Swarovski Elements iPad Magazine and a contest

Diamonds are a girls’s best friend, said Marilyn Monroe in 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. That line might still be true to some ladies, but I’d say nowadays crystals are a gal’s best friend. That’s because they’re adaptable, they come in various forms and colours and they can adorn just about anything, from jewellery to shoes. Also, crystals are a tad more accessible so you can own more than one crystallized item, to go with your every mood. And when it comes to crystals, there’s just one brand that comes to mind: Swarovski. The Austrian brand has been in this business for more than a century so you can trust them to deliver those perfect sparkling items.

What I appreciate most about Swarovski is that, despite their huge tradition and reputation which might make a good excuse for a passive approach to their product, they’re still connected to what’s happening now. The brand is continuously launching new items, collaborating with various designers, always finding an unexpected use for their flawless crystals so that the modern gal can stay up-to-date wearing her bling-blings.

One of the most recent moves to come from the Austrian brand is a cool editorial project: the Swarovski Elements iPad Magazine. First great news: it’s free! Second best news: each issue is dedicated to a subject or a hot topic, so that at the end of your read you’ll know everything there is to know about it.

The virtual magazine features inspiring articles about trends, designers, parties and whatever’s big and happening all over the world. Of course, you’ll also get the latest news about Swarovski Elements, including their newest collections and collaborations with shoe or fashion designers. When you’re done reading, you can also browse through photos, watch videos, get previews before anyone else or go behind the scenes as projects develop. All in all, the magazine is fun, but also useful and informative.

The magazine's latest issue, already at number 9, is dedicated to shoes, with a keen eye on Sparkling Contrasts, the brand’s collaboration collection with the most famous shoe designers out there. This collection, which you can browse here, is nothing more and nothing less than shoe-porn heaven. It features everything from kinky stilettos to bad-ass androgynous shoes or Lolita-like ballerina flats. The creative designs belong to Charlotte Olympia, Casadei, Maison des Talons, Repetto, Rupert Sanderson and Ruthie Davis, just to name a few. I can't tell you more, but if you're hooked, download for free the magazine and get the whole scoop.

Ruthie Davis

Maison des Talons

Charlotte Olympia

Casadei

Robert Clergerie

Repetto

These lovely people have named me ambassador for their Swarovski Elements iPadMagazine (kind of theatrical, I know ^.^) and I accepted gladly because I love creative editorial projects. I didn't forget about you, so I've decided to give you a little something. Head over to Facebook and tell me a cute story (a couple of words or an essay, it's your choice) about your first favourite pair of shoes. A beautiful Swarovski Elements necklace, from the Crystallized collection, will go to that one person who will make me all emotional, maybe even get me to cry, with her/his story. So bring it on, make me cry!