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[ MISE EN PLACE: ATELIER SWAROVSKI ]
When glassware reflects the light it casts a spell of warmth and magic. A collaboration between the brand leader in the production of these objects and a series of international designers inspires objects that create wonderfully evocative table settings by Marta Bernasconi
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Left, faceted crystal vases and candleholders by Barbara Barry for Atelier Swarovski by Barbara Barry. This page, glass and marble trays from the Prism collection by Tomas Alonso for Atelier Swarovski
he dining table on board a large yacht requires a convivial setting with a high standard of exclusivity. As result, originality becomes the added value that can create the perfect ambiance. It’s not that hard to achieve, really – there are a few rules about laying out an elegant tabletop, but there is also ample room for personalisation. One type of table setting that can introduce some attractive new elements involves a greater focus on crystal glassware, usually present on the table in the form of glasses, bottle and cake stands. In 1985 Daniel Swarovski, founder of the brand with the swan logo, introduced the precision cut that transformed the company into the market leader in the creation of crystal glass jewels and accessories with a breath-taking sparkle. The product range gradually extended and diversified, and 2007 saw the launch of the Atelier Swarovski brand, presenting its first home décor collection in 2016. The line is a free expression of the Austrian brand’s vision of luxury, providing new interpretations of the brand’s special
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[ MISE EN PLACE ]
Above, glasses from the Nest collection by Lobmeyr for Atelier Swarovski. Left, a table set with crystal glass candleholders, vases and bowls in a minimalist style by John Pawson for Atelier Swarovski
expertise through collaborations with prestigious exponents of contemporary design like Daniel Libeskind, Ron Arad and Tord Boontje. One of the most recent collaborations features John Pawson, who has created a table setting that embodies minimalist luxury, where vases, bowls and candleholders display a highly distinctive irregular, faceted surface creating bright, sparkling reflections. The Nest tumblers, produced in collaboration with Viennese glassmakers J & L Lobmeyr, feature a hand-engraved geometric pattern that captures and refracts light to create an intense kaleidoscope of tones. Functional yet also highly decorative, the new trays by Atelier Swarovski show a highly original touch. The two models from the Prism collection designed by Tomas Alonso combine skilfully-cut crystal with white Carrara marble. The magic of the material is clearly on display in the series of faceted vases and candleholders designed by Barbara Barry. These objects can be positioned in the centre of the table to create floral compositions and warm points of light, but they also provide decorative accents that emphasise the idea of luxury expressed by the tableware line by Atelier Swarovski. www.swarovski.com
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