A SHINING EXAMPLE

The businesswoman Nadja Swarovski on her family's charitable legacy and how anyone can make an impact

- SOPHIE HAMILTON

As a member of the world-famous Swarovski family, her name is synonymous with opulent crystals and sparkling glamour.

But, just like her great-great-grandfather Daniel, who founded the Swarovski brand in Austria in 1895, Nadja Swarovski firmly believes in the importance of sharing her good fortune with others.

Daniel believed that “to achieve lasting change, you must think not only of yourself but also of others” – a philosophy Nadja has firmly embraced as she strives to continue his philanthropic legacy.

She created the Swarovski Foundation in 2013 with a mission to promote sustainable livelihoods through education and to support initiatives in equity, water and creativity. Since then, the foundation’s work has reached more than two million people across 93 countries.

Nadja stepped down from the family business in 2021 after 26 years, during which time she launched the company’s luxury jewellery range, Atelier Swarovski Fine Jewellery, which collaborated with designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier. But she remains true to her ancestor’s mission.