Swarovski’s Hollywood Legacy: Inside “The Art of Performance” at the Crystal Worlds
Hello Beauties,
For nearly a century, Swarovski has shaped the visual language of Hollywood glamour. From the silver screen to the world’s most iconic stages, crystal-embellished costumes have become symbols of performance, transformation, and cultural memory.
At the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, this legacy is brought to life in the Wunderkammer “The Art of Performance” — an immersive exhibition dedicated to the power of costume, craftsmanship, and the magic that happens when light meets movement.
“Swarovski has always stood for Hollywood glamour and a deep connection to the world of entertainment,” explains Stefan Isser, Managing Director of Swarovski Crystal Worlds. “Seeing crystal-covered iconic outfits up close — and recognising them from film and stage history — continues to captivate our visitors.”
From Tyrol to the World Stage
For almost 100 years, the Tyrolean family-run company has collaborated with artists, musicians, and performers whose looks have defined entire eras. These moments — often fleeting on stage or screen — are preserved in Wattens as cultural artefacts.
Curated by Michael Schmidt, whose work has dressed Hollywood legends and global music icons for decades, the exhibition reveals how Swarovski crystals became synonymous with spectacle. “Their unparalleled brilliance under stage lights is why Swarovski crystals remain my material of choice,” Schmidt explains.
From Marilyn Monroe to Modern Icons
The collection spans generations: original costumes and accessories worn by Cher, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Dita von Teese, and Monsta X sit alongside jewellery worn by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.
Among the most striking pieces are recreations of cultural milestones — Katy Perry’s chandelier dress from the Met Gala, Marlene Dietrich’s ensemble from Blonde Venus (1932), and the legendary crystal-covered dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.
In celebration of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, the Crystal Worlds will dedicate a special exhibition to her legacy from May 18, 2026.
New Additions: Contemporary Performance Glamour
The exhibition continues to evolve. Newly added highlights include a signature jacket from Elton John’s London fashion archive, an extravagant stage costume worn by Dita von Teese in 2007, and a custom crystal-embellished performance hat created for Japanese rock star Hyde — handcrafted in the Swarovski Manufactory.
Also on display: the neon-crystal Coachella outfit worn by global K-pop icon Lisa, whose influence extends far beyond music into fashion and pop culture.
A Living Archive of Performance
More than a retrospective, “The Art of Performance” is a living archive — one that celebrates the emotional power of costume and its role in shaping how we remember artists, eras, and moments.
Set within the expansive grounds of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the exhibition forms part of a larger cultural experience that merges art, design, nature, and savoir-faire — just 20 minutes from Innsbruck.
In a world increasingly driven by speed and spectacle, this exhibition invites visitors to slow down — and look closely at the craftsmanship behind the moments that once made the world stop.
xo
