Niharika Momtaz’s jewellery designs bring shine to Dubai at Milano show
- 27 Oct 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Renowned jewellery designer, Niharika Momtaz, has made headlines yet again with her flagship brand 1972nineteenseventytwo, as it took centre stage at the prestigious Milano Jewelry Week 2024. Held October 15 — 20, the high-profile event in the heart of Milan, Italy, celebrated jewellery design, creativity, and artistry.
The spotlight was on Momtaz’s exclusive new collection, inspired by the architectural grandeur of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, one of Dubai’s cultural districts. Her intricate designs transformed elements of the iconic architecture of the place into fine jewellery, blending the past with the present in a visually captivating display of craftsmanship.
Milano Jewelry Week, an annual gathering of the world’s best jewellery designers, collectors, and connoisseurs, offers a platform for renowned brands to showcase their latest creations, making it one of the most anticipated events in the jewellery industry. It presents visitors a special opportunity to explore new trends in jewellery design. For 1972nineteenseventytwo, the opportunity marked yet another milestone in its growing influence on the global stage, further solidifying its vision as a premier brand.
Visitors to the event witnessed how the richness of heritage and tradition were interwoven with modern innovation - a hallmark of Niharika Momtaz’s design philosophy. The brand’s collection was showcased at Booth: Artistar Jewels in the Palazzo Bovara, located at the distinguished address of Corso di Porta Venezia 51. “The venue, with its opulent ambiance, provided a backdrop for my elegant and sophisticated jewellery pieces,” says Momtaz, somewhat recovered from her tour.
“The exhibition captivated both jewellery aficionados and casual visitors alike. As attendees stepped into the exhibition, they were treated to a mesmerising visual experience that seamlessly blended traditional cultural symbols with a contemporary aesthetic, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines 1972nineteenseventytwo.”
The collection captured the elegance of wind towers, with their lattice-like patterns; they were transformed by Momtaz into delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The pieces served as more than just accessories: they were wearable works of art that paid homage to the heritage of a bygone era still existing among us. In her words, “Al Fahidi’s architecture has always been a source of inspiration for me; this collection allowed me to share its beauty through the lens of jewellery design. Each piece told a story, a journey of culture, heritage and artistry, that I was excited to share with the world.”
The beauty of 1972nineteenseventytwo’s collection lay in its ability to merge tradition with modernity seamlessly, Momtaz adds. While the inspiration came from historical architecture, the pieces were designed for the modern woman.
The collection was not just a celebration of craftsmanship, but it was also a statement about the timelessness of art. Much like Al Fahidi’s architecture, which has withstood the test of time, Momtaz’s jewellery was designed to be cherished for generations. Every piece reflected an emotional connection to cultural heritage while appealing to modern tastes, ensuring the jewellery would feel just as relevant today and in the future as it would have in the past.
With 1972nineteenseventytwo’s inclusion in Milano Jewelry Week, Niharika Momtaz has joined a league of elite designers whose works are trendsetters in jewellery making. “Being showcased at Milano Jewelry Week was a testament to the brand’s growing influence in the world of luxury jewellery,” says Momtaz. It was an acknowledgement of her ability to combine cultural roots with a forward-thinking vision, that made her a favourite among those seeking something unique and meaningful, she adds.
Fresh from the success of the Milano Jewelry Week, 1972nineteenseventytwo is already looking forward to its next major appearance — that at Dubai Jewellery Week. The upcoming event, says Momtaz, will offer visitors an immersive exploration of her brand’s full range of heritage treasures, building on the momentum generated in Milan. She will unveil new designs alongside her existing collection on the occasion, offering a deeper dive into her creative vision.
Dubai Jewellery Week will also add more heft, particularly because of the strong ties between 1972nineteenseventytwo and Middle Eastern culture. As a designer who frequently draws inspiration from the rich traditions of the region, one can expect Momtaz to present a collection that not only showcases her signature craftsmanship, but also reflects cultural significance.
Niharika Momtaz is a well-regarded jewellery designer known for seamlessly blending traditional Bangladeshi craftsmanship and modern design elements in her line, 1972nineteenseventytwo. Her collections have won her international acclaim and have been featured at renowned fashion events in London, Milan and Dubai Fashion Week, firming up her reputation as a trailblazer in the jewellery design industry.