Swarovski Celebrates Disney’s 100th With Real-Life ‘Cinderella’ Glass Slipper
By Mikelle Leow, 04 Aug 2023
Image via Swarovski
No mice or birds were involved in the making of this fine crystal slipper. It’s lovingly crafted by none other than Swarovski as a tribute to Disney’s 100th-anniversary milestone.
The fairy godmother in this story is the jeweler’s global creative director Giovanna Engelbert, who is donating an intricate replica of the dazzling slipper seen in 2015’s live-action Cinderella to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Without the instant gratification of magic, the shoe came alive through the handiwork of eight specialists, who took about 150 hours to piece it together at the company’s headquarters in the Austrian Alps.
The crystal slipper is made up of 221 facets, each one glistening from Swarovski’s reflective Aurora Borealis finish. A golden butterfly at the top further crystallizes Disney’s affinity with storytelling.
Image via Swarovski
Disney has been pairing up with numerous brands and creators to commemorate its centennial birthday, with proceeds from these collaborations dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children.
“What inspired me to recreate Cinderella’s iconic crystal slipper for Disney100 is the name of the charity and the idea of a wish,” explains Engelbert in a statement.
“And of course, the slipper is the most famous shoe in the world. It is transformative and full of magic, so it was the perfect way to unite the world of Swarovski with the world of Disney.”
Luckily, fans need not search all the land to get a piece of Swarovski and Disney magic. The Austrian crystal dynasty is launching a Disney100 collection featuring crystal figurines glimmering in Aurora Borealis coating, along with character-themed pendants and earrings adorned with precision-cut pavé crystals.
Image via Swarovski
[via WWD and Footwear News, images via Swarovski]