More than 70 examples of fashions created by women for women are showcased in the exhibition “Women Dressing Women” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City (through March 3).
How are their creations different from those of male designers?
“Gender is such a personal aspect of identity that influences everyone differently,” Mellissa Huber, the institute’s associate curator and the co-curator of the show, wrote in an email. She noted that while many women “might not wish their work to be perceived through the lens of gender, for some it can be a really important aspect of their professional identity.”
The New York Times asked the same question of several female jewelry designers and experts. Here are their thoughts on what it means to be women dressing women — in jewelry.
Their comments, from in-person and phone interviews and emails, were edited and condensed.
Sabina Belli
Chief executive of the Pomellato Group, in Milan
“Being a woman and a woman C.E.O. of a jewelry brand gives me the opportunity to have a special sensitivity in regards to what we do and how we do it. Designing a piece of jewelry with women in mind inspires us to pay attention to all the hidden details, to everything that goes beyond appearance. I often wear the jewelry prototypes for weeks before we decide that a jewel is ready for production. Wearability is a key factor. At Pomellato, a jewel must be beautiful yet comfortable.”
Venus Williams
Tennis champion and co-designer, Reinstein Ross Goldsmiths’ Diamond Match Collection
Ms. Williams brings some of her tennis star experience to her designs. “When I’m on the court I’m sweating and grunting, but I want to feel beautiful. Jewelry makes you feel instantly beautiful. I layer on full accessories — bracelets and earrings and my favorite dome ring. My jewelry is a part of me.”
