DIVA — Review and Commentary
To be a DIVA one must be confident, fearless, disruptive and talented
A diva is not born, she is made
A particular set of personality traits and natural qualities like ambition, drive, passion, confidence and raw talent, for example, are undeniably true to divas from an early age, but a diva is not born; she is made. It takes years for someone to reach diva status. Her repertoire, attitude, accomplishments, style choices, and reputation all amalgamate into her diva(ness), which is why women in the entertainment business are often considered divas. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of the term DIVA and how it has mutated over time, a review of the DIVA exhibition at the V&A Museum, and briefly touch on a diva that is very special to me.
What is a diva?
As one of the modern-day divas, Beyoncé utters in her song aptly named ‘Diva’, “A diva is a female version of a Hustla,” which means that a diva stops at nothing to get what she wants, she is assertive, focused, ambitious and a go-getter. A diva works hard and knows her worth well in a patriarchal society. This mentality inspires women, especially girls and young women of our generation.
DIVA Exhibit Review
If you want to find out the history and origin of a diva, explore the diversity of divas in the world over time and view the incredibly elaborate, glamorous and original outfits of these divas, then you should head to Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington and see for yourself the DIVA exhibition (in collaboration with Net A Porter) that will be running until April 2024. The exhibit is relatively large, so make sure to allot an hour or so. It is immersive, as you will be handed headphones to listen to music and commentary applicable to each exhibit section as you move through it.
This exhibition is an inspiring showcase of female power and talent (with a sprinkling of male divas like Prince and Freddy Mercury as well as drag queens and trans-women (who prove that being a diva is not gender specific) and tells the story of many women who have opened doors for women to step into their power.
See here for more info and booking tickets.
I enjoyed the diversity of divas. From Josephine Baker to Nina Simone to Dolly Parton, it proves that to be a diva is to be an individual, unique, and fearless. This is what the women share in common.
Each decade is defined by musical trends, fashion styles, popular films and cultural events. And with each decade comes a handful of memorable and iconic women who helped define that decade. Whether it was Marilyn Monroe of the 1950s, Madonna of the 1980s or Rihanna of today, all these women share one title: DIVA.
I have produced plenty of short videos on over 100 divas in film and music. To explore them wall you can watch here.
Beauty comes from the inside out
A staple of a DIVA is to combine as much glamour, glitz and drama to each show, performance and red carpet. A diva must stand out in her signature look. We can learn the history of fashion as we walk through the exhibit in chronological order, from Theda Bara’s pearl-encrusted bra that she wore in 1917’s Cleopatra to Joan Crawford’s 1940s power suit in Mildred Pierce, Cher’s 70’s, gaudy, low-rise bodysuits that showed off her toned midriff on stage to Amy Winehouse’s black beehive and cat eye. A diva is indeed the main character; she is the star. And with some help from stylists and designers, she is unafraid to shine!
Non-Western Diva
The origins of a diva stem from the term being applied to exceptional opera singers. Think Maria Callas and Leontyne Price. The Western world has helped bring divas to the forefront for generations, cultivating symbolic beauty and talent; they often seem untouchable, otherworldly and practically goddesses (the word ‘diva’, in fact, stems from Italian Latin as ‘goddess’). But just like Callas and Price, who possessed a goddess-like quality on and off the stage, an air of self-aware superiority, and a talent beyond borders, another opera goddess is held close to my heart, one that did not flourish in the Western world but rather in the east; one of a kind and iconic; Annagul Annakulieva, my great grandmother.
I want to briefly give attention to her life, achievements and obviously remark on her undeniable diva status. It is a good idea to bring to public knowledge lesser-known divas who existed in a time and place less easy for women to succeed career-wise. Plus, I feel very proud and honoured to be related to this incredible woman.
Annagul was born on December 31 1924, in Turkmenistan. She became the first internationally renowned opera singer from Turkmenistan, receiving major honours during her prolific career, like the People’s Artist of the USSR, the Order of Lenin, the Badge of Honor, and more. Since 1941, the self-taught soprano opera singer appeared in significant theatre and opera productions like Aida and Tosca and starred in films, especially those directed by her husband, Alty Karliev, a notable figure in Turkmen and Soviet cinema. They were totally a power couple who were held in high regard. As you can see in the photos below, Annagul looked like a diva, strong, striking and ornate like her voice. Those who knew her remember her as a regal and dazzling woman aware of her effectiveness and commanding presence. She was adored by many. I love to hear stories about her from my family.
To hear her singing, you can check out the playlist here.
Women like Annagul Annakulieva and all of the divas I explored in the exhibit are inspirations for women of all ages and backgrounds. They teach us to be unapologetically ourselves, bold and fearless.
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