Swarovski Celebrates SAIC and THE WALK With Bling

This week, Swarovski let the students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) take full control of the window display at their flagship on the Magnificent Mile. Under the mentorship of the world renowned Nick Cave (who is also chair of SAIC's Fashion Design Department), the students constructed flowers using Swarovksi jewelry, as images to create the fabric and physical pieces for embellishment.

To celebrate the window installation, Swarovski hosted an unforgettable in-store event. As if being surrounded by bling isn't enough to get you excited, there were also cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres and a DJ added to the mix. Fashion, of course, was the topic of discussion throughout the room as Nick Cave and a few of the design students greeted guests and chatted about the upcoming benefit gala and runway show, THE WALK 2012.

It was my first time meeting Nick Cave and he was a riot! When I asked if I could get into one of his famous SoundSuits, he politely rejected me as we both had a good chuckle at the mere thought of it. Maybe I'll convince him on another day.

As everyone mixed and mingled, we couldn't help but to admire all of the sparkle. As we know, Swarovski items can pretty much sell themselves. 

Then, my good friend and Swarovski shop girl, Jasmine, began pulling out items she knew I'd appreciate - the newest collection of charms that pay homage to my second-favorite city, London!

Yes. Hints have already been dropped. We'll see if hubby takes action.


The window installation will remain open to the public until Monday, April 16, at 7PM. So, be sure to make your way down to 540 N. Michigan Avenue to check it out in person.

As for the runway shows next week? With a graduate program that is the nation's second-ranked in the Fine Arts category and a "working" faculty (i.e. actively designing, selling in boutiques, galleries, etc.), I can pretty much guarantee that SAIC will present a spectacular roundup of student designer work.

If you want to grab tickets to THE WALK, which will also honor Cynthia Rowley and her husband Bill Powers this year, or either one of the daytime runway shows on April 19, click here. 

See you there?




*thanks to Zapwater for the behind-the-scenes window installation photos and SocialifeChicago for the candid shot with Nick Cave.