CARIBBEAN SPLASH
Fabric-Free Swarovski Crystal and Venetian Glass Ensemble
2007-2008
This world class, one-of-a-kind crystal ensemble took over 3,500 hours to complete. It measures five layers and a full inch thick. It weighs an amazing 28 pounds and is made exclusively from over 50,000 beads and 500 feet of beading wire.
The base of this dress was made from larger (10-20mm) vintage and modern Swarovski crystal, 24kt Venetian glass beads and Chinese silver-lined beads. On top of this base I painstakingly wove 4 more layers. Every single bead had to fit like a piece into a puzzle to make sure it fit perfectly into this tightly woven maze.
The playful fringe of this dress are actually blown glass tubes that where originally made as chandelier or lampshade detailing. They were made by master Italian bead makers during the 1960’s--in a factory that has since closed on the Isle of Murano.