The iconic Bvlgari Serpenti has seen many interpretations in a wild variety of colours, prints and materials across its lifespan so far, with names like Alexander Wang and Ambush’s Yoon Ahn giving the bag their own spin. For its latest reincarnation, the Roman jewellery house has teamed up with London-based Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou on an exclusive capsule collection marrying her poetic, exuberant style with the Maison’s fine craftsmanship.
Launched as part of the “Serpenti Through The Eyes Of” series initiated in 2017, the capsule sees a transformation of the bag into three fresh designs: the Serpenti Metamorphosis bag, the Serpenti Metamorphosis Handle bag and the Serpenti Metamorphosis minaudière.
True to Katrantzou’s reputation as the “queen of prints”, all three bags reflect her maximalist expression through vibrant nuances and playful jewellery-inspired touches. Each creation sends the optimistic message of rebirth, evolution and change through elements that evoke both the snake’s transformative nature and the spellbinding metamorphosis of butterflies.
Starting with the Serpenti Top Handle shape in Nappa as her canvas, the Greek designer reimagines the transformation of a coiled serpent into a riot of flying butterflies – resulting in the Serpenti Metamorphosis bag. At the core of its design is a fierce depiction of the snakehead closure, complementing the intricate three-dimensional embroidery.
A testament to true Haute Couture masterwork, each bag takes more than 40 hours of work by a skilled artisan to complete. It comes in White Agate, Crystal Rose and Emerald Green for the smaller size, and Black in the larger size – all in very limited quantities.
On the other hand, the Serpenti Metamorphosis Handle bag brings life to the “handle” in the shape of a metal snake – a first for the bag. The serpent blends in with the ultra-soft, smooth quilted Nappa body, combining the Maison’s jewellery DNA and leather goods artistry. Embodying the concept of metamorphosis down to the last detail, the versatile bag can morph into a vibrant crossbody by removing the handle and attaching a golden chain strap. Completing the statement piece is Katrantzou’s interpretation of the snakehead closure, adorned with pear-shaped gemstone eyes and a range of precious gems, including Ivory Opal, Crystal Rose, Aegean Topaz, Carmine Jasper and Black.
Lastly, the Serpenti Metamorphosis minaudière encapsulates the hypnotic beauty of the iconic snake head both literally and figuratively – exalting the sensuality of its hexagonal scales and drop-shaped eyes. Inspired by the Bulgari Serpenti watch, it’s a Bulgari first to be translated into a minaudière. It comes in two different styles: a small, in scintillating light gold or gold with long or short double chain strap that allows it to be worn cross body or on the wrist; and a medium designed for hand carry, available with black and white, multicolour or crystal rose enamelled scales.
Highlighting the theme of metamorphosis, the collection shows off Katrantzou’s mastery of textiles in striking patterns and colour combinations that play on the collision between the butterfly and the snake motif, ranging from light cashmere and silk foulards to ultra-versatile silk shelleys. All bags also come with an internal metal tag featuring the “Mary Katrantzou x Bvlgari” signature.
French fashion photographer Hugo Comte immortalises the collection through a campaign modelled by Russian philanthropist and beauty icon Natalia Vodianova, who is portrayed wearing Haute Couture jumpsuits specially created by Mary Katrantzou for the occasion.
The capsule collection will be available in selected Bvlgari boutiques worldwide and on Bulgari.com from April 15. For pre-order and enquiries, contact your preferred store or the BVLGARI Concierge via email at sg_cc@bulgari.com.
Photos: Bvlgari