Christian Dior vintage dress, 1960s, made with Swarovski highlights. Provided to China Daily

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without, both Eastern and Western philosophers have said. But gems always rule in the world of fashion.

In a flawless and fairyland-like world that Swarovski created with century-old gems, the Sparkling Secrets exhibition dazzles with a collection of crystals on dresses, shoes, purses, accessories, and even wallpapers at Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Developed into six sections, Hall of Fashion, Hall of Fame, Sparkling Treasures, Creative Lab, Fashion Show and Nirvana Ring Area, the exhibition allows visitors to "take a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Swarovski through interactive moments that give unprecedented access into the creation of the crystal".

The entrance of the maze-like exhibition is a crystal tunnel with a "honeycombed wall" boasting 23,000 grains of crystal in each square meter.

The Hall of Fame is a galaxy of memorabilia collected during the past century, since Swarovski set its foot in the entertainment industry in 1895.

They include a replica of the ruby slipper worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the form-fitting dress decorated with thousands of hand-woven Swarovski crystals that Marilyn Monroe donned at John F. Kennedy's birthday party, and dozens of glittering costumes from films like Phantom of the Opera and The Devil Wears Prada.

The most arresting object, however, is not a piece of crystal-mounted jewelry, or beaded garment, but a pair of high heel over-the-knee boots featuring black Swarovski jet crystals and, of course, rivets that tell the name of its owner: Lady Gaga.

Exclusively made for the pop diva's 2012 tour, who else but Lady Gaga could put them on and move around?

Apart from the visual gratification, the exhibition also offers fashionistas a chance to walk back and forth on the glass-and-steel runway and see their own image on the television at one end of the stage.

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