Harper’s Bazaar (Malaysia)

V E R E Y O U N G

Bulgari’s iconic serpent sheds its skin this season, only to reveal a punkier and edgier form. By Amy Yasmine.

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ho would have guessed the lounge of the coveted Bulgari Hotel Milano could be transforme­d into a candy pink skate park? For years now, the glamorous hotel in the heart of Milan’s Brera district has been showcasing its latest accessorie­s collection over the course of Milan Fashion Week, transformi­ng the palatial landmark’s drawing room into a museo curioso of sorts. So while last season’s spectacle involved a psychedeli­c Austin Powers spin, the extravagan­ce for Spring/ Summer ’18 featured prismatic verts and metallic skateboard­s—a scintillat­ing respite from MFW’s chaotic bustle. Evidently more youthful, Bulgari’s set-up for its latest collection was living proof that the luxury house has been drinking from the fountain of youth. Brick-lined walls were more downtown than uptown, while bright neon lights in the shape of heart-shaped tattoos suggested that love was in the air. Needless to say, this presentati­on was an ode to its younger clientele—the PYTs that have championed Bulgari’s playful arm candies, even on the streets of Milan. See: campaign star Bella Hadid with her irreverent take of sports luxe with a bejewelled Serpenti clutch, or Caroline Vreeland’s rock ’n’ roll twist with a band tee, paired with a Serpenti Forever bag. It seemed only natural for the Italian heavyweigh­t to further propel its iconic Serpenti pillar to new heights. Throughout Bulgari’s miniature skate park, micro Serpenti Forever bags with studded detailing glinted in the neon-hued room. The new Pop Heart design on the Serpenti Forever—a nod to the classic “heart” tattoo—comes embellishe­d with dramatic black onyx and silver enamel while another variation also took this idea to the nth degree; think exotic lizard skins, gold plated snake head closures, and intricatel­y designed tattoo motifs—a combinatio­n so risqué even Kat Von D would be envious. Elsewhere, dainty studs adorn the collection’s Diva’s Dream bag, most strikingly on a sleek yet head-turning piece with the word “forever” spelled out in speckled metals. Consider it an instant cult must-have, when worn with fashion’s hottest Off-White boots and Vetements hoodie. Another contender? The jeweller’s collaborat­ion with British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood, in which rubber-studded Serpenti Forevers came in the forms of backpacks and envelope pouches. Still, the collection’s elegant codes prevail. For those hungry for drama, its rainbow-hued python variations are more than just conversati­on starters—they’re guaranteed one-off pieces. In wisteria jade and white chalk Halo python skin, this whimsical revision also comes with a snake head closure—this time with matte black-and-white enamel, while black onyxes serve as its everwatchf­ul eyes. Bulgari’s star-studded accessory collection and its exquisite craftsmans­hip can only be matched by its playful spirit; it is modernity against its Roman codes. In ancient Greek mythology, the serpent stands as a symbol of wisdom, vitality, and the circle of life. In Bulgari, it’s the symbol of heritage and by shedding its skin, the serpent has breathed a new life into the storied house—while rocking it, too.

J

 ??  ?? The Bulgari Spring/ Summer ’18 presentati­on at Bulgari Hotel Milano
The Bulgari Spring/ Summer ’18 presentati­on at Bulgari Hotel Milano
 ??  ?? A sleek and irreverent take on the Serpenti Forever bag Nicholas Kirkwood’s gilded twist feature rubber studs, with a nod to Brit punk The latest Pop Heart design—a riff on heart-shaped tattoos, finished with the iconic Serpenti touch
A sleek and irreverent take on the Serpenti Forever bag Nicholas Kirkwood’s gilded twist feature rubber studs, with a nod to Brit punk The latest Pop Heart design—a riff on heart-shaped tattoos, finished with the iconic Serpenti touch
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m o o t i f s i F o n a S e r p e n t
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