The powerhouse designer duo drew inspiration for the ornate headpieces from Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro. Heavily influenced by the words sung in the eighth scene of the first act: “Giovani lieti – fiori spargete!” (“Happy maids, scatter flowers!”), the richly detailed tiaras feature captivating floral motifs as a poetic reflection of the legendary composition. Delicate blossoms intertwine with organic, curved leaves comprised of 702 shimmering Swarovski crystals and “Xirius Chatons” in Crystal and Golden Shadow shades along with six rose-colored enamel flowers.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “We are delighted that the 2018 Vienna Opera Ball tiara is designed by our long-lasting collaborators – the incredible Dolce&Gabbana. The debutantes have been wearing a Swarovski tiara at the opening ceremony of the Opera Ball since the 1950s, and we are honored to collaborate with these fantastic designers to continue this tradition.” 

With all of Austria’s upper crust in attendance, 144 debutantes made their official debut into Vienna’s prestigious social scene. There to witness the impressive opening ceremony were exclusive guests of Swarovski including actor Susanne Wuest, Stefano Galli and Jennifer Yu of Dolce&Gabbana, British set designer Simon Costin, former US ambassador Helene von Damm, and French exhibition curator and author Thierry Maxime Loriot.

Organized by the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Opera Ball is the cultural highlight of the Viennese ball season in February. Each year, Swarovski works with a different international designer to impart the debutantes’ tiaras with extraordinary brilliance.