Mary Katrantzou’s collaboration with Bulgari began in 2019 when she staged a fashion show at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, featuring Bulgari’s precious jewelry. This connection deepened in 2021 when she designed a capsule collection of leather handbags and jeweled minaudières inspired by Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti motif. Katrantzou has a personal connection to the brand, as both she and Bulgari’s founder, Sotirio Bulgari, are Greek. She recalls receiving a Bulgari watch as a high school graduation gift from her father and being inspired by a coffee table book on the brand’s history.
In 2020, Cate Blanchett wore a stunning jeweled bodice gown from Bulgari’s collection at the Golden Globes, further solidifying Katrantzou’s relationship with the brand. Bulgari’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, expressed pride in Katrantzou’s arrival, citing her shared Greek origins and commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and design. Katrantzou relocated from London to Athens at the start of the pandemic, where she had a baby boy. She will now split her time between Athens, Bulgari’s design ateliers in Florence, and their offices in Rome, while continuing to manage her own business based in London.
Mary Katrantzou’s new role with Bulgari has been an inspiring experience for her, allowing her to immerse herself in a different culture than her own company. She finds the speed at which ideas can be realized and prototypes created to be extremely rewarding for her creativity. The Hellenic Olympic Committee recently unveiled the costumes she designed for the Olympic Torch lighting ceremony in Paris in July, showcasing her multifaceted design talents. Katrantzou is excited about the potential for creativity and collaboration within the brand, referencing Andy Warhol’s statement that visiting Bulgari in Rome is like experiencing the best contemporary art exhibition.
Katrantzou’s first pieces for Bulgari will be available in stores in August of this year, marking a new chapter in her career and the beginning of a partnership that promises innovative and beautiful creations. Her unique perspective and design aesthetic, combined with Bulgari’s rich history and heritage, are sure to result in a collection that captivates and inspires fashion enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. The collaboration between Katrantzou and Bulgari represents a fusion of tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and innovation, bringing together two creative forces in the fashion and jewelry industries for a partnership that is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of luxury design.
