Swarovski introduces the newest addition to its Star Wars family—the Millennium Falcon
“What a piece of junk!” cried Luke Skywalker when he first laid eyes on the Millennium Falcon.
It wasn’t a strange reaction. Upon seeing it for the first time, as she turned to her rescuers Luke and Han Solo, Princess Leia lost almost all hope that she could after all even make it out of the Death Star. “You came in that thing? You’re brave than I thought,” she sighed.
Only Han, who won the starship in a card game with Lando Calrissian, had complete faith in the Millennium Falcon. When Obi Wan Kenobi chartered it to deliver him, Luke, C-3PO, and R2-D2 to Alderaan, Han was surprised that such a wise man, a master Jedi, thought so little of it.
Incredulous, he asked, “You’ve never heard of the Millennium Falcon?”
“Should I have?” retorted Kenobi.
“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. I’ve outrun Imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers mind you, I’m talking about the big Corellian ships now. She’s fast enough for you, old man.”
Chewbacca, Han’s Wookie first mate, grunted, and we never know if it was a grunt of approval.
If only they—even Han Solo—could see the Millennium Falcon now.
Now it’s studded with over 25,000 crystals handset by way of Pointiage, one proprietary technique that has made Austrian luxury brand Swarovski world-renowned and iconic. Its black metal base, also fully encrusted with crystals, bounces off a dazzling mirror effect. In a galaxy far, far away, it is scintillating in the blazing colors of crystal, graphite, acquamarine, and polished metal.
The Millennium Falcon is the newest addition to the Star Wars collection at Swarovski, which includes Darth Vader exquisitely crafted in black crystal with 551 facets, replete with his iconic lightsaber made in metal with black and red varnish, Master Yoda created with 251 facets of crystal resting on a metal cane varnished in brown, and the first Swarovski Star Wars vehicle, the X-Wing Starfighter, made with 744 expertly cut crystal facets to showcase the smallest detail, such as the engine ports.
Through the Millennium Falcon, as well as the other galactic icons in its Star Wars family, Swarovski goes into light-speed in its campaign to elevate pop culture while, through the renowned craftsmanship of Swarovski, “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” is now a unique, high-end collector’s piece, a sparkling star in a universe peopled by hundreds of millions of Star Wars fans, 108 million in the G5 markets alone.
Not that the Millennium Falcon needs any of these embellishments. Ever since it made it breathtaking escape from Tatooine, this “garbage” ship has earned its place in the Star Wars firmament. It is the starship of starships, the most iconic spacecraft in all of Star Wars, and a legend in the smuggler circles of Hans Solo, who is as much a legend there. Most important, it has played a critical role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. No wonder, the presence of the Millennium Falcon is as crucial—and memorable—as that of R2-D2 and C-3PO in the original trilogy, as well as in the prequels, where you’re likely to miss it if you’re not fast enough. Inside, the Millennium Falcon has more surprises, such as secret storage compartments underneath the floor panels.
Enter Swarovski and this hunk of junk becomes even worthier than its weight in crystals, and one you can afford only if you’re a collector or fan hardcore enough. Limited to 100 numbered pieces worldwide, each edition created over 160 hours by devoted artisans, it is delivered in a premium blue suitcase with a certificate of authenticity. The edition number is engraved on a round metal plaque on the base.
There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millennium Falcon. —Darth Vader
“There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millennium Falcon,” said Darth Vader, once a Jedi knight who gave in to the dark side of the force.
What he didn’t say is that finding the Millennial Falcon, in its crystal incarnation, is its own reward. Subject to availability, this limited edition piece is available for special order.
What’s more, since a responsible relationship with people and the planet has always been an integral part of its heritage, Swarovski makes a point of achieving positive social impact by pushing a sustainability agenda and its youth-focused education programs and foundations to promote human empowerment and conserve natural resources. So, yes, just like every hero in Star Wars, like it was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the Swarovski Millennial Falcon is a force for good in this universe.
Swarovski is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang and Rustan’s Cebu.