The Swarovski Tiara was the crowning glory of the Vienna Opera Ball last night, illuminating one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated cultural events in the Austrian social calendar.

The audience were mesmerized during the opening ceremony as 160 debutantes entered the magnificent grand ballroom of the Vienna State Opera on the arms of their escorts, their exquisitely crafted tiaras glimmering in the lights.

It is a tradition that holds an iconic place in Austrian heritage – and in the heritage of Swarovski, which was founded in the Tyrolean Alps in 1895 and has created the debutantes’ tiaras for almost 70 years.

Designed by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the dazzling tiaras were inspired by Austrian imperial jewels and took their design cues from the Swarovski Mesmera jewelry family. Embracing both Austrian heritage and modernity, each tiara was crafted from 233 clear crystals in 20 cuts, its stones elegantly arranged to catch the light with every movement.

Alexis Nasard, Swarovski CEO, said: “The Vienna Opera Ball is a magical experience, and we are honored to be part of this tradition, which epitomizes grace, beauty, and elegance. Swarovski have been masters of light since 1895, and our longstanding partnership with the Vienna Opera Ball unites two icons of Austrian culture whilst demonstrating Swarovski’s incredible savoir-faire.”

Austrian culture is infused with music and the Viennese ball season, a centuries-old tradition that combines formal attire, beautiful music, and the graceful waltz.

Last night, guests of Swarovski enjoyed a magnificent gala dinner at Vienna’s Hotel Sacher before attending the glittering ball at the Vienna State Opera. Many were dressed in Swarovski jewelry, and notable attendees included Swarovski CEO Alexis Nasard, Kaleen, Nic Kaufmann, Lea Elui, Mary Leest, Ting Ting Lai, Jordan Kwadwo Osei Mainoo-Hames and Ginevra Mavilla.

The 2024 Swarovski tiara can be experienced up close in the Swarovski Kristallwelten store at Kärntner Strasse in Vienna. Here visitors can admire the timeless elegance of the tiaras through the years, including the very first opera ball crown made with Swarovski crystals from 1956, as well as designer collaborations by fashion legends.