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.
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