Ode to Rome
Fabrizio Bounamassa, watch design director at luxury jewellery connoisseur BVLGARI talks about his labour of love while designing for the label its Diva jewellery collection inspired by Bulgari’s Roman roots.
1. The motifs in the watch have been modelled after Roman mosaics and Caracalla thermal baths, what inspired this architectural take on the Diva timepieces?
For Bulgari the architectural and the Roman elements are very important, we need something that explains the history of the brand and at the same time can magnify our “savoir faire” as one of most iconic jewellers in the world. Diva is the perfect example; the Roman mosaic motif became the signature of the new collection. The geometrical element with its contemporary interpretation is absolutely in line with the Bulgari design approach. We have transformed the 2D drawing into something that explains its own sensuality through the new shape; with Diva the Caracalla mosaic theme became a new shape that conveys all the brand values.
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2. Apart from the archetypical woman of success that these watches have been modelled after, is there a particular icon from any industry that you personally envision in one of the Diva timepieces?
Personally I don’t imagine only one icon when I design a new product. The Bulgari client is daring, she loves objects with a distinctive, iconic design and unique Italian taste. Our inspirations are the stars of the ‘50s and ‘60s but also our contemporary testimonials could be an inspiration for us.
3. How important is it to balance the upkeep of Bulgari's timeless heritage with a need to constantly innovate? Do you ever fear repetitive elements or does the brands Roman heritage offer inspiration in plentiful?
The Bulgari archive is a great inspiration for me, our heritage is full of different signs and shapes, we have to take the right one and evolve it into a new product; the Serpenti collection is the right example. Diva is a different story; it is a new sign that comes from Roman history. We have different creative points of approach but eventually we strive to convey the brands values and to create a Bulgari product.
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