Bulgari

Bulgari Serpenti Ladies Watch Hands-On

Easily one of the coolest watches around is the Bulgari Serpenti. I think it was soft-launched last year, but really is available now - and in many forms. The Serpenti concept is not new, as the watch that wraps around your wrist like a snake is a vintage concept for the Italian brand. Though Bulgari has re-released it in a new form. What impressed me most is the execution. The watch is essentially many from one long wrapped strand of steel or gold. Inside is a complex system to make it elastic. It feels refined, as though it would last for a long time - really nice engineering here.

The "snake head" is the watch dial, and again it comes in a few styles. There are a few different faces and the Serpenti models come with and without diamonds. There are also some very high-end versions that are totally covered in precious stones. These also require you to open the snake's mouth to reveal the watch face. In the past the Serpenti watches didn't use Bulgari watch faces, but where make for a host of other brands. Today, as Bulgari makes their own watch, there is more brand uniformity.

There are a few coil sizes I believe for different wrists, but concept is more or less "on size fits all." As a man I'd never be able to wear one of these, but I was impressed with how cool and elegant they look on women. I could easy see these watches as casual wear for the right lady. As a concept they are cool, as a watch they are refined, and as a style statement they are unmatched. Prices start at $4,050 in steel and $6,800 for steel and diamonds. More for gold, while the pictured model in gold with diamonds retails for $29,900 . Check out more images in the galley below.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Bulgari Serpenti Watches

Tags: Bulgari, bvlgari, hands-on, review, serpenti, watch

LVMH To Buy Up Bulgari

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Recently we've been so busy watching the drama as luxury mega-conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton makes moves on French luxury brand Hermes that we didn't even see them sneaking up on Bulgari. The NY Times reports that LVMH is set to announce on Monday that it is taking control of the luxurious Italian jeweler. According to the NY Times DealBook, Bulgari's founding family is exchange its 51 percent stake in the jeweler to LVMH for stock in LVMH and it will also have seats on LVMH's board. With those shares in place, it's said that LVMH is planning to make offers to acquire the rest of the shares.

LVMH is proving to be an unstoppable luxury juggernaut with over 60 of the world's most prestigious brands in tow including the ones in its name as well as Christian Dior, Fendi and Céline. Other luxury mega-groups include PPR and Richemont. The 127-year-old Bulgari brand is one of the most prestigious names in the jewelry and watches arena and is particularly popular in European and Asian markets. The brand also has several luxury hotels.

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, lvmh, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, LvmhMoetHennessyLouisVuitton

Designer Jewelry Line Marina B Makes A Glittering Comeback

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Marina B, the luxury jewelry line created by Marina Bulgari decades ago, is being given new life under the aegis of Windsor Jewels. The brand picks up where the prior designs from the 1980s and 1990s left off with bold, vibrant pieces. Marina Bulgari, who lives in Monte Carlo, created jewelry for Bulgari until the mid-1970s. After the death of her father, she started her own eponymous brand, Marina B, in Geneva. It was an instant hit especially among the rich and famous of Europe.

Windsor Jewelers' CEO Paul Lubetsky is a passionate fan of Marina B designs and plans to base the new collection on the best archive pieces and designs of Marina B. Lubetsky, a passionate fan of Marina B's designs, acquired hundreds of original sketches from Marina B herself. All of the new Marina B jewelry will be made using 18K gold, and many pieces will feature precious gemstones and pavé diamonds. Pieces will be fashioned by the same artisans in Italy that Marina B trained and worked with. Retail prices will begin at $5,000, but unique, one-of-a-kind pieces will be more expensive. There is a new Marina B showroom at 589 Fifth Avenue. The designs will be showcased at the Couture Show in Las Vegas in June when jewelry buyers from around the world will convene for the annual shows.

Lubetsky has enviable taste in jewelry. In 2009 Windsor Jewelers picked up the collection of another fine designer, Henry Dunay and he also acquired Fred Leighton pieces.

Gallery: The Beautiful Jewels of Marina B

Tags: bulgari, marina b, marina bulgari, windsor jewelers

Bulgari Serpenti Forearm Watch for Women

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

House Bulgari (Bvlgari) is taking their Serpenti watch concept a step further my offering a new version for 2011 that literally snakes all the way up your forearm. I first talked about the Serpenti watch here. You can see how Bulgari has literally lengthened the idea. For 2011 the watch is longer and offered in more jewelry-style versions with diamonds all over the face. Several versions of the Serpenti watch dial are offered, and inside the watch is a Swiss quartz movement.

The watch bracelet is flexible and likely needs to be stretched a bit to get around the lady wearer's arm. You literally need to slither your hand into this one. Bulgari will adjust the length of the Serpenti to the wearer. The watch is done in steel or gold, and can be made up to five meters long. This has got to be the talking piece of timepieces for women this year.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Bulgari, Bvlgari, forearm, serpenti, watch

Bvlgari Papillon Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For the time being it seems like Bvlgari (Bulgari) is keeping up production of most Daniel Roth watches. Here is the (former Daniel Roth) Papillon Chronograph. Still with the existing movement, it now has Bulgari clothing. This was a really clever watch from Daniel Roth - and it does in fact tell the time. It has jumping hour display along with a minute indicator with a trick hand. That blue "spike" turns downward when used to indicate the minutes, and it twists back in when the next spike has a turn. So this isn't a retrograde hand - even though it vaguely looks like one.

While the Bulgari version of the dial looks more complex, the Daniel Roth version was a bit more complex done with Geneva stripe polishing and some other textured elements. Though in the end they are very similar (just with different colors). While the Papillon Chronograph uses a case shape we have seen before it is larger at 44mm wide and done here in 18k rose gold.

The Calibre DR2319 movement is quite impressive, and this watch is made to be a serious chronograph. It starts with a Swatch Group made Frederic Piguet automatic movement with a Daniel Roth chronograph module. With dials measuring up to 12 hours, the chronograph has a column wheel and vertical clutch. Features often only found in the finest of mechanical chronograph movements. Look for this Bulgari (ex Daniel Roth) watch out now. Price is $44,500.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bulgari, chronograph, daniel roth, papillon, watch

Bvlgari Gerald Genta Magsonic Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

After Bvlgari engulfed the brand Gerald Genta (that it already owned), it took most of the brand's contemporary timepieces and "Bulgarized" them! Sorry, I had to say that - it made me laugh. What this means is that they took existing designs and reshaped them a bit to bit Bulgari's DNA.I was impressed they they decided the Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon should be kept alive. They barely made any changes to it at all actually! I first wrote about this watch when it was called the Gerald Genta Arena Metasonic Sonnerie. Renamed the Bvlgari Gerald Genta Magsonic Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon, the watch seems to only change the case material (looks to be in rose gold now), and the text on the ring around the dial.

Because the watch is so complex with its tourbillon and sophisticated chiming functions, Bulgari created an iPad app that explains the watch. An incredible piece, this was originally retailed for $900,000 - I wonder what it goes for now in Bvlgari form.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Bvlgari Gerald Genta Magsonic Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon Watch dial

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, magsonic, sonnerie, tourbillon, watch

Bulgari Opens Jeweled Retrospective In Paris

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events

On December 9, Nicola Bulgari, Chairman of the Bulgari Group, and Francesco Trapani, CEO of Bulgari, hosted a private cocktail celebration at the Grand Palais in Paris to celebrate the opening of its jewelry retrospective. It's the first exhibition in the 110-year-old hall that is entirely dedicated to jewelry. This is Bulgari's second retrospective exhibition ever and it runs through January 12, 2011.

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, grand palais, jewelry, paris

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Bvlgari Parentesi Diamond and Gold Limited Edition Sunglasses

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Sunglasses are one of those accessories that although small have the uncanny ability to make or break an entire look. Bvlgari's limited edition Parentisi Diamond & Gold Sunglasses are both classic and glamorous, and all but guaranteed to upgrade any ensemble they're paired with. Boasting temples embellished with 18k gold and 206 pave diamonds (2.5 carats total) they also feature a strong geometric twist design and the iconic Parentesi pattern. And the best part? Only ten pairs exist in the world.

Presented in an embossed Bvlgari gift box with a case, cleaning cloth, and certificate of authenticity treat someone special to a pair of these this Christmas and you're sure to score serious brownie points. £20,000 ($31,000)

Source

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, sunglasses

Julianne Moore Sparkles At Bulgari's Save The Children Event In Rome

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Events, Charity

On November 3rd, Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani, Nicola Bulgari and Paolo Bulgari hosted a lavish fundraising event during the Rome Film Festival to benefit Save the Children. The event at the Salone delle Fontane included a cocktail reception, seated dinner, benefit auction and a special performance by Lenny Kravitz. Face of Bulgari's ad campaign, Julianne Moore, was in attendance wearing the emerald and diamond earrings she had worn in the print advertisements. Other notable guests included Delfina Delettrez, Isabella Ferrari, Valeria Golino, Martina Codecasa, and many more.

Event designer Simon Costin created a glamorous atmosphere reminiscent of Grand Central Station during the 1950s. All of the auction sales and the evening's ticket sales (€850 each) are being donated to Save the Children's worldwide education programs. Since 2008 Bulgari has contributed to support quality education programs for over 10 million children worldwide.

Check out a couple of pictures from the event after the jump (or visit Bulgari's Facebook page for more).

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, julianne moore, rome

Continue reading “Julianne Moore Sparkles At Bulgari's Save The Children Event In Rome”

Bulgari Blue Diamond Ring Sets New Record

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

Christie's "Jewels: The New York Sale" on October 20 had some very strong results including the sale of the "Bulgari Blue," a two-stone diamond ring featuring the largest triangular-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond ever to appear at auction. The ring had an estimate of over $12 million and brought in $15.7 million, making it the top jewel sold at auction in 2010.

The ring was designed by Rome's legendary house of BVLGARI in the 1970s and is being sold by a collector who bought it nearly 40 years ago as a present for his wife after the birth of their first son. it features a triangular-shaped, colorless diamond of 9.87 carats matched with a triangular-shaped Fancy Vivid blue diamond of 10.95 carats which is the largest Fancy Vivid blue diamond of this cut ever to be offered at auction. The collector bought the ring in 1972 for around $1 million. Fancy vivid blue diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after colored diamonds and only one stone in around 10 million has color that rates this designation. Prices for blue diamonds continue to be strong. At a Sotheby's auction in May in Geneva a 7.64 carat fancy intense blue cushion-shaped diamond mounted in yellow gold and platinum sold to an anonymous client for $8,034,503.

National Jeweler reports that the ring was the sale's grand finale piece and was won by an Asian collector for $15,762,500, with premium after a bidding battle between one client in the room and two clients on the phone.

The 448-lot auction brought in a total of $52.5 million. The sale also included a pair of Imperial Topaz earrings, from the legendary jewelry house JAR (founded by Joel Arthur Rosenthal). Ellen Barkin sold the earrings at auction in 2006 for $710,000. They were estimated to bring in $300,000 to $500,000 but sold for $650,500.

Tags: blue diamond, blue diamonds, bulgari, bvlgari, christies, diamond, jar, jewelry designers

$12 Million Blue Diamond BVLGARI Ring to Be Auctioned by Christie's

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

On October 20, as the lead highlight of its flagship Jewels: The New York Sale, Christie's will offer The BVLGARI Blue Diamond – a stunning two-stone diamond ring designed by Rome's legendary house of BVLGARI in the 1970s that's expected to fetch over $12 million. The ring features two extremely precious stones (above): a triangular-shaped, colorless diamond of 9.87 carats paired with a stunning triangular-shaped Fancy Vivid blue diamond of 10.95 carats – the largest Fancy Vivid blue diamond of this cut ever to be offered at auction. Fancy Vivid blue diamonds of this size are among the rarest of colored diamonds - only one in about 10 million will possess a color pure enough to qualify as "Fancy Vivid". The ring will be priced upon request for prospective bidders, but is expected to achieve in excess of $12 million and is positioned to become one of the top-selling diamonds at auction in 2010. The ring is being offered by a private European collector who has kept it in his family for almost 40 years.

Tags: auctions, Bulgari, BVLGARI, Christies, diamond, diamonds, jewelry, Rome

"Bulgari Man" Scent Set To Debut in September

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Men's Style

Bulgari will launch "Bulgari Man" in early fall with actor Clive Owen as its face. According to HAPPI, to promote the scent, the media campaign will include 13 million scented pieces (strips, catalog inserts and magazine ads) that will reach 22 million people. Industry sources estimate that Bulgari is aiming for a first-year sales target of $10 million at retail.

Perfumer Alberto Morillas gave Bulgari Man a woody-oriental scent with top notes of pear, bergamot, and violet leaves, in addition to white wood and vegetal amber that's based on a proprietary Firmenich molecule.

Bulgari Man eau de toilette sprays will be available in three sizes: $79 for a 100 ml bottle, $58 for 60ml and $42 for 30ml. A 200ml bath and shower gel, at $35; a 100ml aftershave balm, at $44; and a deodorant stick launching in January, at $25, will accompany the fragrance.

Read more at our sister site, stylelist.

Tags: Bulgari, Bvlgari, celebrity fragrance, Clive Owen, cologne, mens fragrance, scent

The Nominees for Best in Beauty

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Best Men's Skincare Line

The first nominee has a straightforward name as well as no-nonsense naming and simple packaging, while the second nominee was launched high in the mountains of France nearly 50 years ago by an intrepid biologist. The third nominee offers one of the most extensive lines for men while the fourth is known for its longevity and expertise in men's skincare. The final nominee lives by its logo that says "be healthy and look great".

Anthony Logistics for Men
Biotherm Homme
Clinique Skin Supplies for Men
Lab Series Skincare for Men
MenScience Androceuticals

Best Cosmetics Line

The first nominee was created by a makeup artist who wanted to create a natural-looking makeup line that would allow a person's true beauty to shine through while the second one was started by a painter who later became a celebrity makeup artist. The third nominee is a favorite of runway artists and film stars alike while the fourth is an eponymous beauty brand known for highly pigmented products, cleverly slim and sleek compacts, and a fearless selection of shades for people of all colors. The final nominee first became famous for its revolutionary makeup brushes, followed by its innovative cosmetics.

Bobbi Brown
Laura Mercier
M·A·C Cosmetics
NARS
Trish McEvoy

Best Fragrance

The first nominee has been the scent of choice for sophisticates worldwide since the 1930's, while the second nominee has been synonymous with opulence for generations. The third nominee is an elegant and sophisticated octogenarian while the fourth nominee is a unisex newcomer that is packaged in perhaps the most innovative vessel ever created for a fragrance. The final nominee is immediately recognizable due to its famous logo.

Acqua di Parma Colonia
Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc
Chanel No. 5
Voyage d'Hermès
Polo Ralph Lauren

Best Bodycare Line

The first nominee is a Japanese line that was developed with the knowledge of Oriental herbal medicine while the second one has been concocting beautifying elixirs in New York City since 1851. The third nominee takes a scientific approach to beauty and the fourth makes distinctively aromatic concoctions that are handcrafted from fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. The final nominee is an upbeat, uplifting company with a product line that attempts to inspire its customers to live a better life by being better to themselves.

Kanebo's Sensai
Kiehl's
La Prairie
Lush
Philosophy

Best Skin Cream

The first nominee is made from a combination of natural ingredients including special sea kelp harvested twice a year off the coast of California, while the second nominee focuses on the inner balance and harmony of the body and soul. The third nominee uses two key ingredients: a natural extract derived from the root of the Shilan orchid as well as Koishumaru silk extract. The fourth nominee prides itself on understatement while the final nominee was launched by a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist who's single product contains all the necessary ingredients to fight anti-aging.

Creme de la Mer
Darphin
Kanebo's Sensai Skin Care
Philosophy
37 Extreme Actives

Tags: 37 extreme actives, Acqua di Parma, Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bulgari, Chanel, Clinique, Hermes, Kiehls, La mer, La Prairie, Laura Mercier, Lush, luxist-awards, MAC Cosmetics, Nars, Sensai, Trish McEvoy, winners-beauty

Bvlgari's Latest B.zero1 Collection Designed by Anish Kapoor Hits Stores

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Anish Kapoor Designs New B. Zero 1 Collection for Bulgari

Bulgari, which has long been known for creating jewelry designs that combine unexpected and whimsical materials with precious metals and stones, has launched a collaboration with Anish Kapoor, a world-renowned architect and designer who is credited with redefining contemporary sculpture.

For Bulgari, Kapoor designed the latest edition of its B.zero1 line, an informal yet elegant jewelry collection designed around the spiral motif. Bulgari's B.zero1 line, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, has sold over 1.5 million of pieces to date.

Gallery: Anish Kapoor for Bulgari

Anish Kapoor B.Zero1 Ring in Pink Gold and Steel

B.Zero1 4-band ring in 18kt. pink gold with black ceramic

B.Zero1 4-band ring in 18kt. pink gold with white ceramic

Kapoor's design features a curved body made of reflective steel that converges at both ends with circular pink gold bands displaying Bulgari's Roman epigraphic logo.

Tags: AnishKapoor, B.zero1, Bulgari, jewelry

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Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc: Synonymous with Opulence

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Though the uninitiated may be confused by the arrangement of letters spelling out BVLGARI above many a posh storefront around the globe, devotees know that Bulgari is one of the world's oldest luxury goods providers. The secret is out at Luxist, too: Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc has earned a Luxist Awards Readers' Choice nomination for best fragrance.

When founder Sotirios Voulgaris packed up his jewelry shop in his hometown of Kalarites, Greece in the late 19^th Century, he probably had no idea that his name would be synonymous with opulence for generations to come. After opening his first Bulgari store on Rome's Via dei Condotti in 1905 (the "BVLGARI" spelling is a tribute to this Roman heritage), the boutique became a favorite of elites passing through the area.

After heroics in World War II-Sotirios' son Constantino sheltered three Jewish women from the holocaust-Bulgari's business picked up during peacetime. The 1970s saw expansion to New York, Paris and Geneva, to name a few. In addition to selling handbags, watches and other accessories, Bulgari soon gained a strong reputation for its fragrances.

One of the company's most popular fragrances is the Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc, also known simply as white tea. Launched in 2003, it contains hints of amber, pepper, and of course, white tea. In addition to the cologne (1.33 oz: $60), white tea is available in body lotion (6.7 oz: $49) and shampoo and shower gel (6.7 oz: $41) form. All are available in Bulgari boutiques around the world and from retailers including Sephora.

Vote for the fragrance that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, bulgari, bvgari, fragrance, luxist-awards, perfume

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