Under a cloak of secrecy, the cut crystal and fashion jewelry house, Swarovski, rounded up eight of the region’s influencers and sent them to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi to produce a photo shoot showcasing a juxtaposition of traditional and modern Arabia. Deema Alasadi, Zahra Lyla, Mariyah Gaspacho, Fatma Husam, Salima Feerasta, Nicoleta Buru, Zarah Amira, and Soraya Pena are the featured influencers who modeled pieces from Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Victoria Beckham, alongside regional brands Madiso and Khaadi.
Notably, the shoot—revealed in its entirety in the gallery above—features vintage boots embellished with Swarovski crystals once worn by Beyoncé and donned by Zahrah Amira. Meanwhile, Deema Alasadi drips in Swarovski crystals, (you can’t miss that cabochon ring); and Fatma Husam glistens under the desert sun in a sparkling powder pink overlay by regional brand Orkalia. In one of the campaign’s hero shots, Zahra Lyla poses for the camera in a Salvatore Ferragamo bi-color dress and Swarovski-embellished gladiator sandals while clutching the leash of a panting Saluki. If the shoot’s natural backdrop reflects the eternal beauty of the region’s Empty Quarter, the Swarovski sparkle brings a dose of high-octane pizzazz, while modernity and strength reverberates from the confident gaze and wide smiles of the influencers.
Reflecting on Swarovski’s recent landmark anniversary (120 years last year), Andrew Mojica, Managing Director Swarovski Middle East, remarked that the fashion jewelry house will continue to focus on the importance of the Middle East as both a creative and a fashion hub. In 2013, the Swarovski Group generated over US $3.4 billion in revenue and today positions itself as one of the most collaborative creative houses in the fashion industry.
