Rosie OUTLOOK
American designer Rosie Assoulin is enjoying a sparkling year thanks to unlimited crystals from Swarovski
New york fashion designer Rosie Assoulin is certainly one to watch this year. Not only has she been turning famous heads— Beyoncé wore one of her bodysuits in her Formation music video and Solange Knowles has walked the red carpet in her creations—but she’s also starting to scoop up awards. Assoulin, who launched her eponymous label with her husband Max in 2014, won Swarovski’s award for best emerging womenswear designer at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards last year. She was later chosen to be one of 15 brands to participate in the 2016 Swarovski Collective, a programme started by Nadja Swarovski, Isabella Blow and Alexander Mcqueen in 1999 aimed at elevating the use of crystals in fashion. In addition to financial support, Swarovski provided an unlimited supply of crystals for the creation of Assoulin’s spring/summer 2016 collection.
The designer, who spent time working under Oscar de la Renta and Alber Elbaz, is best known for fusing sportswear elements with sculpted shapes, so incorporating crystals into her designs was initially a challenge. “We were a little hesitant about trying something new, but at some point you just have to ask, ‘Why not?’” The result is a shimmering series of relaxed crêpe silk separates with neatly arranged crystals that almost resemble Pantone swatches. “I can imagine the shirt worn over a swimsuit during the high summer,” says Assoulin. “Beachwear doesn’t necessarily come to mind when you think crystals, but it’s just so beautiful when it catches the light.”
The partnership will continue well into the coming season with a collection under the Atelier Swarovski label. Assoulin will be drawing on her time at jewellery label Lee Angel and promises to dazzle with cutting-edge accessories. With a label just two years young, Assoulin is always ready to embrace new opportunities. “If it feels right and it’s fun, then I’m on board.”