 |
| Victoria Romanovna con la tiara Lacis. Fotografía (c) David Nivière. |
El jueves, Victoria Romanovna (Rebecca) Bettarini tuvo la amabilidad de enviarnos fotografías del conocido fotógrafo francés David Nivière , así como la traducción completa al inglés de una entrevista que apareció en forma abreviada en Point de Vue . En la entrevista, Victoria Romanovna cuenta el proceso de elección de su diadema nupcial, además de brindar más información sobre los preparativos para la primera boda imperial en Rusia en más de un siglo.
Entrevista con Victoria Romanovna
 |
| Victoria Romanovna entra en la Maison Chaumet de París. Fotografía (c) David Nivière. |
P: ¿Cómo elegiste tu tiara?
R: Stephane Bern y el director general de Chaumet, Jean Marc Mansvelt, me recibieron en este extraordinario Hôtel particulier en el número 12 de la place Vendôme y, a partir de ahí, hablamos mucho sobre lo que esperaba que simbolizara esta tiara para Rusia, Francia y Europa. Quería poder llevar una tiara en este día que tuviera un profundo significado histórico. Por eso, elegí rendir homenaje no solo a Rusia, sino también a las joyas de una casa con 240 años de historia como Chaumet. La elección fue muy rápida, inmediatamente encontré exactamente lo que buscaba.
 |
| Victoria Romanovna revisa la colección de tiaras de Chaumet. Fotografía (c) David Nivière. |
P: ¿Qué tipo de tiara te atrajo?
R: Elegí una tiara impresionante, porque combina la ligereza de la construcción con las piedras extraordinarias, es a la vez clásica y contemporánea, suntuosa y sencilla. Combina perfectamente con el vestido de novia y refleja muy bien mi propia personalidad.
P: ¿Por qué elegiste a Chaumet?
A: Maison Chaumet created many masterpieces for the Russian Imperial House [in the past]. In particular, George’s great-great-grandmother [Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna] one of the house’s most important clients by 1899. The “Waterfall” tiara that the house created for her remains today a mythical and extraordinary piece, which unfortunately disappeared during the revolution. It must also be remembered that Chaumet created a sensation during The Red Cross Exhibition of 1901 in Saint Petersburg, following which [Joseph] Chaumet was decorated with the Imperial Order of Saint Anna.
 |
| The Chaumet Lacis Tiara which will be worn by Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanoff. Photograph (c) David Nivière. |
Q: Why this particular one?
A: The choice was hard because they had majestic tiaras. But I wanted to choose a tiara that had never been worn, and which would be both a tribute to Russian culture, as well as a tribute to the firm’s fine jewelry. This is why I wanted to choose a tiara created with the “fil couteau” or “knife edge” technique, which is one of the specialties of Maison Chaumet. In its form, the tiara pays homage not only to a Russian kokoshnik [the traditional form for Russian tiaras], but in addition its shape is inspired by ships’ sails, and for me this seemed like an homage not only to George’s great-grandfather [Grand Duke Kirill] who was chief of Naval staff, but also to the City of Saint Petersburg.
Q: What does Grand Duke George think of it?
A: He thinks it is just perfect in it’s symbolism, but also that it looks great on me.
Q: Did you choose it together? A: No, because that same day the Grand Duke was participating in an official engagement at the French Senate for a ceremony as part of the bicentenary of the Emperor Napoleon.
 |
| The Chaumet Lacis Tiara which will be worn by Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanoff. Photograph (c) David Nivière. |
Q: What does it [the tiara] mean to you? A: I think it is important to pay tribute to the history of Russia, a great European empire which over the centuries has repeatedly help determine the fate of Europe and the world. This cultural exchange, with links between Russia, France, and Europe is part of a long historical tradition.
 |
| Victoria Romanovna wearing her chosen wedding diadem, the Lacis Tiara, at Maison Chaumet. Photograph (c) David Nivière. |
Q: How did you feel when you tried it on for the first time?
A: I immediately felt that it was the right choice, and it made me realize that the finesse of this wonderful knowledge and craftsmanship is the result of a passion and mastery of the art [of jewelry making] over generations.
Q: What were the reactions to the announcement of your engagement? A: It is very touching to see the interest aroused by the announcement of our upcoming marriage, which will be the first marriage of the son of the head of the Imperial House in St Petersburg since before the revolution.
Q: How are you going to occupy the months leading up to your wedding scheduled for October 1 in St. Petersburg? A: The organisation of this wedding is already consuming us, we are prepared for a lot of work, we have a lot of choices and decisions to be made, and a lot of protocol work awaits us! Fortunately, we can count on the help of the Chancellery as well as the support of the Russian authorities for the organisation.
Q: What style of wedding are you hoping for?
A: It will be an Orthodox wedding in the finest traditions of both Russia and the Imperial Family.
Q: Have you imagined your future dress?
A: I found that finding the dress was not as easy as I thought it was! After a long search, I found what I was looking for. A dress that is imposing but soft, with a contemporary fabric but a very classic style. A dress that will stand out from others, but very traditional at the same time.
Q: What would you like for the reception? A: The reception will take place in a historic palace in Saint Petersburg. We hope to be able to open many of the most beautiful palaces in the city to show our guests the grandeur and beauty of the “Venice of the North”, imagined by Peter the Great and which is still so beautiful and symbolic today.
The Chaumet Lacis Tiara for the Russian Imperial Wedding in October! (17 March 2021)
Stunning Pictures from the Russian Imperial Betrothal Ceremony at Kostroma (26 January 2021)
No comments:
Post a Comment