From Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga: Swarovski Celebrates 130 Years of Pop Culture in Los Angeles

For its 130th anniversary, Swarovski brought its legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural influence to Hollywood with a dazzling exhibition.

Swarovski is marking 130 years of brilliance. To celebrate, the Austrian jewelry house has landed in Hollywood with “Masters of Light”, running until November 3. The exhibition revisits Swarovski’s history in Hollywood from its early days while highlighting its deep and enduring connection to pop culture and its essential role in creating Hollywood magic.

A Glamorous Opening Night

What better way to inaugurate the exhibition than with an ultra-glamorous opening night? On Tuesday, October 28, an impressive lineup of celebrities graced the red carpet, adorned in their finest Swarovski crystals. Emily Ratajkowski, Cher with her 39-year-old partner Alexander Edwards, Dita Von Teese, Venus Williams, Elizabeth Olsen, Lena Mahfouf, and many others attended, exploring numerous collectible pieces that trace Swarovski’s journey through time.

Iconic Pop Culture Pieces

The exhibition features crystal-adorned costumes from legendary films and iconic musical performances alongside landmark fashion pieces. Highlights include Harry Styles’ Harlequin suit covered with 250,000 Swarovski crystals at the 2023 Grammys, Tina Turner’s crystal-studded Versace gown from July 1996, and dresses worn by Beyoncé, Madonna, and Lady Gaga during unforgettable performances. Visitors can also admire the original dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962—a true cultural masterpiece, with its 2,500 Swarovski crystals still gleaming.

The dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy.

"Masters of Light celebrates Swarovski’s innovation and craftsmanship across all creative disciplines," said Giovanna Englebert, Swarovski’s Global Creative Director and the visionary behind the exhibition. "Working on this first U.S. showcase in the heart of Hollywood has been a dream. There is no more fitting place to present the stories and iconic pieces that have made us a reference in pop culture for 130 years— and for many more to come."

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