true to her philosophy that, "the only real elegance is in the mind. If you've got that, the rest really comes with it". The designs tie in with her love for bold and elegant timeless pieces. According to her grandson, the design for the pieces draw inspiration from her love for military based objects and regalia, with focus on bold form and elegant timeless details. This collection includes bold resin cuffs and rings, a crystal gilet and luxurious necklaces that fall like crystal rain, reflecting Vreeland’s love for color, form and style.

Nicholas Kirkwood

The famous award winning shoe and acessory designer is known for his edgy statement shoes, modern architectural designs and innovative use of materials. Winner of the Swarovski Emerging Talent for Accessories prize at the British Fashion Awards in November 2008, Kirkwood is one of the most sought after designers today. He has worked to create shoe collections for Rodarte, Erdem and John Rocha. Kirkwood's first collaboration with Atelier Swarovski was in 2010, when he designed the Nicholas Kirkwood for Atelier Swarovski jewelry collection. (Source)

Nicholas Kirkwood with supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the British Fashion Awards 2008, Nicholas Kirkwood light rose pearl cuff bracelet, Light rose pearl shoes, Light rose pearl neck cuff from Spring / summer 2013 collection. Image Source - Atelier Swarovski pinterest collection and Swarovski's press website

About the collection - For his Atelier Swarovski SS'13 collection, which is his second collection for the company, the designer had dynamic shapes and sculptural silhouettes with embellishments in mind. The collection includes brightly coloured crystal pearls and enamel in jet hematite, blue zircon and light rose.

"I'm very excited about my second collection with Atelier Swarovski. The Swarovski elements really bring the fluid shapes of the jewelry collection to life". - Nicholas Kirkwood

Stefano Poletti

The Italian in Paris designer is known for his poetic imagination, lavish creativity and experimentation with a variety of materials including burnt wood, metal strings, semi-precious stones and plexiglass. Read his interview about this collection on Elle.

Atelier Swarovski Spring / Summer 2013 collection. Image Source - Atelier Swarovski pinterest collection

About the collection - For his Atelier Swarovski SS'13 collection, which is his first collection for the company, draws inspiration from dreamy tropical vegetation and blooming twined-up vines. There is focus on natural flow, delicate twist, color and beauty of nature that brings out the romantically poetic side that his creations are known for.

“The variety and luxury of Swarovski crystals is an inextinguishable rise of inspiration which makes me want to dive into those treasures and create incessantly. Often inspired by nature, the meeting of Swarovski crystals has invoked dreams of luxuriant tropical vegetation with beautiful bright blooming vines twining around ones neck, wrist and fingers or lighting up ones face. Wonderful garlands of flowers ideal for summer evenings!” - Stefano Poletti

Vanessa Seward

Argentine Fashion designer Vanessa Seward has worked with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel for 9 years and Tom Ford at YSL Rive Gauche for 2 years, and is most recently known for her efforts to put Paris based label Azarro back on the map.The designer's creations have graced the red carpet and seen on some of the Hollywood's best actresses, from Natalie Portman and Diane Kruger to Carey Mulligan. Her Spring / Summer 2013 Atelier Swarovski collection is her first collection with the company. Read her interview about this collection on Elle.

Atelier Swarovski Spring / Summer 2013 collection. Image Source - Atelier Swarovski pinterest collection

About the collection - For her collection for Atelier Swarovski SS'13 collection, Vanessa puts a chic, fun and luxurious "french meets boho" spin to her designs with infusion of bold color and a dreamy boho aesthetic. This gorgeous collection includes pieces with mesh and intricate beads in a rainbow of colors; from sleek golden shadow and silver shade to bold indicolite, red magma and antique pink.

"I wanted to bring out the beauty of the Swarovski elements; they were the starting point of my designs. The pendants were inspired by the kind of ethnic necklaces chic Parisian boho women use. I wanted the mesh pieces to look like Crystal feathers; I only used the golden shadow as it mixed beautifully with the golden mesh" - Vanessa Seward

What do you think of this collection? What are your favorites from this collection? Please do leave comments and let us know. :)

Credits -
Atelier Swarovski
Elle

Swarovski Social Media / Communications Specialist

“It’s not about the dress you wear, but it’s about the life you lead in the dress.”
― Diana Vreeland

xx
Heel in Mint

Spring Alive

2013-05-14T21:23:00.003-05:00

Spring is refreshing, rejuvenating and makes everything come alive. The beautiful sights and scents of spring can last forever, turning into memories that you can look back on. These below scent inspired products are perfect for spring and summer to refresh, rejuvenate and make you come alive inside out.

Smell the Roses

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil, urban outfitters, West Elm Paper Flowers, Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil

Who doesn't like to wake up and smell the roses? Roses symbolize love and is a classic yet simple way of expressing your love. Roses are also known for its skin regenerating properties so anything with rose extract is a perfect addition to our everyday skincare routine. A dozen of hand-folded paper roses from West Elm can be used at home as a long lasting beautiful bouquet of love or you can go for products with rose oil as a beautifying concoction of love for your skin.

Products to try -

Weleda wild rose body oil, Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil, Dr. Bronner's rose soaps, Ren Mini Rose trio gift set and Ila Rose oil. Weleda wild rose body oil smells like an early morning visit to a dewy garden filled with fresh roses and leaves a beautiful smooth silky finish.

Lost in Lavender

Ingrid0804, Badger sleep balm, Dreamtime sleep mask, Eminence lavender age corrective concentrate

Lavender is soothing and relaxing making it a perfect scent to have around, especially at nights. Lavender is also known for cell regenerating, skin rejuvenating, antiseptic and antibacterial properties (read more about it here and here).

Products to try -

Badger sleep balm, 100% pure organic lavender hydrosol facial mist, Eminence lavender age corrective concentrate and Dreamtime Sleep mask. You can also make your own DIY Lavender pillow (click here for instructions).

Wide Awake

mamaslatinas, beautyeditor, 100% pure

Coffee extract was featured on Dr. Oz show (see video here) for its weight reducing benefits but it can also be used to reduce puffy eyes and dark circles, increase circulation and overall make your eye area look more alive.

Products to try -

100 % pure coffee bean eye cream. This cream can be very strong so if you are caffeine sensitive then try a sample before you decide to buy the full sized version.

Have you tried these products? What do you think of them?

“The deep roots never doubt spring will come.”
― Marty Rubin

P.S - Weleda wild rose body oil, 100% Pure coffee bean eye cream and Badger sleep balm were bought using gift certificate by skincareRx.com. All three products are absolutely amazing and highly effective. I'm glad I got to try them out.

Heel in Mint

Hair Inspiration for Spring - Do The Twist

2013-04-22T23:01:00.004-05:00

Effortlessly twisted hair is perfect for spring and summer. Messy or polished, this trend looks beautiful and fresh. Beautiful side sweeps or delicate braids can add splashes of romance, freshness and feminine feel to this style.

Alessandra Ambrosio and Jenny Packham SS 2013

Temperley London, Jenny Packham

Naeem Khan, Oscar De La Renta

Nanette Lepore

Ralph Lauren, Reem Acra

Bottega Veneta, Honor

A bit of lift or stripe of unusual colors can take the cool and effortless factor to a whole new level. Do you like this trend? Which one do you like the most?

Image credits -

Stylebistro

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
— Leonardo da Vinci

Heel in Mint

Floral Shower

2013-04-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

This beautiful floral shower themed editorial captures the essence of spring perfectly in a fresh, soft, romantic and feminine way. Are you ready for some may flowers?

I think the yellow Alexander McQueen dress looks absolutely beautiful in the above picture. Isn't it amazing how a little twist in theme, styling and background can make the pieces from the runway look so different? Click here to see the runway picture. Do you like this editorial?

La Vie En Rose
Harper's Bazaar UK May 2013
Model: Karen Elson
Hair: Kevin Ryan
Makeup: Tyron Machhausen
Stylist: Leith Clark
Photographer: Alexi Lubomirski

Feel the Glow
Wonderland April May 2013
Model - Steffi Soede
Photographer -Pietro Birindelli

No first of spring, no song to sing. No April rain, no flowers bloom.

- Stevie Wonder

xx
Heel in Mint

Fresh in Pastels

2013-03-30T22:09:00.004-05:00

Pastels are perfect for spring with their soft, fresh and energetic vibe. Here are some of my favorite pastel looks from the spring runways to go with your easter spirit.

Wild and Creative

Erdem, BCBG Max Azria, Balmain, Giambattista Valli, Christopher Kane, Giorgio Armani, Giles

Stripes and Checks

Alexis Mabille, Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Alice + Olivia, Cacharel, Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani

Cut and Sheer

Badgley Mischka, Temperly London. Jill Start, Emilio Pucci, Dolce Gabbana, Erdem

Florals, Asian and Nature

Blugirl, Peter Som, Emilio Pucci, Cacharel, Versace, Christian Siriano

Feminine Flow

Blugirl, Chloe, Acne, Alberta Ferrati, Chloe, Christian Siriano

Shimmer and Shine

Bottega Veneta, Donna Karan, Jenny Packham, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior

Makeup & Hair

Christian Dior, Nanette Lepore, Peter Som, Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta, Emilio Pucci, Nanette Lepore

Editorials Campaigns

Vogue China, Vince Camuto, Chanel Resort, Pierre Balmain, Mulberry

Celebrity in Pastels

Selena Gomez at Nickelodean Kids' Choice Awards 2013 in Oscar De Le Renta

Hope these pictures inspire you to incorporate some pastels in to your spring / summer wardrobe. How would you style your pastels? Happy Easter! :)

Image Credits:
Stylebistro
fashiongonerouge
Fashiongonerouge
catwalkqueentv

The direct, colourful nature of pastels is ideal for capturing the qualities of immediacy, spontaneity and sparkle.
- Patricia Greenwell

xx
Heel in Mint