Latest news with #Diva!ItalianGlamour
Observer
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Trace the evolution of Italian fashion jewellery at this exhibit
Stepping into the captivating world of Italian fashion jewellery at the National Museum of Oman is nothing short of enchanting in 2025. The exhibition, titled 'Diva! Italian Glamour in Fashion Jewellery,' showcases an exquisite array of collections spanning from the 1950s to the present day, each piece a testimony to the artistry and innovation intrinsic to Italian fashion. Amongst the treasures from the 1950s, we are greeted by the dramatic presence of heavier designs, with a particularly intriguing focus on animal-themed collections. As the decades unfolded, jewellery makers began pushing boundaries, experimenting with an eclectic mix of materials beyond traditional gold. Notable examples include the use of ceramic and leather, with some daringly incorporating industrial elements like oil filters in more contemporary works. Highlighting the richness of this era is the striking Butterfly necklace by Ornella Bijoux, crafted from gold-galvanised ceramic and adorned with intricate murrine, glass paste, and crystals, dating back to 1975. A standout from 1925 is the vibrant coral necklace sourced from the Deanna Farneti Cera Archive. Innovative designer Paola Volpi Gioilli surprises us with the Tilted Alga, a remarkable piece created from industrial oil filters interlaced with cultured pearls. More recent creations, such as the kimono collection earrings by Lebole Gioielli, made from silk, wood, gold, and galvanised brass, highlight the evolving trends of 2013. Gucci's necklace, blending brass with glass, and Carmen Scar's Place Vendome Smeraldo, made of linen, oil colours, and resin, further demonstrate the diverse artistry that has emerged in modern times. The exhibition is a narrative of Italy's rich jewellery history, showcasing modern craftsmanship through pieces like the Timone necklace by Grazia & Marcia Vozza from 2018, which harmoniously combines silver, gold, turquoise paste, tiger's eye, and mother of pearl. An elegant eye-catching piece, the Re Ottavio – Princess Grace Necklace, created in 1960, boasts gold-galvanised brass, pearls, and crystals, adding a touch of nostalgia to the collection. Curated by Professor Alba Cappellieri, a distinguished Jewellery Design educator at Politecnico di Milano and Director of the Vicenza Museum of Jewellery, this exhibition is the culmination of two years of meticulous research. Professor Cappellieri shared with the Observer, "The purpose of this collection is to reveal that Italian fashion jewellery transcends mere ornamentation. It embodies creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation." She emphasised the significance of ancient techniques, such as enamel, alongside contemporary materials, echoing the sentiment that beauty stems from both creativity and quality. Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this exhibition fosters a cultural dialogue between Italy and the Sultanate of Oman, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and collaboration between both nations. Visitors are invited to explore the artistic evolution of modern Italian jewellery, representing a hallmark of global Italian creativity. The pieces on display also reflect the dynamic social changes throughout the decades. The exhibition invites visitors to consider Italian fashion jewellery not merely as aesthetic embellishments but as cultural artefacts that embody the roots and values of Italian heritage. As Diva! elegantly explores the masterpieces crafted by renowned Italian bijoutiers and independent designers, it highlights the outstanding craftsmanship that epitomises unique Italian creativity on a global stage. This celebration features an array of visionary talents, from established masters to burgeoning designers, each contributing their unique perspectives under the unifying theme of excellence in Italian fashion jewellery.
Observer
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
National Museum hosts Italian fashion jewellery exhibition
MUSCAT, Feb 9: Visitors to the National Museum in Muscat were in for a special treat on Sunday as the museum, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Oman, launched the exhibition titled 'Diva! Italian Glamour in Fashion Jewellery.' This exceptional showcase celebrates the beauty and creativity of Italian fashion, featuring over 100 pieces of exquisite jewellery that span decades — from the 1950s to the present day. The exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the decades, with each piece reflecting the trends, materials, and cultural shifts of its time. The opening ceremony was graced under the auspices of HH Sayyida Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. The exhibition is set to run until March 9 and was curated by Prof Alba Cappellieri, a leading figure in jewellery design from Politecnico di Milano and the Director of the Vicenza Museum of Jewellery. The exhibition provides a deep insight into the evolution of modern Italian jewellery, highlighting how societal changes and technological advances in jewellery-making have influenced the designs over the years. It explores the boldness and conspicuousness of jewellery by top Italian fashion brands, showcasing daring designs that come in an array of vibrant colours, including bright red, intense green, and hues rarely seen in traditional jewellery. The exhibition also highlights the use of unusual materials such as plastic, horn, shell, and fabric, which have become integral in the creation of innovative jewellery pieces. Italian Ambassador Pierluigi D'Elia Oman spoke at the event, noting that the exhibition embodies the essence of Italian creativity, craftsmanship, and beauty. He stated, "This exhibition celebrates beauty, creativity, and Italian craftsmanship, showcasing how art transcends borders and forms a global language that speaks of culture, harmony, innovation, and beauty." He expressed pride in collaborating with the National Museum and Professor Alba Cappellieri to present this unique cultural experience to Oman. Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, emphasized the importance of the exhibition as a bridge for cultural exchange between Italy and Oman. He said, "The exhibition embodies Italian beauty and creativity in the jewellery-making industry, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary blend of tradition with modernity. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Italian beauty, which we hope will inspire Omani artisans and enhance their understanding of Italian jewellery's profound influence on global culture." Prof Cappellieri highlighted the transformation of modern jewellery, noting that it is no longer just an accessory, but a piece of art that reflects the identity of a rapidly evolving society. The exhibition, sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscores the cultural dialogue between the Italian Republic and the Sultanate of Oman, strengthening their bond of mutual cooperation. The exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history of Italian jewellery, celebrated for its global influence and role as one of the most prominent symbols of Italian creativity. With its emphasis on the craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and bold experimentation in jewellery design, 'DIVA! Italian Glamour in Fashion Jewellery' promises to be a source of inspiration for both jewellery enthusiasts and artisans alike.
