CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Penélope Cruz debuted her first fine jewellery collection for Atelier Swarovski last July, which she wore to the 71st Cannes Film Festival. The collection embraces conscious luxury and is made with Swarovski Created Diamonds, Swarovski Genuine Topaz, created gemstones and 18k Fairtrade gold. The actress collaborated with the brand once more for her celestial-inspired Spring/summer 2019 Moonsun collection, which also features responsibly and sustainably sourced materials, something Cruz feels strongly about.
How does Atelier Swarovski’s commitment to conscious luxury resonate with you?
I am a conscious consumer myself and I care a lot about not having a negative impact on the planet, in what we do, wear and consume. The fine jewellery collection is completely sustainable, from the Fairtrade gold mined in Peru, to the created diamonds and created gemstones. Before speaking to Nadja Swarovski (chair of the Swarovski Foundation), I didn’t realise it was possible to create stones in a lab. When I saw how much she cared about not creating a negative impact on the environment, it was very inspiring. Nadja talked to me about a new chapter in jewellery creation. It resonated with me — the idea that brands can really make a difference.
Having worn Atelier Swarovski fine jewellery several times on the red carpet, do you think that has influenced others to be more conscious in supporting sustainable collection?
I hope so! I think luxury brands have a duty to act responsibly and act in a way that is kind and considerate to our planet. The same goes for us as individuals. My work with some organisations and my collaboration with Atelier Swarovski give me the opportunity to open the discussion and shine a light on conscious luxury and create products that have a positive impact. I hope it’s creating an effect!
Tell us about your favourite piece in the fine jewellery collection.
My grandmother once gave me a ring made from garnet and gold. It was lost or stolen, so we have made a ring in her honour, crafted from three lab-created rubies surrounded by lab-created diamonds. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.