Mary Katrantzou’s connection with Bulgari began in 2019 when she staged a fashion show at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, featuring Bulgari’s precious jewelry pieces. The relationship deepened in 2021 when she designed a capsule collection of leather handbags and jeweled minaudières inspired by the brand’s Serpenti motif. Katrantzou’s affinity for Bulgari goes further back, as the company’s founder, Sotirio Bulgari, was Greek like her. She received a Bulgari watch from her father as a high school graduation gift and remembers a coffee table book on the brand’s history from her mother’s library.
In 2020, Cate Blanchett wore a jeweled bodice gown from Bulgari to the Golden Globes, matching her blonde hair. Bulgari’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, expressed pride in Katrantzou’s collaboration with the brand, highlighting their shared Greek origins and commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and color. During the pandemic, Katrantzou relocated from London to Athens, where she had a baby boy. Her new role with Bulgari will involve shuttling between Athens, Florence, and Rome for design work while continuing to manage her own business based in London.
The Hellenic Olympic Committee enlisted Katrantzou to design the costumes for the Olympic Torch lighting and handover ceremony in Paris in July. The designer finds inspiration in the different cultures she encounters while working with Bulgari, noting the rewarding speed with which ideas can be realized and prototypes created. She is excited about the potential of working with Bulgari, referencing Andy Warhol’s quote that visiting Bulgari in Rome is like visiting the best contemporary art exhibition.
Mary Katrantzou’s first pieces for Bulgari will be available in stores in August of this year. Her collaboration with the Italian jewelry company showcases her innovative design aesthetic and intricate attention to detail. The partnership between Katrantzou and Bulgari highlights their mutual dedication to craftsmanship, color, and storytelling in the world of luxury fashion and accessories. By combining her Greek heritage with Bulgari’s rich history, Katrantzou brings a unique perspective to the brand, creating pieces that are both timeless and modern.
