THIS AUTUMN, Swarovski brings its landmark Masters of Light exhibition to the city of stars. Running for a limited period only – from 29 October to 3 November 2025 – the staging is the brainchild of Swarovski Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, who has harboured ambitions to highlight the irrevocable ‘link between Swarovski and pop culture,’ since joining the company in 2020.
To bring the sparkling showcase to life, she commissioned prolific fashion journalist and critic, Alexander Fury, who, through meticulous curation, helped convey the Austrian house’s immense heritage of ‘creativity, craftsmanship and cultural influence.’
Swarovski Masters of Light exhibition in Los Angeles
Taking place at Amoeba Music – the world’s biggest independent record store and a cherished LA cultural hotspot – this special instalment of Swarovski’s travelling exhibition intentionally emphasises the rich, symbiotic relationship between the fashion and film industries, one which is particularly omnipresent in Hollywood.
The intention behind Masters of Light is to embrace the glittering successes and partnerships of the house’s past, whilst also envisaging a bright future for their bejewelled creative endeavours. Inside the exhibition, a host of blingy costumes await, each adorned with Swarovski’s signature crystals, strategically placed to spotlight the luxury jeweller’s ‘instrumental role in crafting Hollywood magic.’
Swarovski Masters of Light exhibition in Los Angeles
Amidst the array of crystal-laden, historically significant garments, highlights include the original figure-hugging, sheer Bob Mackie-designed gown (embellished with 2,500 striking Swarovski crystals) worn by Marilyn Monroe for her infamous rendition of Happy Birthday for President John F. Kennedy in 1962, mere months before her tragic death. The same dress was controversially reworn by Kim Kardashian to the 2022 Met Gala, before finding a temporary home at the heart of this exhibit.
Other notable inclusions are the exhibition’s Erewhon pop-up, an impressive ‘Pop Icons’ chamber (which houses sparkling outfits worn by prominent performers such as Madonna and Lady Gaga), and its ‘Mathemagical’ section, which is devoted to the jeweller’s dedication and expertise in the field of crystal innovation.
Swarovski Masters of Light exhibition in Los Angeles
Swarovski Masters of Light exhibition in Los Angeles
‘As the global epicentre of the music and film industry, this is the ideal setting to honour our intimate connection to Hollywood and our role in its most iconic moments,” comments Swarovski CEO, Alexis Nasard, “Swarovski continues to be a key protagonist in pop culture … and we are proud to celebrate our legacy through this,” he concludes.
Costing $10 each, all ticket proceeds will support the charity baby2baby, so if you’re in the Los Angeles vicinity, it’s certainly worth joining in the 130 Years of Joy festivities and becoming immersed in the scintillating world of Swarovski’s Masters of Light – Hollywood.
by Ella O’Gorman