Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
Planning a flight to Vienna in the middle of Proar? The famous opera building will be closed – this is the shining reason.
The traditional Vienna opera ball has been held since 1814 in the opera house in the Austrian capital. The best cultural figures, politicians and businessmen of the country come to the ball, all meticulously dressed according to the European style, and come to hear opera at its best.
The ball is considered the most glittering event in the Austrian capital and is broadcast on television channels to millions of people around the world. Because in order to prepare for the ball, the Vienna State Opera, which normally presents performances every day, stops its performances for 30 hours in order to set up the complex – removing the seats, laying a parquet floor and arranging 650 bouquets of flowers. Turning the ballroom back into the opera stage takes another 21 hours, a job for more than 500 people.
Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
“The highlight of the event is the entrance of the audience when the ladies of the company wear a tiara that was specially designed for the traditional ball.”
The “Swarovski” brand, since it was established in the 1950s, created a partnership with the Opera Ball and together they created the “Swarovski stones” studded tiara which is considered the highlight of the ball.
The tiara is designed to light up the prestigious event and pay homage to the Austrian heritage through the design of the crystals. This year the tiara was inspired by the famous jewelry of the Austrian empress and the stars of the night and is based on the “Stella family” jewelry of the brand.
The tiara symbolizes heritage alongside modernity, in which 435 transparent crystals have been carefully placed. In the center of the tiara there is a star – a “dancing stone” surrounded by sparkling stones simulating falling stars.
Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
Alexis Nasard, CEO of Swarovski: “The tiaras that Swarovski created for decades for the Vienna Opera Ball are a symbol of the unique professionalism (know how) which is at the heart of our creations, and is a testimony to the hundred-year legacy of Swarovski’s history. This decades-long partnership unites two icons of Austrian culture in a display of beauty, creativity and elegance. We are proud to be part of this cultural tradition.”
Giovanna Engelbert, Creative Director of Swarovski: “The Swarovski tiara is as iconic as the Vienna Opera Ball. I wanted to create a piece that reflects the beauty of this partnership. This year the design is rooted in Austrian heritage. The sparkling dancing stone that appears to be floating is a reminder to always believe in your hopes and dreams.”
Bogdan Rosich, director of the Vienna State Opera: “The moment of entering the ball is one of the highlights of the event, and this year Swarovski also takes part in it and designs the tiaras that the young women will wear. For many years, Swarovski has been closely associated with the Opera Ball, an event of great international significance for Austria. We look forward to the continuation of this collaboration.”
The prom will be held on February 16, 2023.
Link to the YouTube video of the prom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_gio9Vy1V0
Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski.