Angelina Jolie is making a grand statement with her homage to the legendary opera singer Maria Callas on the red carpet, just as she portrays her in Pablo Larraín’s highly anticipated biopic, Maria.
On Thursday, August 29, at the Venice International Film Festival, Jolie, 49, captivated onlookers in a flowing Tamara Ralph chiffon gown paired with a faux fur stole, as noted by Vogue. Adding a historical touch, she adorned herself with a Cartier brooch that originally belonged to Callas, who passed away in 1977.
According to Vogue, many of Callas’ exquisite brooches are now part of the Cartier Collection. For Maria, costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini collaborated with Cartier to source some of Callas’ most exquisite jewelry. Jolie explained that she wore these authentic pieces both on the red carpet and within the film as a tribute to the iconic singer.
Among her stunning accessories was a 1972 Rose Ouvrante brooch, designed to resemble a blooming flower, featuring a dazzling array of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. This piece, which also appears in the film, has a unique mechanism allowing the flower petals to open and close.
Jolie expressed her admiration for the brooch’s transformative design, telling Vogue, “I was enchanted by how it changes from a closed flower to a blooming one. It’s a lovely little secret that I hope brought a smile to Maria’s face.”
Earlier in the day, Jolie showcased another piece from her collection at the festival—a black Atelier Jolie dress paired with a 1971 Panthère brooch. This striking piece, adorned with classic gold Cartier panthers and emerald eyes, was also featured in the film.
“It was incredibly special to wear a piece of jewelry that belonged to her,” Jolie shared.
Jolie has been open about her connection to Callas, whose life was marked by both brilliance and tragedy. She immersed herself deeply in the world of opera to authentically portray Callas. At a press conference, Jolie spoke candidly about how she related to Callas’ poignant story.
“There are aspects of Callas’ life that might be surprising,” Jolie remarked with a laugh. “I found myself connecting deeply with her more vulnerable side, which the world often did not see.”
In Maria, viewers will explore the dramatic and beautiful life of Callas, focusing on her final days in 1970s Paris. The film promises to reimagine the poignant journey of one of the world’s greatest opera stars.
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