Twinkle twinkle…
In the flash of the cameras, Penélope Cruz is at least as radiant as the crystals around her neck. Instead of just wearing the latter for walks, the actress is now putting her own hands to work for Atelier Swarovski and designing her own collection. In this interview, she reveals why sustainable thinking is so important to her.
“Luxury brands have the task of working sensibly and considerately.” “Your roots are part of your being and shape you as a person.”
FACES: What we wear and consume has a huge impact on society and our planet. How do you use your role to draw attention to this fact?
Penélope Cruz: It’s important to me that my clothes, my family and what and how I consume have a positive impact on our planet. I want to set a good example and that’s why I love working with Atelier Swarovski, who really care about making the luxury industry more sustainable.
F: Do luxury brands have a special responsibility?
PC: Luxury brands have the task of working sensibly and considerately. My collaboration with Greenpeace and Atelier Swarovski gives me the opportunity to stimulate discussions on this topic, promote sustainable luxury and create products that have a positive impact.
F: You have designed your own collection for Atelier Swarovski. How did this come about?
PC: To be honest, it was a very natural process. I often wore jewelry from Atelier Swarovski on the red carpet before I met Nadja Swarovski. Her passion for sustainable luxury inspired me enormously, and it was only through her that I realized that it was even possible to grow diamonds in a laboratory. Once I understood this process, I was so excited that I immediately wanted to start designing jewelry from it.
F: How did you approach the creation of your collection for Atelier Swarovski?
PC: I have an extreme visual affinity and am always on the lookout for ideas and inspiration. I therefore collected hundreds of photos and images and then showed them to the Atelier Swarovski team. Together we discussed many ideas and concepts and tried out various possibilities. I already had a bit of design experience, and I consider myself really lucky that Nadja and the team gave me so much creative freedom and trusted me completely.
F: Can you explain the theme of your collection for Atelier Swarovski?
PC: My jewelry collection is something for the grand entrance. I wanted to create timeless pieces that I could combine again and again. The night sky and the constellations inspired me to create “MoonSun”.
F: Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?
PC: One of my rings from the Fine Jewelry Collection, whose design was inspired by one of my grandmother’s rings. It was lost years ago or maybe even stolen – that was the reason why I designed this new ring in honor of my grandmother. It consists of laboratory-grown rubies and diamonds.
F: How would you describe the collaboration with Nadja Swarovski?
PC: It was a lot of fun. We worked together in a constant exchange and also consulted with many craftsmen and the experts at Swarovski to select the stones, colors and shapes. Nadja gave me a completely free hand so that I could design pieces that I would wear myself and that I personally really like. We hit it off immediately; not just because she also has children, but because she thinks a lot about the environment and her own ecological footprint.
F: Why is sustainability so important to you?
PC: It has always been important to me to understand the consequences of our actions for the environment. Since I have my own family, I am much more aware that I want to leave a good world for my children and their children.
F: What significance does jewelry have for you?
PC: I remember sitting in my parents’ bathroom as a little girl and giving the models in the magazines new jewelry with felt-tip pens. Today, to see that my ideas are actually being realized, that I was allowed to design a collection for Atelier Swarovski, it feels like a dream.
F: How would you describe your own style?
PC: Normally this is very casual. I often wear jeans and T-shirts. In everyday life, my clothes are definitely much more practical and casual than on the red carpet.
F: What role do your Spanish roots play in your work?
PC: Where you come from and the people you surround yourself with have a big influence on your personality and how you deal with your life. Your roots are part of your being and shape you as a person.
F: What do you love so much about Spain?
PC: I love my country. The culture, the food, the warmth of the people – there are so many things I could say in response to this question.
F: What memories are most associated with your home?
PC: Most of my memories are linked to Spain and the people here. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have spent such a wonderful childhood here. I lived in a place where I could even walk to school. I loved that!
