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Versace designed the Swarovski Tiara for the debutantes of the Vienna Opera Ball 2019
Fashion icon Donatella Versace has collaborated with Swarovski to create the tiara for the debutantes at the Vienna Opera Ball on 28th February 2019. Invited by Opera Ball organizer Maria Großbauer, Donatella Versace took inspiration for the intricate accessory from Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold, the first part of his tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen. In the key scene of the first act, a beam of sunshine permeates the depths of the Rhine to reveal the gold that is being protected by the three Rhine maidens. It catches the attention of Alberich the dwarf, who then steals the treasure away from them.
This visually stunning scene is spectacularly reflected in Donatella Versace’s creation. Golden rays set with Swarovski crystal illuminate the treasure at the center of the piece: a large round Golden Shadow crystal, accompanied as in Wagner’s opera, by shimmering blue crystal waves. And just as the rays of sunshine shed light on the Rhine maidens’ treasure, natural light brings to life the 380 crystals on each Swarovski tiara to create unrivalled luminosity.
“I am overjoyed that Donatella Versace has implemented my request for the use of imagery from Wagner’s ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’ in such dramatic fashion: Rhine gold and Rhine maidens against a backdrop of Italian opulence! It is such a joy for me to keep taking new inspiration from the rich diversity of operas in order to work with Swarovski on the design of the debutantes’ tiaras — and in doing so reaffirm the Opera Ball name”, says Maria Großbauer, Organizer of the Vienna Opera Ball.
Dominique Meyer, Director of the Wiener Staatsoper: “For as long as Maria Großbauer has been organizing the Opera Ball, the tiaras for the debutantes have been created by internationally renowned fashion designers on an operatic theme. It is fantastic, and shows that our efforts are being rewarded in terms of positioning the Opera Ball as an elegant highlight of Viennese ball culture, as a unique meeting place for those active in the fields of art, culture, and fashion with representatives from the worlds of economics, politics, sport, and entertainment. For that I wholeheartedly thank our loyal and reliable partner Swarovski, especially Nadja Swarovski, and the Opera Ball team led by Maria Großbauer.”
“I am fascinated by anything that is new, innovative, and future-oriented. In my opinion, the conception of Swarovski crystals was a revolution in the world of fashion and the way in which we embellish clothing. The crystals are now produced under strict compliance with the requirements of protecting the environment and sustainability, which for me is extremely important. I used them recently for the Green Carpet Awards in Milan to create three sparkling dresses for Atelier Versace. I am proud of the collaboration we have developed with Swarovski. They definitely lend my designs a certain something!” Donatella Versace, Fashion Designer
“Swarovski has been a proud partner of the Vienna Opera Ball since the 1950s. We are honored and delighted that with Donatella Versace we have now added another exceptional designer for the creation of the Swarovski Tiara. Inspired by ‘The Ring of the Nibelung’ and our crystals, Donatella has designed one of the finest Swarovski Tiaras of the past half-century.” Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board
The enduring link between Swarovski and the world-famous Vienna Opera Ball was formed back in the 1950s. Since then, Swarovski has partnered with a different international designer each year to add sparkle to the debutantes’ tiaras in remarkable ways. With the continuing support of the Opera Ball, Swarovski once again demonstrates its longstanding commitment to artistic tradition and culture.
About Swarovski
Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry, accessories and lighting. The Swarovski Crystal Business is run by the fifth generation of family members and has a global reach with approximately 3,000 stores in around 170 countries, more than 27,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.7 billion euros in 2017. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2017, the Group generated revenue of about 3.5 billion euros and employed more than 32,000 people.
A responsible relationship with people and the planet has always been an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage, and is embedded today in the company’s well-established sustainability agenda. In addition, the global Swarovski Waterschool education program has reached 500,000 children on the world’s greatest rivers, and the Swarovski Foundation, set up in 2013, works to support culture and creativity, promote human empowerment and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact.
About Versace
Founded in 1978, the Gianni Versace S.p.A. is one of the leading global fashion design houses. Under the Artistic Direction of Donatella Versace since 1997, the Gianni Versace S.p.A. designs, manufactures and distributes fashion and lifestyle products including haute couture, women and men ready-to-wear, jewelry, watches, accessories, fragrances and home collection.
About Wiener Staatsoper / Wiener Opernball
The Wiener Staatsoper is one of the world’s major opera houses. The season spans from September to June and offers – unlike any other opera house worldwide – over 300 performances of over 60 opera and ballet works. Every year sees guest performances from the biggest opera stars and conductors at the Vienna State Opera. Once a year, the opera house is transformed into a dazzling ballroom: for the “Wiener Opernball”, which has an undisputed worldwide reputation as Austria’s traditional ball par excellence. This large-scale musical feast combines high culture with entertainment and facilitates meetings between more than 5.000 artists, businessmen, politicians, sport and entertainment personalities as well as ball lovers from home and abroad who enjoy a fabulous party in the most beautiful ballroom in the world.