Bold & Beautiful
Bvlgari’s collaboration with designer Yoon Ahn, AMBUSH is as bold as it is beautiful
Bvlgari might have a long history of creating beautiful pieces, but they have always managed to stay relevant. Their new limited-edition collection, AMBUSH alongside Yoon Ahn is no exception.
Translating the effortlessly cool attitude of the Tokyo-based brand to the Roman Maison has resulted in zesty-coloured handbags available in three new shapes: the multi-wearable Serpenti shoulder bag with chunky metallic details; the versatile Serpenti belt bag; and the heart-shaped Serpenti Minaudière.
Inspired by a Tree Python of South East Asia, a species famed for its striking, artificial-looking colours, the limited edition AMBUSH x Bvlgari pieces are available in bold tones of pink, blue and green as well as minimalist-friendly hues of black and white.
Shapes are a little more plush and relaxed, with softer lines and quilted leather detail that deliver an urban-glam mood. They all also feature a camouflage snakehead closure in mother-of-pearl for the black renditions and in black onyx for the coloured ones.
“For this capsule collection, I wanted to express the bold and contemporary character of Serpenti,” explains Ahn. “Snakes are wondrous and fascinating creatures of nature but with Bvlgari they also became a symbol of glamour in constant evolution. Natural beauty meets human creation, all guided by a contemporary aesthetic.”
The exclusive collaboration also includes accessories: a heart-shaped coin case, three different credit card holders signed with the BVLGARI AMBUSH logo and a three-coil Serpenti bracelet in coloured Nappa Leather and metallic snakehead.
Having grown up with pop culture, Yoon is famed for her real-life inspired creations with a high-end touch. Below we take a closer look at her inspiration and discuss the state of the luxury market today.
What was the main vision when approaching this project and where did you take inspiration from?
While I was researching about Serpenti and snakes, I came across these fantastic images of the Tree Python of Southeast Asia. I couldn’t believe that there were such beauties in the wild. I would like to see them in person one day. It was essential to express the beauty of the snakes and capture it in a more approachable and lively way so I made the Serpenti head wrapped in the same leather to make it more adorable.
Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?
They are all my favorites! But I especially love the waist bag. It’s a 3-way bag so you can wear it as a waist bag, take out the belt, attach the strap as a shoulder bag, or just as a clutch.
Growing up in the era of skate culture, how do you bring those influences to today’s luxury client?
Collaboration isn’t about reconciling the differences, but rather bringing the best out of each. We both stand strong in our own identities and ethos, so I wanted see where we can head together creatively.
What was the most surprising element of your collaboration with Bvlgari?
Visiting Bvlgari’s factory where they produce the bags was mind-blowing. Seeing so many artisans working so closely and precisely on each part of the bag was really inspiring.
Much of this new collection that will appeal to the Gen Z, what do you think luxury means today?
Consumers have more power now. It’s no longer dictatorship from the top to down anymore. Certain ideologies are no longer relatable. However, beautifully made products and consistency will matter to people no matter what period we live in. Personally, I think real luxury is something you can’t purchase with money like time or health.
What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learnt in business and specifically within this industry?
The global pandemic had a significant impact on the luxury market, how have you navigated the recent months of uncertainty?
Staying true to who I am.
There are many things fashion can play into, but I think it’s important to give people dreams and joy through creation. Times are uncertain for sure, but now many old rules are out the window, so I believe it’s really time to reinvent to evolve.
How do you see fashion evolving in the future?
As humanities continue to evolve and cultures change, the way consumers connect to projects changes too. The biggest is that the current generation is savvier with how to connect with them and tell the story.
How would you define “Serpenti Through the Eyes of AMBUSH” collection in one sentence?
All the answers we need are in nature. “Serpenti through the eyes of AMBUSH…” collection is available to pre-order at Bvlgari.com and will be launched in-store from September 3.
The wellness industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, with the supplements sector expecting to hit $216 billion by 2026. Powders, tablets and gels that strive to improve performance on a physical and mental level are the latest obsession.
The key to understanding what supplement you need, and if they even work, is to decipher exactly what they are. In short, supplements are used to bridge the nutritional gap, so the focus remains on a balanced diet rather than on unpronounceable ingredients. Over the past few years, the intimidating giant bottles of protein powder have transformed into packaging you’d happily display on your bathroom shelf, but it’s the ingredients that hit the mark. “Supplements can work, but where and when is indicated by the name itself – to ‘supplement’ and add to your existing diet and training regime,” explains Dr Paul Macnamara, Consultant – Orthopedic Surgeon, Medcare Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital,
SZR. “They should not take priority over the meals you eat and the exercise you perform.”
“Some supplements are also more effective than others, “she continues. “For example, whey protein, creatine monohydrate and fish oil have all been proven to aid goals such as muscle gain, fat loss and recovery from intense training. Detox teas, on the other hand, have no discernible benefits (other than upping your water intake) despite social media seeming awash with them.” Someone who has put her body through a range of gruelling challenges is Egyptian marathon runner and mountaineer, Manal Rostom. Now in her fourties, she has been conscious of her diet and supplements since she was 16 years old, but it was in her thirties when she stepped up her fitness regime and started to introduce more supplements. “I’ve been taken collagen glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. I’ve taken iron supplements since I was 16 and I also take magnesium and calcium and I dedicate a whole day to the sun so my body gets as much vitamin D as possible (with SPF). I sometimes take L-Carnitine supplement that helps transport the fat to the cells and that’s the only amino acid I’m on, and your body makes it naturally anyway.” The supplements she uses are specific to her needs as a longdistance competitive runner and compliment her clean diet. With so many formulas promising to better your ability, Rostom is very aware of what products to avoid: “I don’t believe in fat burners and all these things that interfere with your hormones, mood or stress levels. Look after what you’re eating, get your vitamins in, and sleep seven to eight hours a day.”
Eating habits can significantly alter your decision on whether to add supplements to your diet or not. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, for example, you need additional vitamins and protein to build muscle and boost your overall physical and mental performance. Some of the most recommended supplements include fish oil tablets that contain fatty acids known as EPA (eicospantenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are essential for brain function and a healthy heart. There is also magnesium that tackles muscle ache; Nitrate that improves speed and performance; Vitamin K2 for strong bones and heart (ideal for those following a meat-free diet); and amino acid supplements that are known for repairing muscle tissue as well as reducing fatigue and boosting energy mid-workout. “I believe you have to find the right combination of ingredients to see any benefit, there’s no one size fits all protein blend or supplement,” says Amanda Rushforth, Dubai-based wellness content creator. “I think if you do take them consistently enough, you will, of course, benefit from the uptake in minerals or vitamins which either directly or indirectly will boost energy or performance. I find personally that I get more energy and see better results just by increasing my green juice intake.”
Supplements should offer support for something that is lacking in your diet but not replace it. Thoroughly analyse your fitness goals before introducing additional enhancers into your routine and your research before you buy. Consult professionals and continue with editing your diet until you have the powerful blend of what is needed to achieve your goals be they beauty related or performance enhancing.