WONDERS NEVER CEASE

Outdoing itself in innovation and creativity was never the question for Bulgari, as Yanni Tan finds out during the Paris launch of the house’s new garden-themed high jewellery collection.

-  Yanni Tan

Late springtime in the world’s fashion capital ushered in a fresh flurry of activity not seen since Covid times. Tourists were once again flocking to Paris, boutiques and cafes were bustling, and in Place Vendôme, the global epicentre of high jewellery, Roman jeweller Bulgari is taking its rightful place among a French-born glitterati of heritage jewellery brands.

Those familiar with the City of Lights would already know that the cobble-stone square distinguished by a towering bronze column of Napoleon is where generations of royals and wealthy patrons have traversed since the late 19th century, in search of the finest gemstone creations. It can be said that another chapter of Place Vendôme’s history has begun with the opening of Bulgari’s gleaming new flagship boutique last July.

ROMAN RADIANCE

Situated at a prominent location at the northern end of Place Vendôme, this “temple” of wonders is the creative brainchild of none other than Peter Marino, who led the massive refurbishment project. Together with four artisan laboratories, he expanded the original space fronting Rue des Capucines by a good 50 per cent across two 17th-century palais, redesigning and restoring it according to strict regulations by France’s historical monuments department.

Now, with an entrance facing the square’s Napoleonic column, which was styled after Trajan’s Column in Rome, Bulgari’s Roman connection with its historical twin city is complete. And it was here, at 23 Place Vendôme, where the magic for a very exclusive group of media including Prestige, began.