Swarovski celebrates 130 years of glow and glamour in Los Angeles

By Léa Zetlaoui.

A Swarovski exhibition in Los Angeles

On October 28th, 2025, Los Angeles sparkled a little more brightly than usual with the exhibition “Masters of Light – Hollywood” launched by Swarovski. After Seoul and Milan, this retrospective celebrating the crystal house’s 130 years of history now shines in the iconic location of Amoeba Music on Sunset Boulevard.

Staged in the heart of the entertainment industry, this new edition had to live up to the myth – spectacular. “Working on this American premiere, right in the heart of Hollywood, has been an absolute dream. There’s no more fitting place to showcase the stories and iconic pieces that have made Swarovski a touchstone of pop culture for 130 years. And the story is far from over,” Giovanna Engelbert, creative director of the house, declares.

130 years of glamour and pop culture

That’s why Giovanna Engelbert, along with British fashion journalist, critic and curator Alexander Fury, chose to explore the deep relationship between Swarovski, cinema, fashion, design, and of course, the world of celebrities. “Masters of Light celebrates Swarovski’s innovation and craftsmanship across every creative field. It’s been an extraordinary journey, from concept to realization. Since 2020, my ambition as creative director has been to highlight the unique link between Swarovski, pop culture, fashion, performing arts and entertainment industry,” she continues.

So the opening of “Masters of Light – Hollywood” brought together stars from around the world, all eager to discover these exceptional creations. Gathered around Giovanna Engelbert were top model Amelia Gray Hamlin and her mother, actress Lisa Rinna. But also director Baz Luhrmann, actor Jeff Goldblum, dancer Emilie Livingston, tennis champion Venus Williams, and actress Viola Davis. French stars Léna Mahfouf and Sébastien Frit attended the event as well.

Founded in 1895 in Tyrol, Austria, Swarovski is now one of Europe’s oldest luxury houses. Its unique expertise in crystal creation and cutting has been passed down through generations. More than ever, the brand embodies the perfect blend between artisanal tradition and technological innovation, carrying on a legacy of excellence.

Swarovski and cinema, a very close relationship

The exhibition “Masters of Light – Hollywood” traces back 130 years of Swarovski’s history through its most emblematic works, divided in nine main themes. Naturally, cinema holds a special place. In the early 1930s, the Austrian house began collaborating with major Hollywood studios on costumes and accessories that would go on to become iconic.

Legendary costumes

Think of the dazzling costumes designed by Catherine Martin for Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! (2001) and The Great Gatsby (2013). Or the ruby shoes from The Wizard of Oz (1939), and Cinderella’s glass slipper in the 2015 live-action remake.

An iconic dress designed for Marilyn Monroe

A creation as iconic as the gown designed by Jean Louis for Marilyn Monroe naturally deserves its own spotlight. Often described as the first “naked dress” in history, this creation adorned with 2,500 Swarovski crystals was worn by the Hollywood star in 1962. It was that evening of May 19th, that the star sang the famous Happy Birthday to US President John F. Kennedy. Sixty years later, on May 2nd, 2022, Kim Kardashian wrote a new chapter of this legendary dress, wearing it at the Met Gala.

Sparkling Disney and Marvel figures

As the exhibition continues into a new space, Swarovski reveals yet another facet of its craftsmanship. This “Hall of Fame” features fifteen crystal figurines inspired by the worlds of Disney and Marvel. Here, Hulk, Black Panther, Minions, Glinda, and Elphaba are celebrated as contemporary icons.

Crystal lighting up the pop stars

In the “Pop Icons” room, Swarovski showcases twenty stage costumes, fashion pieces, and red carpet outfits worn by legendary actors, musicians, and legendary cultural figures.

Among them are two vintage Mugler looks worn by two major music stars. First, a Fall/Winter 1995-1996 haute couture outfit in lace, feathers, and crystals, worn by rapper Cardi B at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Then, an ensemble from the Spring/Summer 1992 “Far West” collection, photographed on Beyoncé for her album Cowboy Carter released in 2024.

Doja Cat, a surrealist muse in Schiaparelli

Another standout creation on display in the exhibition is a striking red gown by Schiaparelli. Completely encrusted with 30,000 Swarovski crystals, the glowing silhouette is the work of Daniel Roseberry, artistic director of the fashion house. Designed for Doja Cat, it made a lasting impression at the Schiaparelli haute couture show in January 2023, where the American rapper and singer morphed into a surrealist muse.

Seven new Swarovski Creators Lab collaborations

But that’s not all! Aside from the exhibition, Swarovski is launching seven new collaborations through its Swarovski Creators Lab. Since its start in 2021, this initiative has become a true catalyst for creativity for fashion and design brands.

For the occasion, Oakley, Off-White™, Gufram, Loop Earplugs, PUMA, A Bathing Ape, and BE@RBRICK are reimagining their signature creations, enhanced by thousands of crystals. From a starry hoodie by Off-White™ to glittering cactus by Gufram, these collaborations turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

The Swarovski swan, an eternal emblem

This celebration extends with the Vienna collection, inspired by Swarovski’s Austrian heritage. Echoing the house’s signature swan, each piece blends legacy and modernity, pairing the brilliance of crystal with the dark sheen of ruthenium. Architectural lines evoke wings in motion, as if ready to take flight.

Pavé settings, baguette cuts, and abstract forms embody the grace and strength of the brand’s craftsmanship. Thanks to this sparkling journey from 1895 to 2025, the Swarovski swan becomes a timeless symbol of beauty and renewal.

The exhibition “Masters of Light – Hollywood” by Swarovski, open from October 29th to November 3rd, 2025, at Amoeba Music, 6400 West Sunset Boulevard, CA 90028. Tickets are available here.