This summer, Swarovski brings colorful La Dolce Vita lifestyle to Cracco’s Portofino restaurant, infusing pastel seating, signature porcelain, and bespoke cocktails into every detail.
Swarovski has claimed its slice of La Dolce Vita this summer with a bold reimagining of Cracco Portofino, the seaside outpost of Chef Carlo Cracco’s acclaimed restaurant. Perched on the harbor, the space now plays host to floating pastel parasols and sleek seating dipped in pink, yellow, and powder blue. An octagon-shaped frame, purpose built for social media, anchors the terrace as the season’s must-snap backdrop.
Inside, every detail nods to Swarovski’s summer palette. Guests dine from Swarovski × Rosenthal porcelain designed by Giovanna Engelbert, the brand’s creative director. Engelbert’s recent revamp has leaned into saturated hues and youthful energy. On the menu, Cracco has developed a bespoke cocktail and dessert to complement locally sourced ingredients, served alongside sweet and savory dishes that celebrate Ligurian flavors.
This Portofino pop-up is not Swarovski’s first collaboration with Cracco. Last year, they teamed up on the Swarovski Café in Milan’s Palazzo Citterio during the “Masters of Light: From Vienna to Milan” exhibition. There, Cracco curated an exclusive menu to match the show’s spirited atmosphere. The ongoing partnership, known for special-edition panettones and bespoke menus, reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, Swarovski with its centuries-old crystal legacy and Cracco with his culinary artistry.
The architectural bones of Cracco Portofino come from Milanese Studio Peregalli, which revived the charm of the former Ristorante Pitosforo when the restaurant opened in 2021. Now, with Swarovski’s intervention, the seaside locale feels fresh yet timeless, merging crystal, color, and cuisine into one elevated summer scene.
This activation also marks a milestone in Swarovski’s 130th anniversary celebrations and underscores Engelbert’s push into a bolder, more youthful identity. Since 2020, she has led collaborations from Kim Kardashian’s Skims capsule to Ariana Grande co-creations and launched lab-grown diamonds, signaling Swarovski’s move firmly into the luxury arena. With new flagship boutiques in Shanghai, Zurich, New York, and Seoul, the brand balances its heritage with a playful edge.
With over 6,600 points of sale worldwide, including 2,300 owned, Swarovski’s Portofino takeover feels like a countdown to a summer-long romance with the Italian coast. For crystal lovers and foodies alike, it’s a moment to savor before the season slips away.
