40 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 41JULY – AUGUST 2015

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CRYSTAL CLOUDS HANGING OVER BLACK POOLS AND CHAMBERS

NARRATING INFINITE TALES OF MOTION AND

MUSIC -SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WORLDS IN

WATTENS, AUSTRIA IS A WONDERLAND

STRAIGHT OUT OF A LEWIS CARROLL NOVEL

Down the Rabbit Hole

By Shibani Bawa

40 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 41JULY – AUGUST 2015

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Walking into Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a slide through the rabbit hole into Wonderland

42 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 43JULY – AUGUST 2015

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The Swarovski family is one of the wealthiest and most famous families of Austria. It is indeed a matter of pride to not only keep

a successful business within the family for the past 120 years but also grow it consistently without any hiccups.

To mark the 120th anniversary of Swarovski, the Swarovski Kristallwelten (popularly known as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds) reopened its gates in the idyllic location at Wattens in the Tyrolean Alps after an extensive expansion. The inaugural evening was hosted by the Swarovski family over a lavish gala dinner for their high-flying friends and family including the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Nick and Charlotte Knight, Sandy Powell, and various international designers. British singer, dancer and songwriter FKA Twigs gave a surprise performance at the do which was also attended by the Austrian president Heinz Fischer. The sit down dinner was a fancy affair with silver service; the dazzling center pieces on the tables showcased crystal in various shapes and sizes.

A Little HistorySwarovski Crystal Worlds was made in 1995 to mark the company’s centennial anniversary and draws millions of visitors each year. Located about 20 minutes out of Innsbruck it is very easily accessible through a very picturesque drive. Set in a region that is blessed

with majestic snowcapped peaks, quaint valleys, glittering mountain lakes and mighty glaciers creating a unique landscape, the museum showcases crystal reimagined in all its sparkling forms. It has one of the most fascinating creative collections on this part of the globe where renowned artists and designers have created installations and sculptures in dramatic settings. Interestingly, on one hand, there is the most expensive wall in the world which is a visual treat, on the other is the largest jewellery stone in the world is on display which weighs a whopping 300,000 carats.

The New Additions• One of the highlights of the new

park is the Crystal Cloud. The stunning masterpiece occupies 1,400 square metres and consists of some 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals, floating above a black Mirror Pool. Markus Langes-Swarovski, member of the Swarovski Executive Board, stated at the dinner that all the architects, designers and artists whose works are exhibited at Crystal Worlds have also put in one crystal each into it.

• Keeping in mind that the Crystal Worlds is a popular destination for families, the renovated play tower is

42 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 43JULY – AUGUST 2015

luxury report Renowned artists and designers have created

installations and sculptures in dramatic

settings here

44 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 45JULY – AUGUST 2015

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spread over four levels and offers a broad variety of play experiences and a very special environment for young visitors. Suitable for children of any age it is complimented by the innovative playground under the open skies.

• The 16 Chambers of Wonder feature darkened galleries with special lighting that adds an ethereal glow to the crystals. Of the five Chambers of Wonder that have been added in this

new avatar, is a winter landscape with 150,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals; an installation that examines the interaction between visitors and space; one includes crystal sculptures of up to 1.86 metres in height produced by Swarovski; and another that tells infinite tales in the form of motion, music, and mirrors. The company’s history is presented in the Timeless area, created by museum designer HG Merz.

The ShoppingThe tour of the bewitching Crystal Worlds culminates in the store. One of the most creative aspects of the tour, it displays all of the interesting products ranging from stunning pieces of jewellery to fascinating accessories and beautiful figurines made of Swarovski crystals. A beffiting end to a wonderful journey. Ultimately, one wonders what the fuss over diamonds is all about.

T O C O M M E M O R AT E T H E 1 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y O F S W A R O V S K I , T H E R E N O V AT E D S W A R O V S K I C R Y S TA L W O R L D S I N W AT T E N S , A U S T R I A B O A S T S M O R E C R Y S TA L L I N E E X H I B I T S , E X C I T I N G A C T I V I T I E S F O R C H I L D R E N A N D

F A M I L I E S , A R E D E S I G N E D A R R I V A L B U I L D I N G A N D S H O P P I N G A R E A

44 Millionaireasia India Millionaireasia India 45JULY – AUGUST 2015

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Kristaldom Blau Rosa

by Walter Oczlon