Bulgari Mediterranea

Bulgari chose Venice to host the unveiling of its new High-Jewelry and high-End Watch collection Mediterranea. The choice of La Serenissima [Italian name for the Republic of Venice] references the Byzantine title that governed the city’s role as a center of trade and business.

These Bulgari Mediterranea images were shot by photographer Gregoire Alexandre [IG] for V Magazine, who shares their thoughts about the collection.

Venice was also a city that preferred conflict mediation and peaceful solutions that arose with the many diverse cultures and peoples navigating the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of commercial trading partners and sometimes territorial conquest.

Venice Crossroads

For centuries, Venice existed as a symbol of openness to different cultures, bringing together distant universes and creative inspirations. Historical scholars, anthropologists and inquisitive lay people like Anne of Carversville understand that Venice existed as an exciting beacon of human possibility built on cultural diversity, artistry and ideas.

LVMH-owned Bulgari retraces this imaginary trip across the Mediterranean Sea as an inexhaustible source of inspiration layering multiple arts, traditions and crafts into its newest High-Jewelry collection.

“This High Jewelry collection is an homage to the Mediterranean beauty and essence in all its forms. For me, being in the Mediterranean region is an awakening of all senses, and a real inspirational experience. The architecture, the nature, the people, I am eyeing beauty everywhere. Is an inspiring melting pot, where many different cultures and societies have mingled and enriched each other over centuries. Our hospitality and open-mindedness are rooted in this history.” — Lucia Silvestri Bulgari Jewelry Creative Director

Riches Beyond the Greek Roman Axis

Until recently, any discussions of the rise of civilizations focused on the Greek-Roman axis — a reference point that ignored and undervalued the contributions of what is now Egypt and much of North Africa. In today’s world, many more liberal thinkers have stepped back to reject the idea of one culture [or religion] being the best.

Instead we look at the Mediterranean region as an extraordinary meshing of outstanding art and treasures and an invitation to the 21st century world of unleashed creativity and possibility — a wardrobe of beauty and innovation inspired by diversity. Built into this vision of humanity and civilization is its accompanying rejection of singularity of thought and lifestyle.

Mediterranea Collections Triad: “Southern Radiance”; “Roman Splendor”; “East Meets West”

Mediterranea was conceived in a triad of design inputs. The three creative universes, each reference a specific constellation of symbols, atmospheres, and inspirations.

The Bulgari Mediterranea universe called “Southern Radiance” alludes to the rich cultural legacy of southern Italy; “Roman Splendor” evokes the magnificence and mythology of the Eternal City of Rome; and “East Meets West” embodies the crossroads that is the Mediterranean Sea.

With Mediterranea, Bulgari continues its tradition of eclectic experimentation giving life to a kaleidoscopic collection of jewelry. “With great honor we celebrate the vision of the founder Sotirio Bulgari with magnificent creations that represent the pinnacle of Bulgari identity made of audacious creativity and exceptional craftsmanship,” says Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin.

Sotirio Bulgari [aka Sotirios Voulgaris 1857-1932] was born in the Greek village of Kalarites. Sotirios began his career as a jeweller in his home town of Paramythia (Epirus, Greece) and was a victim of war and conflict who eventually made his way to Corfu and then on to Naples, Italy.

Once in Italy, Sotirio’s name changed to Bulgari. Bulgari founded his eponymous jewelry company in 1884 on Via dei Condotti.

Anne learned a new word today — syncretism— to describe the goals of the Mediterranea collection. In my world of design, I’ve always called it cultural fusion — which is different from cultural appropriation or cultural assimilation.

With design employing syncretism, diverse cultural influences are obvious in the new design piece or work of art.