Swarovski partners with Filipino designer Marc Rancy

MANILA, Philippines - Swarovski, a brand known for the cutting, clarity and brilliance of its crystal products, scoured the local fashion scene and found someone to collaborate with — Marc Rancy.

The Filipino designer is set to join the ranks of acclaimed fashion purveyors who are especially chosen by Swarovski to be a co-creator.

“It was a strategic initiative for me to be involved with a brand that is recognized worldwide, and being global has always been one of my aspirations. My designs have always leaned towards romance, sensuality, and glamour to which I think is also evoked by Swarovski crystals. I am very honored to be chosen by Swarovski as their first brand partner in the Philippines,” Marc enthuses.

The Swarovski Crystal range includes crystal glass sculptures and miniatures, jewelry and couture, home decor, and chandeliers. Swarovski is the brand name for a range of precisely cut lead crystal (a particular type of glass) and related luxury products produced by Swarovski AG of Wattens, Austria.

A strong presence in the fashion industry, Swarovski enjoys frequent and dynamic collaborations with designers such as Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, and Erdem.

In the jewelry scene, it counts as co-creators Catherine Malandrino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lulu Guinness, Prabal Gurung, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Joseph Altuzzara for their accessories lines.

As stated in the Swarovski Crystallized magazine, the collaborative and deep-rooted relationships that Swarovski has with global fashion talents means it has unprecedented access to the people who actually make design happen. The collaborations not only show how crystal is used by fashion designers but also the process that lies behind the development of particular ideas, which result in spectacular fashion pieces.

Studded: Marc Rancy creates an entire collection exclusively for Swarovski.

At 24, Marc is the president of his own company, Luxewear International Inc., and is at the helm of his eponymous shops in Makati and New York.

As a partner of the company, Marc will have an overwhelming array of crystals of his own choosing to work with. The Swarovski Elements have beads, pendants, crystal pearls, fancy stones, sew-on stones, round stones, crystal mosaic and crystal stardust.

Since his bread and butter are weddings, ranging from four to eight a month, Marc can work with the Swarovski Wedding Selection with themes such as Modern-Contemporary Chic, Eternal-Classic Elegance and Romance-Enchanting Style.

“Being a brand partner serves as a sign of authenticity, integrity and the highest standards of design. This branding assures all our customers that the products we provide are made with genuine Swarovski Elements. It also gives us access to the most recent trends and the vast collections of crystal catalogues, excellent customer support and product warranty,” Marc says.

Swarovski attributes its success to the “tireless pursuit of perfection” in its production process something that Marc assures is integral and fundamental to his work ethic and fashion aesthetic.

“It’s always a different kind of recognition when a global brand of that magnitude considers you worthy of carrying its name. From changing the entire look of our showroom, to making an entire collection exclusively for Swarovski, down to our marketing and packaging collaterals, seem to me like all the hard work has paid off,” Marc relates.

So, does he think the Philippines is ready for such an expensive — and fantastic — component in dressing?

“Since I specialize in bridal couture, Filipino brides are aware of what is deemed to be a worthy investment. While some argue that it’s just a dress to be worn on one day, I personally think it’s much deeper than that,” Marc explains. “You’re not paying for just another dress, it’s that emotional high you get, knowing you look your best. A bridal gown is the most important dress in a woman’s life, and that’s one memory to be relished forever. I am just fortunate to be an instrument in that process.”