A slice of Italian luxury comes to town. t2 gets you a peek

Stunning colours, iconic designs, edgy and oh-so-cool. That’s Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. The brand is travelling to Calcutta this weekend at Quest mall’s The Loft. The two-day pop-up will lay out a spread for the shoppers ahead of the festive season. t2 chatted with Jenny Cheah, managing director (SEA, India & Australia), over email on what to expect. 

What: Bvlgari pop-up

Where: The Loft, Quest, sixth floor

When: September 8 and 9, 11am-9pm

Is this Bvlgari’s first showing in Calcutta?

Yes it is. We would be showcasing Bvlgari jewellery, watches and accessories like handbags, clutches, wallets and belts in Calcutta for the first time.

What is your perception of the Calcutta market?

The Calcutta market has changed to illustrate a new maturity in their orientation towards consumption of luxury goods and services. The millennials especially have evolved in pace with global trends. The younger lot is taking luxury to greater heights with varied indulgences, thanks to the increased availability of luxury brands and their exposure through overseas travel and social media platforms.

Why did you choose The Loft as your venue?

Quest mall is the destination for all luxury brands in Calcutta. And The Loft has been designed as per international standards, which gives you the liberty to showcase your brand and its offerings.

What has been the secret to sustaining the brand for over 100 years?

Our strong legacy, uncompromising commitment to quality, design, craftsmanship and continuous innovation. Being bold and audacious is intrinsic to our brand values. Bvlgari has consistently pushed the envelope in jewellery design. 

What have been some of the most iconic Bvlgari designs?

The Serpenti with its bold and seductive qualities is an inherent part of our identity. The B.zero1 collection launched at the turn of the 21st century is an iconic one that presents the grandiose simplicity of the Colosseum. B.zero1 continues to challenge established codes in jewellery design by presenting disruptive shapes and combining unexpected materials that are central to the irreverent design philosophy of the brand.

And some of the iconic personalities who have worn your designs are…

Richard Burton’s infamous comment: “The only word Liz knows in Italian is Bvlgari” is an affectionate ode to his muse Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with the brand. Bvlgari is known to be the jewellers of the stars and has been adorned by celebrities and royalties since time immemorial. In India, Bvlgari has been recently worn by Shilpa Shetty, Twinkle Khanna, Sushmita Sen, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Is there a story behind the ‘v’ in the Bvlgari logo?

Finding its Roman beginnings as a jewellery shop, Bvlgari was founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. Bvlgari reinterprets the majestic symbols of Rome with extraordinary editions of jewellery, watches, accessories and perfumes. To esteem its ancient Roman past, Bvlgari integrated the original Latin “V” epigraphy of the family name, engraving it above its flagship store in the grand renovation of 1934. Bvlgari’s Roman address on the prestigious Via dei Condotti, leading up to the Spanish Steps, became both its home and source of inspiration. Rome remains the aesthetic reference for Bvlgari, as it boasts a spectacular architectural backdrop.

What is trending internationally in terms of designs?

With personalisation being key, stacking bracelets and rings creates endless possibilities to create your individual statements. The fast pace of modern day lifestyles has created a new need for functional accessories that are wearable from morning to evening. There is also a movement to experiment with colours.