Bvlgari Serpenti Through the Eyes of Greek Designer Mary Katrantzou
Discover the newest chapter of Bvlgari’s famed “Serpenti Through the Eyes of” series! For this exclusive new capsule collection, London-based Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou brings her style and a story of transformation to Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti.
Bvlgari Serpenti Through the Eyes of Mary Katrantzou
Mary Katrantzou is known as the “queen of prints” for her exuberant and maximalist creations. Thus true to her fabulous style she infuses her poetic and jubilant look into the collection. As a result, bringing new vitality and optimism to the luxury Italian jewelry house’s famous serpent design.
Crafting joy through Haute Couture craftsmanship, vibrant nuances, and playful jewelry-inspired touches, the fashion designer introduces three new styles—the Serpenti Metamorphosis bag, the Serpenti Metamorphosis Handle bag, and the Serpenti Metamorphosis minaudière—completed by a selection of textiles.
I wanted to first think about what Serpenti meant to me, through my own eyes. Serpenti to me is a symbol of femininity, transformation, and rebirth. Its symbolic nature dating back to Ancient Roman and Greek mythology. The Serpenti sheds its skin to allow for further growth and this idea of metamorphosis became the inspiration for our collaboration. Everyone experiences their own journey of growth and we all go through some type of metamorphosis through life. It is the reason Serpenti holds so much meaning.
Mary Katrantzou
Mary Katrantzou x Bvlgari: A Message of Rebirth
Connecting the snake’s transformative nature with the fascinating metamorphosis of butterflies, for this edition of Serpenti Through the Eyes of, Mary Katrantzou brings to life an optimistic message of rebirth, evolution, and change. Taking the Serpenti Top Handle shape in Nappa as her canvas, the designer realizes a true Haute Couture masterwork. Firstly, with a spectacular three-dimensional embroidery depicting the transformation of a coiled serpent into a riot of flying butterflies. Then, and at the core of this whimsical design, triumphs fiercely the revamped snakehead closure. Finally, each bag in the capsule collection is completed with an internal metal tag marked “Mary Katrantzou x Bvlgari”.
The Serpenti Metamorphosis Bag
A showcase of craft, each Serpenti Metamorphosis bag takes more than 40 hours to come to life. Beginning with a skilled embroidery artisan of the Montex Atelier in Paris, and finishing at the Bvlgari factory in Florence. Available in limited quantities, the bag comes in White Agate, Crystal Rose, and Emerald Green for the smaller size. It is also available in a larger size in Black.
The Serpenti Metamorphosis Handle Bag
Drawing on Bvlgari’s audacious jewelry DNA, the Serpenti Metamorphosis Handle bag blends an ultra-soft, incredibly smooth quilted Nappa body with an unprecedented metal top handle. Thus reimagining with dare and distinction an iconic Serpenti heritage design.
Epitomizing the concept of metamorphosis down to the last detail, the versatile bag can morph into a vibrant cross-body, by removing the handle and attaching an exquisite golden chain strap. In short, the statement piece is a perfect marriage of jewelry-inspiration and leather goods artistry. In addition, it also flaunts Mary Katrantzou’s very own interpretation of the snakehead closure. The result, pear-shaped gemstone eyes and a range of gem-inspired nuances, from Ivory Opal and Crystal Rose to Aegean Topaz and Carmine Jasper, through Black.
The Serpenti Metamorphosis Minaudière
A jewel in its own right, the Serpenti Metamorphosis minaudière focuses on the hypnotic beauty of the iconic snakehead. Consequently exalting the sensuality of its hexagonal scales and transfixing drop-shaped eyes. Inspired by the iconic Bulgari Serpenti watch, the translation of this design into a minaudière is also a Bulgari first. Further, this object of desire comes in two different styles. Firstly, a small size in scintillating light gold or gold with a long or short double chain strap, to be worn cross-body or on the wrist. And secondly, a vibrant medium size for hand carry wearability, available with black and white, multicolor or crystal rose enameled scales.
Mary Katrantzou x Bvlgari, The Textiles
Reiterating the wonders of nature’s metamorphosis, in this edition of Serpenti Through the Eyes of, Mary Katrantzou also shows her mastery with showstopping patterns and color combinations in a selection of textiles. The designs play on the collision between the butterfly and the snake motif. And range from light cashmere and silk foulards to ultra-versatile silk shelleys.
Unveiling with a Face of Strength & Femininity
For the collection’s unveiling French fashion photographer Hugo Comte captured the stunning model, Russian philanthropist, and beauty icon Natalia Vodianova. Moreover, adding to the mastery of the shoot, Natalia wore Haute Couture jumpsuits specially created by Mary Katrantzou for the occasion.
Once we decided that the theme of the collection will be Metamorphosis, I felt the campaign also needs to be centered around a woman who embodies the notions of femininity, evolution, and rebirth. I immediately knew Natalia had to be the face. We both felt it would be wonderful to also partner with her charity, the Naked Heart Foundation to support their cause and communicate with our collaboration about the power of design to be meaningful. Her grace, generosity of spirit, and compassion embodied all the values BVLGARI and I stand for. She is a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist and to me, that’s the face of strength.
Mary Katrantzou
Shop the exclusive Serpenti Through the Eyes of Mary Katrantzou capsule collection at select Bvlgari boutiques worldwide and on Bulgari.com.
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