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This autumn will bring a new exhibit to Dubai designed to mark the 120th anniversary of Swarovski as well as celebrate the famous Austrian crystal company’s long-standing relationship with couture designers from across the region.
Sparkling Couture, which will be held in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah on the evening of November 4, is the first event of its kind in the UAE.
More than 36 couturiers and six jewellery-and-accessories labels from across the Middle East and South Asia will come together, each showcasing one piece specifically designed for the event. Expected to be on display are intricate bridalwear, jalabiyas, evening gowns and kaftans.
“Sparkling Couture is a celebration of the incredible couturiers we have in the Middle East and South Asia,” said Flemming Nielsen, vice president of Swarovski’s South Asian operations, at the event’s launch last weekend. “Our region is renowned for its love of customisation, embellishments and, of course, bespoke couture.”
Swarovski has had a presence in the Middle East since the 1970s and teamed up with many of the UAE’s most-respected established and emerging designers, who have adorned gowns with crystals of every size, cut and colour. Dubai’s Michael Cinco, Furne One and Ezra are among those who regularly crystallise evening dresses, bridal gowns and their catwalk collections with Swarovski’s products. In the coming weeks a full list of designers participating in November’s exhibition will be announced.
While tickets to the event are limited, people can win an exclusive pass with a plus-one by posting a picture of what they would wear on the event's Facebook page, tagging the pictures @SwarovskiCrystals and #SparklingCouture
• Sparkling Couture is on November 4 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, from 8pm until midnight. For more information on the event and on Swarovski in the Middle East, follow the Swarovski Crystal blog or Facebook page
rduane@thenational.ae