Bulgari Revives Archival Designs with New ‘Vimini’ Collection

A Journey Through Heritage: Introducing Bulgari Eternal

Bulgari has unveiled its latest jewelry collection, ‘Vimini’, marking the inaugural chapter of the new ‘Bulgari Eternal’ collection. This ambitious series aims to delve into the Maison’s rich archives, breathing new life into historical pieces with a contemporary vision. According to Jean-Christophe Babin, the outgoing CEO of Bulgari, ‘Bulgari Eternal’ represents a bridge between past and future, celebrating the brand’s capacity for reinvention and transforming heritage into innovative, modern expressions of artistry.

The Inspiration Behind Vimini

The ‘Vimini’ collection draws direct inspiration from a cornerstone of Bulgari’s brand DNA: an archival bracelet dating back to 1942. Created during World War II, a period of significant material and social constraints, the original bracelet is a testament to boundless creativity. The name ‘Vimini’, meaning wicker in Italian, pays homage to the ancient techniques of basket weaving used by Greek and Roman artisans, translating this humble craft into precious gold. Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s Creative Director, expressed her captivation with the archival piece’s timeless allure, its rhythmic geometry, and warm gold tones, which have been reinterpreted with a modern sensibility for the new collection.

Fine Jewellery: A Modern Reimagining

The core ‘Vimini’ collection features five exquisite pieces crafted from 18-karat yellow gold: a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, and two distinct earring styles. These designs showcase an undulating motif of rhomboid-shaped gold elements, inspired by the essentiality of the Italian Rationalism design movement. The collection emphasizes Bulgari’s mastery of gold shaping, transforming rigid geometry into fluid, tactile pieces designed to move naturally with the body. Key pieces include:

• The ‘Vimini’ bracelet ($18,900)
• The ‘Vimini’ necklace ($38,800)
• The ‘Vimini’ ring ($5,950)
• The ‘Vimini’ earrings ($11,900)
• A singular ‘Vimini’ earring ($2,490)

Each creation highlights sculptural modules joined by invisible flexible links, a hallmark of Bulgari’s exceptional savoir-faire, where ingenuity and aesthetic excellence converge.

High Jewellery: Avant-Garde Innovation

Beyond the fine jewellery line, ‘Vimini’ extends into the realm of one-of-a-kind high jewellery creations. These pieces push the boundaries by incorporating avant-garde materials like diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated steel alongside 18-karat yellow gold and pavé diamonds. DLC, known for its extraordinary hardness, resistance, and friction-reducing properties, imparts a deep, velvety black color that creates a dramatic contrast with the yellow gold and diamonds. This innovative use of materials allows Bulgari to explore an unprecedented dimension in jewelry design. The high jewellery offerings include chokers, classic necklaces, and audacious poncho-style designs, showcasing a bold chromatic tension between gold and black, light and shadow.

A Seal of Heritage: The ‘BE’ Hallmark

As a symbol of continuity and the enduring dialogue between Bulgari’s past and its contemporary vision, each creation within the ‘Bulgari Eternal’ collection is presented with the archival ‘BE’ hallmark. This seal signifies heritage, imagination, and enduring artistry, underscoring Bulgari’s commitment to celebrating its legacy while forging ahead with innovation.

Availability and Future Outlook

The ‘Vimini’ collection debuted on January 15 and is available on the Bulgari website. This collection is seen as a significant indicator of Bulgari’s future direction, leveraging its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, commitment to new craftspeople, and a dedicated school for aspiring jewelers to weave designs from its past into its future.