The Swarovski Foundation was established in 2013 to honor the philanthropic values and symbiotic relationship between people and the environment. To honor the legacy of Swarovski’s founder Daniel Swarovski, the Foundation continues to follow his founding principles by supporting global projects that benefit culture and creativity, human empowerment and the environment.
In recognition of the 51st Earth Day, Nadja Swarovski, Chair of the Swarovski Foundation, sat down for a virtual fireside chat with the CFDA’s Vice President of Education and Sustainability Initiatives, Sara Kozlowski. They discussed Swarovski’s long-standing pillars and initiatives of the past, present, and future.
Nadja Swarovski introduced the foundation’s ethos rooted in honesty, respect towards individuals and communities, responsibility, kindness, and empathy. Their programs have reached 600,000 people and supported 55 charitable organizations across 47 countries. Most recently, the Swarovski Foundation partnered with the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Decade for Action. The Swarovski Foundation champions for collective action by currently supporting 8 key goals including: no poverty, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, life below water and life on land, and partnership.
The CFDA and the Swarovski Foundation recently announced the launch of the Re:Generation Innovation Scholar Award, a program that reinforces the SDGs by empowering young, creative, and emerging talent in fashion as the thought leaders prepare to change the world through innovative design within sustainable systems. Nadja Swarovski believes that young creatives and emerging talent drive innovation, pushing the limits of past generations, noting her work with Alexander McQueen and CFDA members Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung. “We empower them and entrust in their brain power to come up with sustainable or sustainably created products or materials and results,” she added.
Looking back, while also imaging the design of a better tomorrow, she fondly reminisced on the words and actions of her great-great-grandfather, emphasizing that we must express values within leadership, instill respect for people and the planet, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and never compromise the environment. “To achieve lasting change, you must think not only of yourself but also of others,” she noted.
At the end of the conversation, Nadja Swarovski encouraged attendees to “be there for each other and support each other for the right mission forward,” and creatively rethink the supply chain, as it can be the best investment for the future.
Watch the full conversation above and for additional information about the Swarovski Foundation, it’s programs and initiatives, please use the links below.
Swarovski Foundation
Swarovski Water School
Swarovski Foundation: Creatives for Our Future program
Creatives for Our Future launch film
