Zebra Amai

คอลเลกชัน Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) ประจำปีนี้ได้รับแรงบันดาลใจจากพืชและสัตว์ประจำถิ่นในแอฟริกา โดยเฉพาะม้าลาย เรามาดูกันว่าความงามตามธรรมชาติของม้าแอฟริกันมีชีวิตขึ้นมาในรูปแบบคริสตัลได้อย่างไร

 ลายทางของม้าลายเป็นองค์ประกอบหลักที่ทำให้เห็นความแตกต่าง โดยสัตว์แต่ละตัวมีลวดลายที่เป็นเอกลักษณ์ อย่างไรก็ตาม คำถามที่ว่าลายของม้าลายเกิดขึ้นได้อย่างไรและเพื่อจุดประสงค์อะไรเป็นที่ถกเถียงกันมานานแล้ว

Some believe that stripes allow zebras to keep cool under the hot African sun, while recent research suggests that the patterns function as an insect repellent, capable of deceiving flies that try to land on the zebra’s hide. 

Others claim that when in movement, black and white stripes can create a ""dazzling effect"" that confuses the zebra’s predators – many of which are color-blind. This can help to disguise the animal’s speed or direction of travel, and help it camouflage while in large groups. In fact, this phenomenon led to a group of zebras being referred to as a ""dazzle"" – making them the perfect creature to reimagine in Swarovski crystal. Just like the equines of the African savanna, this year’s SCS Annual Edition 2021 Zebra Amai truly dazzles.

Innovative designer Heinz Tabertshofer took on the challenge of translating the zebra’s unique striped coat into Swarovski crystal. This is the process he undertook to recreate one of Mother Nature’s iconic creations for Swarovski:

Step 1: Research and sketches

Heinz began by researching the animal and its natural habitat before visiting the Evelyn Haim-Swarovski equine farm – and its two zebra residents. This gave Heinz the opportunity to study the animals a little closer and in real life. In the end, the SCS Zebra Amai is largely based on one of the local zebras called Helmut. 

Step 2: Rough sculptural modeling

Using digital computer modeling, the sketches were converted into a three-dimensional representation. At this stage, different stances and expressions could be experimented with until the perfect pose was found.

Step 3: Design model

Once a final design was settled on, designer Heinz Tabertshofer and the product developer worked together to optimize the angles of the facets, to ensure the masterpiece would sparkle at its best. When they were satisfied, the Zebra Amai boasted 457 facets and a resin replica could be produced. 

Pasul 4: Prototipul manual

Ediția anuală SCS 2021 Zebra Amai a fost adusă la viață sub forma unui prototip tăiat și șlefuit manual. A fost utilizat un înveliș special pentru a defini mai clar dungile, conferind Zebrei Amai un strat unic alternând în nuanțele argintiu nocturn și auriu strălucitor.

Pasul 5: Producția componentelor de cristal

După finalizarea prototipului, a început procesul de producție. Instrumentele de precizie au tăiat individual fiecare componentă a modelului. 

Pasul 6: Lipirea și asamblarea

Fiecare componentă a fost lipită meticulos manual, iar Zebra Amai a fost adusă la viață printr-o ultimă șlefuire de detaliu. 

Pasul 7: Controlul calității 

Fiecare creație de cristal a fost examinată amănunțit de către o echipă de experți care s-a asigurat că toate culorile au vibrația potrivită și că toate fațetele sunt fără cusur și sclipitoare. Odată ce a trecut și acest ultim control, ornamentul a umplut lumea de fericire și strălucire!