2011 Sep 06 125 Years of Italian Magnificence: Bulgari Brings Out the Bling
Haute jeweler Bulgari dazzled media, celebrities and VIP guests at the opening for its retrospective exhibition last Saturday at the National Museum of China.
The seven-gallery show, “125 Years of Italian Magnificence,” displays more than 600 pieces of fine jewelry, watches and other precious objects that document the legacy of the brand, from its inception in the late-nineteenth century to the present day.
More than 100 of the pieces are being revealed to the public for the first time. Most come from the historical archives of Bulgari’s vintage collection, while others are on loan from private owners, namely film stars.
Speaking of film stars, the exhibition uses its star power to strategically illustrate the evolution of Bulgari, and in turn of style, jewelry and “Italian magnificence.” Walls of TV screens show actresses wearing their designs, from Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren to Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba – a nod to Bulgari’s ability to remain relevant throughout the ages.
The exhibition concludes with a gift shop where visitors can purchase a book compiled around the event, Bulgari: 125 Years of Italian Magnificence.
This marks the first time the exhibition, which launched in Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni in 2009 and the Grand Palais in Paris last year, is being shown in Asia. The show is expected to travel to Shanghai and Hong Kong later this year.
Below are photos of a few of the celebrity attendees at Saturday’s opening cocktail reception.
The exhibition opened to the public yesterday and will run until November 3.
"125 Years of Italian Magnificence." National Museum of China. Daily 8.30am-4.30pm. East side of Tian'anmen Square, Dongcheng District (6512 8910) 东城区天安门广场东侧
Photos: Carleen Wang, Weibo
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