Viola Davis Shines in Matturi Fine Jewellery: A Beacon for #BlackIsBrilliant on the Red Carpet
LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach – 17 April 2022 – The world premiere of Showtime’s critically acclaimed series, “The First Lady,” held on April 14th in Los Angeles, was more than just a celebration of cinematic achievement. It became a powerful platform for advocacy and artistic expression, as the incomparable Viola Davis, portraying Michelle Obama with breathtaking nuance, graced the red carpet. Davis captivated onlookers not only with her elegance but also with the profound statement embodied by her exquisite Matturi Fine Jewellery earrings. These stunning pieces, designed by the visionary Satta Matturi, featured ethically and sustainably sourced natural diamonds from Botswana, proudly showcased as part of RAD x De Beers Group’s impactful #BlackIsBrilliant campaign.
The collaboration between Viola Davis, Matturi Fine Jewellery, and the #BlackIsBrilliant initiative at such a high-profile event underscores a significant movement towards greater representation, sustainability, and cultural recognition within the global luxury industry. It highlights a deliberate effort to shift narratives and empower Black designers, using the iconic red carpet as a formidable stage for change.
The Power and Purpose of #BlackIsBrilliant
The #BlackIsBrilliant campaign, spearheaded by the De Beers Group, stands as a pivotal initiative designed to amplify Black voices and talent within the competitive landscape of fine jewellery. It serves as a vital platform, empowering Black designers to conceptualize and create extraordinary, one-of-a-kind pieces using natural diamonds sourced from Botswana. The strategic focus on the Red Carpet as a forum for communication and visibility is deliberate and highly effective. In an industry where representation has historically been uneven, the campaign consciously leverages the global spotlight of major events to showcase the unparalleled creativity and skill of Black artists, ensuring their work receives the recognition it profoundly deserves.
This visionary campaign extends beyond mere aesthetic appreciation; it’s a commitment to fostering meaningful social progress and catalyzing positive shifts in culture. De Beers Group strategically teamed with RAD (Red Carpet Advocacy), an organization renowned for its established, purpose-driven approach. RAD excels at pairing influential talent with leading brands to collectively leverage their platforms for advocacy at global events. This synergistic partnership ensures that messages of diversity, inclusion, and ethical practice resonate widely, transforming glamorous occasions into opportunities for profound impact and awareness. The alliance embodies a shared commitment to not only celebrating exceptional design but also to championing the underlying values of equity and empowerment.
De Beers Group’s involvement in #BlackIsBrilliant is deeply rooted in its broader commitment to creating a positive, lasting impact that will endure far beyond the discovery of its last diamond. This commitment manifests in sustainable practices, community development, and a steadfast dedication to ensuring that the benefits of natural diamonds extend to the communities from which they originate. Through initiatives like #BlackIsBrilliant, De Beers continues to demonstrate its leadership in fostering an inclusive and responsible future for the diamond industry, where ethical sourcing and diverse talent are celebrated at every turn.
The Kwe Earrings: A Symphony of Culture, Craft, and Consciousness
The jewellery piece that adorned Viola Davis – the exquisite Kwe Earrings by Matturi Fine Jewellery – is far more than an accessory; it is a meticulously crafted narrative. These earrings feature spectacular, ethically and sustainably sourced diamonds from Botswana, supplied directly by the De Beers Group, embodying a commitment to responsible luxury from their very inception. The name “Kwe” itself holds profound cultural significance, paying homage to one of Southern Africa’s oldest and most revered inhabitants.
A Tribute to the San People
Satta Matturi, the visionary founder and creative lead of Matturi Fine Jewellery, eloquently articulates the profound inspiration behind these pieces:
“Said to be the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, the San, also known as Bushmen or Kwe, are a diverse group of peoples who historically lived through a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Their traditions, dance, and distinct rock art depict and interpret their views and beliefs regarding landscapes, flora, fauna, and living within a sustainable ecosystem, which have been passed through the generations. Contemporary San artists continue to draw on these same ancestral beliefs and traditions using bold interpretations and vibrant colors.”
“The Kwe earrings are a tribute to a people who continue to live selflessly with nature. The design in particular picks on the beautiful landscapes of Botswana, a country that is blessed not just with diamonds but with the natural beauty of the delta, rivers, and an abundance of wildlife. Forty natural diamonds, created deep under Botswana’s soil millions of years ago, were selected by De Beers Group for their unique attributes, which were cut and polished in Gaborone by Batswana artisans. Surrounding and connecting the natural diamonds, 18kt gold has been left unpolished to achieve a raw yet contemporary, natural look and feel. Every aspect of these earrings and design pays homage to a country, its people, natural resource, and astonishing ecosystem.”
– Satta Matturi, Founder & Creative Lead, MATTURI FINE JEWELLERY
This statement encapsulates the essence of the Kwe earrings: a deep reverence for indigenous wisdom and an ode to Botswana’s pristine natural beauty. Each of the forty natural diamonds, unearthed from Botswana’s rich geological history, represents millions of years of earth’s artistry. Their journey from deep within the earth to becoming part of these magnificent earrings is carefully managed, ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainable practices at every stage. The fact that these diamonds were cut and polished by skilled Batswana artisans in Gaborone not only highlights local craftsmanship but also directly contributes to the economic empowerment and development of the region, aligning perfectly with De Beers’ commitment to creating shared value.
The design choice of leaving the 18kt gold unpolished is particularly evocative, creating a tactile and visual representation of nature’s unrefined elegance. This “raw yet contemporary” aesthetic speaks to a timeless beauty that connects the ancient traditions of the San people with modern luxury, creating a piece that is both sophisticated and deeply meaningful. It’s a powerful fusion of ancestral reverence and cutting-edge design, making the Kwe earrings a true testament to cultural storytelling through wearable art.
Philanthropic Impact: Giving Back to the Community
Beyond their artistic and cultural significance, the Kwe earrings and the #BlackIsBrilliant campaign carry a profound philanthropic dimension. In a tangible demonstration of support for Viola Davis’s unwavering advocacy for Black creative talent, a substantial $25,000 donation will be made to a charity of her choice. This significant contribution underscores the campaign’s holistic approach to empowerment, extending its impact beyond the red carpet to directly benefit communities and causes close to the hearts of its esteemed advocates. This act of giving reinforces the message that true luxury should be intertwined with social responsibility and genuine philanthropy, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
About Satta Matturi of Matturi Fine Jewellery: A Visionary Bridging Worlds
Satta Matturi, the creative genius behind Matturi Fine Jewellery, is a designer who masterfully bridges cultural divides. With her unique background as both British and West African, Satta imbues her creations with a rich tapestry of deep-felt African traditions and heritage, harmoniously blended with a sophisticated, global perspective on contemporary trends, attitudes, and inspirations. This distinctive fusion has enabled her to carve out a unique niche, establishing a high-end jewellery brand that resonates profoundly with independent, fashion-conscious women not only across the African continent but also far beyond its borders.
Satta’s extensive world travels have cultivated an innate passion for the dynamic and burgeoning “new emerging Africa.” This passion is a powerful driving force behind her designs, allowing her to translate the continent’s vibrant energy, diverse cultures, and untold stories into contemporary, luxurious pieces. Her work celebrates African identity and innovation, challenging conventional perceptions of luxury jewellery. Furthermore, Satta’s vast personal jewellery collection, meticulously amassed over the years, serves as a true testament to her enduring love for exquisite baubles and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. This passion was instilled in her from a young age by her mother, who firmly believed that women must build an enviable jewellery collection, a philosophy that continues to inspire Satta’s own creative journey and her mission to empower women through stunning, meaningful adornments.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Luxury and Representation
The presence of Viola Davis adorned in Matturi Fine Jewellery at “The First Lady” premiere was a moment of profound significance. It was a vivid demonstration of how the worlds of high fashion, ethical sourcing, and social advocacy can converge to create something truly impactful. The #BlackIsBrilliant campaign, through its thoughtful execution and powerful partnerships, is not merely showcasing beautiful diamonds; it is championing diversity, sustainability, and the incredible talent of Black designers like Satta Matturi. It redefines luxury by embedding it with purpose, cultural reverence, and a commitment to positive change. As these ethically sourced Botswana diamonds sparkle under the global spotlight, they illuminate a path towards a more inclusive, responsible, and brilliant future for the jewellery industry and beyond.