Bulgari, under the visionary guidance of creative director Mary Katrantzou, has unveiled an extraordinary collection of minaudières, part of its 'Icons' project. These meticulously crafted small bags deliberately eschew the functionality of accommodating a smartphone, instead embracing the capacity to hold miniature, hand-bound books. This innovative concept aims to shift the perception of luxury from material possession to intellectual and cultural enrichment. The project champions the idea that true value lies in intention and meaning, prompting a reflection on what we choose to carry and how it mirrors our inner world.
Bulgari's \u2018Notes On\u2019 Minaudi\u00e8res: An Intersection of Art, Fashion, and Thought
In a bold move that redefines contemporary luxury, Bulgari's latest 'Icons' collection, spearheaded by creative director Mary Katrantzou, introduces a series of minaudières that purposefully forgo smartphone storage in favor of miniature, bespoke books. These exquisite accessories are more than just fashion statements; they are philosophical declarations in an increasingly hyper-connected world.
The collection, aptly named \u2018Notes On,\u2019 features an advertising campaign masterfully orchestrated by artistic director Ferdinando Verderi and captured by photographer Ethan James Green. It stars five iconic women: Isabella Rossellini, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Linda Evangelista, Sumayya Vally, and Kim Ji-won. Each woman is paired with a unique minaudière, concealing a tiny, hand-bound book filled with her personal reflections. These reflections delve into themes of curiosity, heritage, and self-understanding, offering intimate insights into their respective journeys.
For instance, Isabella Rossellini's book explores the wisdom of the animal kingdom, while Linda Evangelista's contribution is an ode to strength and resilience rooted in her Italian heritage. Architect Sumayya Vally contemplates the fluid nature of 'home' through memory and belonging, and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reflects on the shaping and preservation of culture across generations, emphasizing women's pivotal role. Actress Kim Ji-won brings an introspective element, discussing inner peace and self-acceptance.
Each of the five minaudières themselves is a masterpiece, steeped in history and symbolism, drawing inspiration from Greek, Italian, and Roman cultural formations. The 'Monete' reinterprets an ancient Roman coin with precious enamel, while 'Tubogas' features serpentine metal coils encasing a lizard-skin 'egg.' The 'Divas\u2019 Dream' channels the grandeur of the Baths of Caracalla through dazzling jewel inlays. The 'BVLGARI BVLGARI' collection offers a modern cylindrical design adorned with Mother of Pearl, and the 'Serpenti' sheds its form to become a standalone piece, symbolizing transformation and timeless sophistication. As Katrantzou articulates, their power lies in their evolution, bridging patrimony and innovation, where today's creations become tomorrow's legacy.
The project's launch was celebrated with an intimate dinner in Rome, where the five muses gathered, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and intellectual exchange. This event underscored the collection's core message: fashion can be a profound medium for expressing personal values and celebrating intellectual curiosity, challenging the notion that it is merely superficial.
Reflecting on the 'Notes On' Collection: A Call to Reconnect with Ourselves
Bulgari's 'Notes On' minaudières provoke a compelling question about our relationship with technology and material possessions. In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, Katrantzou's deliberate decision to design a bag that cannot accommodate a phone is a powerful statement. It encourages us to pause, disconnect, and re-engage with more profound forms of engagement, such as reading and introspection. The inclusion of miniature books by influential women transforms these accessories into talismans of thought and culture, urging us to carry not just objects, but ideas and values. This initiative is a poignant reminder that luxury, at its heart, can be about enriching our inner lives and celebrating the enduring power of knowledge and personal narratives, rather than merely accumulating wealth or staying constantly connected.
