NEW YORK, Sep 9, 2004/ FW/ --- Fashion has a long tradition with Swarovski. Since the 1950s, the Austria-based company has been collaborating with the world’s top designers starting with Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.

Half a century later, the world’s leading maker of cut crystals made the symbiosis with fashion formal, as the company debuted “Swarovski Runway Rocks,” the first ever runway presentation of one-of-a-kind haute couture catwalk jewelry.

Last night at the Skylight Studios in downtown Manhattan, in a space decorated with an exquisitely coiled up light fixture made up of assorted Swarovski crystals.

Very similar to the one used at the Fendi Space during the International Fair held earlier this year in Milan, this functional work of art represents Swarovski set the stage for the catwalk show featuring haute couture catwalk jewelry designed exclusively for Swarovski.

Nineteen pieces all in all were shown, created by world-renowned designers commissioned by the Austria-based company.

One of the highlighted pieces was by Erickson Beamon, the very exquisite "Fool's Gold Corset," a dazzling and meticulously hand-beaded corset that epitomizes strength in femininity.

Another is "Stella Ice" by Faraone Mennella, a hand twisted link chain necklace with Swarovski crystal.

The "Wonderful World" by Rodrigo Otazu was inspired by the universe that pays tribute to the earth to make it a better place. The necklace represents the future and fantasy as well as something to discover.

Here, Otazu incorporated the newest style of Swarovski crystal - the multi-facited, brilliant Xilion crystals into his piece.

In his words, "In this world of minimalism, I want to do exactly the opposite. I love to be different."

As Nadja SWarovski explains on her press statement, "Jewelry is the most powerful and creative expression of individual style and personality.”

For designers, creating catwalk jewelry is an extension of their creative expression as exemplified in Runway Rocks.

Look for the Runway Rocks collection in London, where Swarovski will host four shows at the Victoria & AlbertMuseum as a part of the Fashion in Motion series on Friday, November 26, 2004.

Only one thing left to be said, you can't go wrong with a Swarovski crystal creation.

For more information on Runway Rocks, please visit: www.swarovskisparkles.com