LONDON — Rosie Assoulin was named the winner of the annual Swarovski Collective Award, WWD has learned. The New York-based designer — who will receive a 25,000 euro, or $28,610, prize — earmarked for developing her collections.
The Collective was founded by Nadja Swarovski in 1999 and aims to support 150 emerging and established designers, urging them to use crystals in inventive ways for their catwalk designs. This is the second edition of the prize, which was awarded last year to Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos of the London label Peter Pilotto.
Assoulin told WWD the designers taking part in the Collective have access to a vast catalogue of crystals, all with different applications. “It gives us the ability to play and explore, which is a huge part of the creative experience.”
“For fall 2016, we were excited to continue our Swarovski concept that began in the spring 2016 collection, using heat fixing, color and shapes differently, while keeping it casual and fun. We used Polly Apfelbaum’s art as a springboard for that idea,” she said.
Assoulin teamed with the Austrian crystal maker previously on an Atelier Swarovski by Rosie Assoulin jewelry collection for fall 2016.
Nadja Swarovski, a member of the Swarovski executive board, said Assoulin’s “playful yet powerful” collections appeal to both critics and consumers.”