Every time an invitation to attend a Swarovski event lands in my inbox I’m always excited to see what the world-renowned jeweller has up its sleeves to present. They have a seemingly endless flow of creativity and ideas, and season after season they come up with intricate pieces that shows off their ability to develop jewellery and accessories catering to both sexes; from those with haute fashion taste to the teenager who adores everything Hello Kitty.

I recently attended the company’s spring/summer 2012 preview held at the Gardiner Museum to view their latest collection, “Swing, Sing and Shine” which is described as “a tribute to vintage styling and an ode to the lights, camera and action of the entertainment world.”

As with every new Swarovski collection there are the staple lines such as Disney, Hello Kitty and Erica and Elliot found within, but it’s the fashion jewellery pieces which really stand out for me and show-off the company’s ability to innovate and create something new and exciting.

Pictured rings L-R: Raphaela $420; Rarely $440; Fever from Swarovski’s 2009 collection; Rainbow $190.

During my walk-through I was drawn to a line of jewellery titled, Rocket. The vibrant and angular cuts of the crystal has a retro yet futuristic look to them, and the simplicity of Rocket ring in a two-tone colour is striking.

This evening is a multi-event night that kicks off just before the official start of the 36th Toronto International Film Festival (September 8-18, 2011), affectionately known as TIFF11.

The City of Toronto will be a buzz with celebrities galore and a plethora of parties that seem to never stop.

I'm currently at the exclusive pre-opening of Swarovski's Fashion Suite which will accessorize stars and A-listers attending TIFF11.

The suite will feature the brilliant Daniel Swarovski Catwalk Collection, clothing and accessories that will be making its one and only appearance in Canada, as well as Swarovski's fw2011 collection, Wings of Fantasy.

Enjoy the pictures! I'm on to event #2.

“Wings of Fantasy” is the name used to describe Swarovski’s fall/winter 2011 collection. Initially, when hearing the name of this collection I cocked an eyebrow because it’s a vague description of what to expect in bejewelled goodness from the crystal company.

However, when I attended Swarovski’s f/w 2011 preview it was very clear by the sheer enormity of the pieces in the collection (easily over 50 items), that “Wings of Fantasy” is a fitting title encompassing lines such as jewellery for men and women, Hello Kitty, Disney and small leather goods.

In addition to the number of pieces shown, I was also impressed by the diversity and styles of jewellery and accessories available providing something shiny and new for people of various tastes.

For me, the show stoppers of the collection are the $10,000 crystal covered Hello Kitty and the multiple statement necklaces – I love me some bold jewellery, oh yes I do! My favourites necklaces are: the collar style Prelude necklace for $525, the Phenix for $300 and the circle shaped Paloma for $390.

Aura, a fragrance by Swarovski

Also at the Swarovski preview, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak/whiff of the Company’s new scent, Aura. Aura is a new venture Swarovski is taking into the realm of lifestyle and cosmetics.

Aura is a complex scent that combines white musk, lychee and hints of citrus. The packaging of the fragrance was taken into consideration during its conception and as a result the cases are made from recycled, recyclable cardboard with no inserts and the entire line is refillable. Aura comes in 15 mL to 50 mL bottles and is priced up to $100 depending on size.

Images gallery #2 courtesy of Swarovski

In March, I published an interview I did with UK footwear designer, Nicholas Kirkwood which mentioned his collaboration with the Keith Haring foundation. Back then, there were only a few illustrations available to show Kirkwood’s creativity in action, incorporating Haring’s art into footwear. Now, there’s a video which clearly shows how Haring’s 1980s pop art is transformed into life and onto shoes using Swarovski crystals, particularly on a thigh-high leopard print boot with roller skates – it’s pretty darn cool.

The entire Haring-inspired collection will be shown at Kirkwood’s new London boutique until July 1.

Nicholas Kirkwood x Keith Haring on Nowness.com

Video courtesy of NOWNESS

Browsing through the magazine shelves of Chapters I came upon the Swarovski Crystal magazine titled, Crystalized. I had no clue Swarovski produced a magazine and my interested was peaked to see what’s featured on the inside.

The magazine is published biannually and the edition I purchased is the spring/summer 2010 issue featuring many of the Swarovski’s fashion collaborations with designers, such as Antonio Berardi, Holly Fulton and Matthew Williamson. The atelier jewellery is some of the bolder and avant-garde pieces featured. Ones that caught my attention were designed by architect, Zaha Hadid made of crystal and resin. Hadid’s black, red, pink and white bracelets and rings are twisted and moulded to look like something you would see under a microscope in science class – molecules that are moving and formulating.

I scanned a few pages of the magazine to give you an idea of how designers incorporate Swarovski crystals into their works.

I’ve been too busy to blog as consistently as I normally do. Therefore, here is a roundup of notable fashion news and events in and around the city of Toronto.

White Cashmere collection reveals 2010 designers: the seventh annual White Cashmere Collection confirmed its designer line-up for 2010. This compilation of Canadian fashion talent includes Zoran Dobric, Ines Di Santo (bridal designer), RUDSAK, Renata Morales and jewellery designer Shay Lowe. All designers will craft clothing and accessories from Cashmere Bathroom Tissue for the September runway show being held at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The theme for this year’s show is Fashion With Compassion. Fittingly so, as the collection is a fund and awareness-raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as heralds the return of limited-edition Pink Cashmere; with twenty-five cents from the sale of every package of Pink going directly to the Foundation.

The clothing designs developed from the bathroom tissue are absolutely mind blowing. Here are several images of the 2009 White Cashmere Collection that was on display in the Bay’s award-winning windows.

Swarovski’s “UndertheBlueCollection:” Swarovski recently previewed its latest fall/winter 2010 line, UndertheBlueCollection, at the Hazelton Hotel. Attendees had the opportunity to get an up-close look of the jewellery and to try it on. Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor of Harper's Bazaar, was the host for the evening and charmingly provided tips on how to accessorize.

I own several Swarovski pieces and have an affinity for its statement rings. During this event I was drawn to the Milady Pendant Cameo ($175 CDN) and the brand’s exclusive designer collection, Atelier Swarovski. The turquoise and black bracelets, designed by Kirt Holmes, were my favourite pieces with its woven crystal beads that form lattice style shapes.

Plutino Group website relaunch party: on Tuesday night the Plutino Group celebrated its redesigned website with a party at Parts & Labour. Plutino’s new website is quite the visual and interactive online portfolio showing its roster of talent that includes some of Canada’s elite fashion stylists, hair and makeup artists, fashion directors and producers.

I was really hoping to catch the live fashion installation showcasing creative collaborations between Plutino’s artists and Canadian designers; Greta Constantine, Mark Fast, Mikhael Kale and Philip Sparks were advertised. However, this was not around to view by the time I arrived. The event pictures give you a bit of an idea of the creative partnership though.

Plutino images: Jeffrey Chan (from snap.CLICK*pixel)