When it comes to exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive creations, Bulgari is no stranger to challenging the limits by blending contemporary aesthetics with classic elegance. Its latest autumn/winter 2023 leather goods and accessories collection is no exception.
Named Kaleidoscopia, the five-part collection—spanning leather goods, textiles, and eyewear—invites us to embark on a journey through a world of colours, textures, and shapes that are inspired by the intricate beauty of kaleidoscopes. This reflects the myriad of mesmerising patterns and the opulence that characterises the brand.
Photo: Bulgari.
Kicking off the dynamic spirit of Kaleidoscopia is the pre-delivery collection of leather goods called Joyful Spring. The collection features bags inspired by the house’s iconic Serpenti motif. This season’s highlights include the Serpenti Forever Bay shoulder bag—a fresh addition to the Italian luxury house’s repertoire. Named after its distinctive design that is reminiscent of beautiful inlets where the sea meets the land, the bag’s flat and elongated shape is paired with a modular chain strap, making it perfect for switching from hand-carry to shoulder or short-crossbody use.
The strap’s innovative dovetail mechanism allows for effortless conversion into a single, longer shoulder strap. And following in the footsteps of Bulgari’s long legacy of convertible jewellery, an additional chain segment allows for further extension, offering even more on-trend styling options.
Light remains a cornerstone of inspiration for the Roman jeweller. The first delivery of the collection, Vibrant Summer, is set to make its debut in May, and will introduce a captivating fusion of light and colour with materials that embody happiness and creative freedom.
The collection’s vibrant essence is highlighted by the shimmering silver striated calf leather on three unique bag styles: the Serpenti Forever, the Serpentine Vertical Tote, as well as the latest Serpenti Forever Bay. The striated—or streaked—effect recalls the beauty of rough diamonds, while the metallic finish gives it an extra luxe touch.
Then there is Eclectic Fall, the final chapter for the leather goods collection scheduled to launch in August. Drawing inspiration from the rich textures and warm hues of the changing seasons, one of the highlights is the Serpenti Forever Crystal Dust Suede bag. Available in two sizes, it is adorned with nearly 11,000 crystals on black as well as gold dégradé suede. The snakehead closure is enhanced with a shimmering “diamond-cut” effect for a refined golden touch to the design.
Photo: Bulgari.
Breaking free from the traditional use of couture materials, the iconic Italian luxury house has elevated denim into a luxe pattern. The innovative design is crafted by the brand’s master artisans who cut, treat, heat-glow, and sew by hand four different types of high-quality denim to create a unique texture. The resulting pattern recalls the sinuous lines of a snake and a tangle of lights, adding an extra touch of ease to the Serpenti Forever shoulder bag and Serpentine Pouch.
The Serpenti Forever shoulder bag features a metallic element on the sliding snake body-shaped chain strap, creating a beautiful contrast with the nuances of the bag. The Serpentine Pouch, on the other hand, comes in a striking mix of distinctive coolness and effortless glamour with the new patch denim style.
As one of the first high jewellers to embrace the world of prêt-à-porter, Bulgari continues to push the boundaries of design to create works of art. This is evident in its latest collection of scarves. Embodying the fusion of iconic design, craftsmanship, and gem-inspired colours, the house’s silk creations are transformed into “little jewels” with a more modern aesthetic.
Celebrating the brand’s enduring symbol is an exclusive selection of shawls and scarves that feature various stylised versions of the snake motif—all to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Bulgari Serpenti.
This season’s eyewear collection also sees classic lines like Serpenti, B.zero1, Bulgari Bulgari, and Bulgari Aluminium reimagined with fresh styles that blend jewellery aesthetics and contemporary design. This fusion of shapes, iconic details, and a balance between tradition and innovation further showcases the brand’s eclectic identity.
The standout Serpenti Viper sunglasses, for instance, feature serpent-like lines. With an angular frame and distinctive motif on the temples, these sunglasses come in two interpretations: rose gold-plated metal and a contrasting black lacquered frame with rose gold-plated temples. A minimalistic butterfly-style optical version further enhances the collection.
The collection also offers contemporary designs for men. Timeless aviator shapes return in the form of Bulgari Aluminium sunglasses. A classic rectangular shape with iconic details such as the emblematic screw and Bulgari logo on the temples complements the range, while emphasising style and comfort with a black leather insert on the bridge.
With the autumn/winter 2023 leather goods and accessories collection, it is safe to say that Bulgari wants us to go on a vibrant journey—one that traverses a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and shapes that celebrate the brand’s rich heritage.
