Sam Smith's "Titanic" Tribute: A Sparkling Heart of the Ocean at the BBC Proms
Sam Smith brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the BBC Proms, dazzling the audience at the Royal Albert Hall with a show-stopping performance and a captivating accessory: a breathtaking recreation of the iconic "Heart of the Ocean" necklace from the blockbuster film "Titanic".
The "Stay With Me" singer, who uses they/them pronouns, captivated the crowd with a series of their hit songs, but it was their stunning jewellery that truly stole the show. Smith's version of the Heart of the Ocean necklace, created by Asprey, featured a 40-carat blue topaz pendant surrounded by a shimmering halo of diamonds.
The singer paired the statement necklace with a custom-designed gown by Vivienne Westwood, a dramatic burgundy creation with a velvet corset, a crinkled taffeta skirt, and a sash-like shoulder detail. Smith completed the look with long burgundy gloves, adding to the opulent and theatrical vibe of the ensemble.
The choice of the Heart of the Ocean necklace is a nod to both the film and its most famous wearer, Celine Dion. The Canadian songstress famously donned a sapphire version of the necklace at the 1998 Academy Awards, performing the Oscar-winning song "My Heart Will Go On" from the film's soundtrack.
While Dion's necklace featured a 171-carat sapphire and 102 carats of diamonds, Smith's version is slightly more understated, showcasing a topaz pendant surrounded by 23 carats of diamonds. Despite its smaller size, the necklace retains the iconic heart shape and sparkling brilliance of its famous predecessor.
The Heart of the Ocean has a captivating history, mirroring the journey of the fictional necklace in "Titanic." The original piece worn by Kate Winslet in the 1997 film was crafted with gold settings and coloured glass instead of diamonds.
Celine Dion's necklace, after its Oscar appearance, was auctioned off by Sotheby's to benefit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, selling for a staggering $2.2 million to an anonymous buyer. The necklace has continued to make appearances, most recently at Paris Fashion Week 2019, where Dion once again wore a costume version of the iconic piece.
With both Sam Smith and Celine Dion sporting their own renditions of the Heart of the Ocean, it's hard not to wonder if a duet featuring the iconic song "My Heart Will Go On" might be on the cards. Only time will tell if these two musical powerhouses will team up to recreate this iconic moment in pop culture. For now, the images of Smith dazzling in their "Titanic" tribute continue to circulate, reminding us of the enduring power of both classic films and timeless jewellery.
