Kasida, Kantha, Chikankari, Kutchi, Kashmiri, and other embroidery works have been used to enhance a garment in India since ages.
However, a rage is catching on even as you
read this piece… that of glittering crystals…
and not just any crystal, but Swarovski crystal from Austria.
    Every garment – prêt, couture, from lingerie
to bridal wear – is being embellished with these crystals. And it is not only the garments, even other products like jewellery, sunglasses, bags, and footwear, and now even a mobile, ‘Bling’, modeled by Twinkle Khanna Kumar, is using these ‘stones’. Though its presence in India is just ten years old, Swarovski is quite high on
popularity quotient.
    Says Dheeraj H R Harjani, creative director of

Aftershock, “Designers at Aftershock London
use premium Austrian Swarovski crystals of different shades within the clothing and accessories collections to accentuate the shape of the clothing piece or accessory and highlight prominent areas. The Swarovski crystals may be
formed in an appliqué or mixed with sequins to create an overall effect. Our Autumn/Winter
2010 Collection’s maxi and mini dresses are a great example of this, where crystals are mixed with fine cuts and fabrics.”
    Over the years, the usage patterns have changed. Earlier, crystals were used only in bridal, festive or party wear, and of course in Ekta Kapoor’s saas-bahu serials! But today,
one finds crystals even in daily wear.