There is a certain shift in aura come September, one that exudes radiance and elegance. Transitioning from summertime to the holiday season, we ditch the swimsuits and beachwear for glamorous outfits as we attend events left and right. It’s technically Christmastime, at least for us here in the Philippines. With that being said, we, even more so than usual, gather with our family and friends in special places over the most eye-catching, palate-pleasing meals and beverages, celebrating yet another year in our lifetimes. And of course, we only want to look our best in the presence of those we love the most.

To welcome this most awaited season, Swarovski has launched its fall/winter 2023 collection in appropriate fashion. Over high tea prepared by Raffles Makati’s Writers Bar on a Wednesday afternoon, the luxury jewelry brand revealed a new array of designs to guests who came in dressed to the nines.

The collection was presented daintily against a pink Swarovski backdrop, as each individual piece told its own story amidst the brand’s overall narrative. From magnifying the beauty of tiny creatures found in secret gardens, to replicating how the stars sparkle and how the moon waxes, wanes, and illuminates the night sky, every item is a reflection of the brand’s reputation. Unwavering and dignified, Swarovski’s name continues to be synonymous with sophistication and creativity through all these years.

Of course, our high tea experience at Raffles Makati paid tribute to exactly that. Specially crafted by the Writers Bar’s very own culinary artisans, their Swarovski Sparkling Afternoon Tea Delight paid homage to the brand’s Austrian heritage, innovation, and savoir-faire. Featuring an assortment of both savory and sweet bite-sized treats, some standout examples were the seared tuna with mango cilantro salsa canapé, the caponata wrap and alfalfa sprouts, the crystal glazed reinvented raspberry linzer, and the cassis macaron.

It was truly a delight to have shared this overall experience with Swarovski — from dressing up, to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, to sharing cute desserts and canapés as well as stories, and of course, having the privilege of getting a first look at the crystal brand’s latest drop. In the name of Christmas, I found that the event was a nice way to kick off the holiday festivities. And it is my pleasure to let you know that you, too, can experience the same with those closest to you.

In the spirit of this season and in commemoration of this Swarovski release, you also get the chance to indulge in the Writers Bar’s Swarovski Sparkling Afternoon Tea Delight, available daily from 2 pm to 3 pm and 4 pm to 5:30 pm until Nov. 27, 2023. Each set for two starts at

₱3,000, inclusive of a choice between premium TWG tea or coffee and optional upgrades for mocktails, cocktails, and champagne. Special discounts are also available with every purchase of the Swarovski fall/winter 2023 collection.

Elevate your regular high tea experience and make a reservation via bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar. Shop Swarovski at Rustan’s in Alabang, Makati, Shangri-La, and Ayala Cebu, or at boutiques located in malls all over Metro Manila. You can also shop online at Trunc.ph, Rustans.com, and Zalora.com.ph. For more information and updates, follow @ssilifeph and @rustansph on Instagram.