Mary Katrantzou is Bulgari's first Creative Director for accessories and leather goods
The appointment of Mary Katrantzou as Bulgari's Creative Director of Accessories and Leather Goods was announced on April 2, 2024, following a previous collaboration - the launch of the capsule collection "Serpenti through the eyes of...".
Mary Katrantzou is the jewelry house's first and only creative director. Katrantzou's connection with Bulgari began in 2019 when the Italian jewelry company lent its precious necklaces, bracelets and earrings to the designer's fashion show held at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens. The relationship between Mary Katrantzou and the Roman brand deepened in 2021 when a capsule collection of leather handbags and jeweled minidresses was designed, inspired by the famous Serpenti motif: Mary Katrantzou x Bulgari.
Mary Katrantzou was born in Greece and lived in London after studying at university. She made a name for herself in the late 1990s, specializing in the then-new technique of using digital printing. From the very beginning, the designer had a passion for jewelry. Her graduate collection, acquired by British retailer Browns, contained hyper-realistic images of a trompe l'oeil necklace. Clothes from subsequent collections would be compared to Fabergé eggs.
“The rich cultural heritage and dual Greco-Roman roots of BVLGARI have played an integral part in my formation as a designer. I’ve always been inspired by the design codes and syncretism of BVLGARI, its mastery of colours and the depth of narrative. I’m deeply honoured to be the first Creative Director of BVLGARI Leather Goods and Accessories, leading the creative vision for this new chapter and elevating everyday life into a form of art. I want to express my deepest gratitude to @mireialmontoya for introducing me to the world of BVLGARI and to @jc.babin for his trust in me and welcoming me to the family.” - said Mary Katrantzou in a statement.
"We are very proud to have Mary as Creative Director of Accessories. Mary shares with Bulgari not only a Greek background, but above all a commitment to excellence in the choice of materials and their transformation with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, as well as a passionate love of color. We are confident that what we are starting, thanks to her vision, will be a path full of success," said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari.
In this position, Mary Katrantzou will be responsible for the creative direction of Bulgari leather goods and accessories, including an exclusive collection of handbags and one-of-a-kind High Jewelry clutches.
