Swarovski Celebrates Seven Years Of Lighting Up The Oscars®

News provided by

Feb 24, 2014, 11:00 ET

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Swarovski is honored to be the key creative ingredient on the world's most revered stage for the seventh year at the Oscars. Tony Award-winning production designer, Derek McLane, will partner with Swarovski for a second year to crystallize the Dolby Digital Theater. The full design concept and visuals of the set will remain a closely guarded secret until the live telecast on Sunday, March 2^nd, when the Oscars will be broadcast across the globe on ABC at 7 PM EST.

Due to Swarovski's long-standing history in film, it felt natural to bring crystal to the Oscar's stage. 2007 marked the first year Swarovski sponsored the set design with a 34 foot, one-ton custom crystal curtain for the Dream Girls performance. This year, Derek McLane will incorporate about 165,000 crystals into a design that will leave Hollywood's brightest stars and viewers at home with a brilliant impression.

Swarovski has been dazzling movie-goers with enchanting crystallized costume and set designs since the 1930s. Swarovski made its Hollywood debut in the 1932 film Blonde Venus, starring Marlene Dietrich who shimmered in statement jewelry pieces and embellished dresses. Since then, Swarovski sparkled in costumes worn by award winning actresses such as Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, Marilyn Monroe in Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and more recently, Jennifer Hudson in Dream Girls and Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge. Custom shimmering costumes, decor and chandeliers have also made appearances in Black Swan, Skyfall and The Great Gatsby.

Production Designer Derek McLane commented: "I am honored to partner with Swarovski for a second year on the set design for the Oscars®. Swarovski crystals are not only glamorous, but innovative. They allow me to create unique designs that bring extra magic to the Oscars stage and this year we will have exciting elements within the decor."

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, Swarovski Crystal Business commented: "Swarovski's history on the silver screen goes back to the early years of Hollywood and has sparkled with unforgettable moments ever since Dorothy tapped her crystal-encrusted ruby slippers, so we are delighted once again to play a supporting role at the Oscars. The Oscars represent talent, creativity, glamour and excitement - values that glow at the heart of Swarovski. Derek McLane's stage design is captivating and Swarovski is thrilled to partner with him for a second year running."

For images on the previous Oscar set designs featuring Swarovski crystal download here.

www.swarovskigroup.com

facebook.com/swarovski

twitter.com/swarovski

About Swarovski

Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity that goes beyond the manufacturing of crystal. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones, and finished products such as jewelry, accessories, and lighting. In addition, Swarovski Crystal Worlds was established as a unique venue dedicated to showcasing artistic interpretations of crystal. Swarovski Entertainment collaborates with established industry partners and exceptional talent to produce international feature films, while the Swarovski Foundation supports creativity and culture, promotes wellbeing, and conserves natural resources. Now run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach with over 2,350 stores in around 170 countries, more than 25,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.4 billion euros in 2012. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2012, the Group generated revenue of about 3.1 billion euros and employed more than 30,000 people.

Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140128/NY54480LOGO-b

SOURCE Swarovski