MARY KATRANTZOU X BVLGARI

The unstoppable transformative power of Bvlgari’s Serpenti and the unlimited imagination of Mary Katrantzou collided in a new chapter of the famed “Serpenti Through the Eyes of” saga.

As a designer enlisted by the Roman Jeweller to freely reinterpret its icon Serpenti Forever, Mary Katrantzou, recognized as the “queen of prints” for her exuberant and maximalist creations, infused her poetic and jubilant style into the mesmerising sign, rebirthing the serpent with newfound vitality and optimism.

Crafting joy through couture craftsmanship, vibrant nuances and playful jewellery-inspired touches, the fashion designer introduced three new styles – the Serpenti Metamorphosis bag, the Serpenti Metamorphosis Top Handle bag and the Serpenti Metamorphosis Minaudière - completed by a selection of silk scarves.

‘‘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

Connecting the snake’s transformative nature with the fascinating metamorphosis of butterflies, Mary Katrantzou brought to life an optimistic message of rebirth, evolution and change. Taking the Serpenti Top Handle shape in Nappa as her canvas, the Greek designer realized a true Haute Couture masterwork with a spectacular three-dimensional embroidery, visually depicting the transformation of a coiled serpent into a riot of flying butterflies. At the core of this whimsical design, triumphs fiercely the snakehead closure revamped by Mary Katrantzou.

The collection was unveiled through the campaign lensed by French fashion photographer Hugo Comte and modelled by Russian philanthropist and beauty icon Natalia Vodianova, wearing 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 centred 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