Star power
When the sparkling Swarovski brand launches a new campaign, they do it in serious style. Online editor Danica van der Veen reports on the celebration in Milan.
By Danica van der Veen
fashion-forward, contemporary, sparkly and glamorous… Those are the words I’d use to describe Swarovski’s ‘Holiday Campaign’. Featuring a galaxy of stars, including Ruby Rose, Karlie Kloss and Chiara Ferragni, the images are beautiful and unforgettable – and so was the A-list party in Milan to mark their launch!
Rise and shine
It was a late September morning and I was revelling in my spacious bed at Milan’s Excelsior Hotel Gallia when a bouquet of flowers and an invitation arrived at my door. I was invited to visit the Swarovski Styling Suite to choose the jewellery I’d be wearing that night.
Needless to say, I was soon showered, dressed, and making my way to the seventh floor where editors, influencers and celebrities from around the world were perusing the collection. My aim: to find the perfect accessories for my proudly South African outfit, a sensual Ruff Tung gown. And after careful consideration, and an hour of trying on chandelier earrings, studs, pendants and cocktail rings, I decided on a rose gold crystal choker and matching bracelet. Bella!
Big night out
Excited for the evening, I spent the rest of the day pampering in my hotel room and watching ‘How to do the perfect smokey eye’ Youtube tutorials.
By 6pm, limousines were lining up outside the hotel, ready to whisk 100 guests, including me, to the breathtaking Villa Gernetto outside the city. And if there was ever a princess moment, this was it: think stunning 18th-century mansion, with sweeping grounds, fairy light-decked courtyard and an exquisite garden, complete with a bank of paparazzi clicking away as celebs like Fei Fei Sun and Giovanna Ewbank stepped onto the red carpet.
Supermodels and selfies
Cocktails were served in the majestic hall, where a huge, crystal-embellished Christmas tree gleamed with the spirit of the holiday campaign. Champagne in hand, I couldn’t believe I was here, rubbing shoulders with some of my favourite icons. Was that really me posing for a selfie with supermodel Karlie Kloss in her Ronald van der Kemp upcycled Swarovski crystal dress? There was Jourdan Dunn, sensational in slinky fringing. And there, a few feet away, were Martha Hunt, Alessandra Ambrosio and Shanina Shaik, taking Snapchat videos. As for the barrage of camera flashes, those marked the presence of the one-and-only Naomi Campbell!
Dinner followed in a high-ceilinged ballroom overlooking a lantern-decked courtyard, and it was as sensational as the rest of the experience, thanks to Michelin-starred chef Antonio Guida’s roasted turbot with caviar and egg mimosa, and the delectable coconut blancmange with red fruits.
Dancing with the stars
My favourite part of the night? The music! Award-winning Lithuanian violinist Saule Kilaite entertained us during dinner with her signature blend of classical and modern sounds. And then, incredibly, came an emotional Christmas carol performance by opera sensation Andrea Bocelli.
To complete the line-up: a funky remix of ‘Shine Bright Like a Diamond’ by Daya, dressed to impress in a silver mini. After that, a set by the iconic Boy George had us dancing the night away.
It was 3am when I arrived back at my hotel, kicked off my heels and sank into bed. I fell asleep with a new crystal teddy bear charm necklace around my neck (thank you, Swarovski!), a smile on my face and sparkle in my heart.
“Paparazzi clicked away like crazy as celebs like Fei Fei Sun and Giovanna Ewbank stepped onto the red carpet.”