“You did that draggy star on that tree?”
April always is “Salone” season in Milan when all the design gurus and their aficionados make their appearance. Needless to say: That season is nothing if not inspiring! It is phenomonial!
In 2005 Nadja Swarovski opened her fourth Crystal Palace exhibition and Michael Hammers’ crew finalized their “Voyage by Yves Béhar” right on time.
Coincidentally standing next to each other at the bar, Nadja introduced Michael Hammers and Ingo Maurer to each other.
Michael now tells this story with a wink and one never knows if it’s cock-and-bull or not: “Ingo Maurer said: 'So you’re the one who did that draggy star on that tree at Rock Center!’ Michael Hammers said: 'Well, then you must be the world-famous Ingo Maurer who still failed in the scale of that flickering snowflake on 5th and 57th!’ Neither saying a word, we sipped our drinks, but then realized that we could speak German to each other…and went into an open and very inspiring talk.”
The next day Ingo gave Michael a call asking for some help on one of his projects and Michael felt honoured at being asked and being able to assist Ingo Maurer just a little bit.
Lo and behold: 7 months later “that Star at Rock Center” had gotten an additional inside LED-lighting and “that snowflake on 5th” showed up anew and quite good bit larger.
The magic of New York's Holidays
“The Swarovski Star – Rockefeller Center” – As this idea was born in 2004 and Michael Hammers was asked to think about its realisation, these words alone were all that was needed to evoke the vision of a glittering, sparkling and unique crystal star: “All over the world the name of Swarovski stands for the unique brilliance of crystal just as the Rockefeller Center’s name stands for a place that is unique“, says Michael.
Starting in 2004 and topping the Tree for five seasons ‘The Swarovski Star’ has become part of the magic of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. “Whenever something like this happens, everyone involved can proudly feel part of it,” Michael Hammers says and adds “You can’t plan or predict it and should never force it to happen”.
The Swarovski Star was born to rest at a particular place, topping the world’s most famous Christmas Tree. Michael’s artistic vision and concept for this very special Star arose quite naturally from here: Many thousands of crystals are like the ice molecules which make a comet visible to the human eye and soul. The Swarovski Star became the expression and symbol of light, something that brings light into the world, the symbol of the wish for peace for all mankind.
The Swarovski Star crowned the Tree at its 75th anniversary in 2007. In 2007 and 2008 its one to one replica was displayed on Saks’ ground floor. In 2008 and for that time being it had its final season at Rock Plaza.
“No matter what your faith or religious belief, the tree, the Channel Gardens, the ice skating rink, the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular…plus the windows at Saks always produce feelings of warmth and love. There is no other Christmas tree in the world like the one in the heart of New York, a city known for its magic” wrote Willard Scott in the preface to the book 'The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center’ by Carla Torsilieri D’Agostino and Byron Keith Byrd. Might we dare to add “plus the Swarovski Star”?
Let’s wait and see what happens in 2009!
