Bulgari unveils its latest handbag collection: Mary Katrantzou's Vision Comes to Life

"...It's truly thrilling that Mary Katrantzou, a highly acclaimed Greek designer renowned for her exquisite printed fabrics and captivating ready-to-wear and accessories, has recently joined Bulgari as the creative director of leather goods and accessories..."

In 2019, she collaborated with the brand to design a unique clutch bag in the shape of a snake head and many more. Her designs quickly gained popularity among fashionable individuals and became must-have accessories. The debut collection flawlessly captures the essence of both Mary and Bulgari, showcasing pieces that have fashion enthusiasts captivated by Bulgari's leather and eagerly awaiting their release.

Mary's debut collection for Bulgari draws inspiration from the Terme di Caracalla bathhouse in Rome, a remarkable architectural masterpiece and one of the seven wonders of ancient Rome. The collection is named after the emperor who commissioned its construction. Vibrant mosaics reminiscent of fans adorn the bathhouse interior. Crafted from tesserae, these mosaics showcase a captivating array of jewel-like hues, including pearl white, amethyst, emerald, and gold. This exceptional design is stunning and serves as the perfect inspiration for Mary's creations.

Mary has utilised these patterns to create a range of bags, with a special focus on the latest addition to her collection, the 'Serpentine Duo' model. This trapeze-shaped tote bag features metal handles that are cleverly shaped like duo snake heads. The bag features an exquisite design, showcasing a beautiful gradient of colours that recalls the intricate mosaic decorations found at Terme di Caracalla. 

Furthermore, Mary employs fine nappa leather to craft the 'Serpenti Sugarloaf,' a rectangular handbag. It uses matelassé techniques and padding stitching to create a unique design inspired by cabochon-cut gem shapes and fan-like silhouettes. This design showcases the meticulous engineering and craftsmanship of the skilled artisans at the brand's leather atelier in Florence. The serpent-shaped gold metal hardware enhances the bag's uniqueness.

The fan shape bears a striking resemblance to the pattern of a ginkgo leaf, evoking a sense of strength and resilience, similar to the exquisite form of a calla lily. Mary has expertly designed a clutch bag with a unique and impactful shape; she skillfully crafts this bag from molded metal that takes the form of a fan, seamlessly blending it with luxurious nappa leather. It includes a wrist strap, and this design is available in various versions, including both leather and crystal-adorned options, making it the perfect accessory to enhance any nightlife party outfit.

“One of the first things I wanted to create for Bvlgari was a pattern, an identity, the ‘Calla’. I was inspired by the intricate mosaics of the Terme di Caracalla, a fragment of Ancient Rome that formed the inspiration for the now iconic Bvlgari “Divas’ Dream” collection. That was the foundation for my first collection, a statement of intent. The motif, a sensuously curving fan, has a compelling femininity and universality, connecting with other cultures, other meanings. It links with the gingko leaf and with the calla lily. 

The ‘Calla’ has infinite interpretations - but “all roads lead to…BULGARI.”

Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories

Mary’s debut collection beautifully captures the spirit of ancient Roman life in a contemporary and captivating way, showcasing enchanting techniques and a unique charm that is difficult to come by elsewhere.

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