From Rome to Paris to New York: Bvlgari Celebrates the Calla Collection

It’s Mary Katrantzou’s first collection as Creative Director for leather goods and accessories.

Fashion fans might be familiar with Mary Katrantzou as a ready-to-wear designer best known for her brilliant prints but now she has a new job: Bvlgari’s Creative Director for Leather Goods and Accessories. The role, which was announced earlier this year, marks the first time the luxury brand has such a position and was created especially for Katrantzou. The top item on her to-do list? Creating a debut collection that does justice to Bvlgari’s rich and deep history while also establishing her own distinctive point of view for the future. Not exactly an easy task but now we’re getting a glimpse of Katrantzou’s vision as her debut collection, Calla, hits stores across the country today. The series of sleek leather and embellished handbags was inspired by a deep dive into Roman culture as well as the needs of the modern woman.

Calla takes its name from the mosaics found decorating the floors of the Terme di Caracalla, a bathhouse that was one of the seven wonders of Ancient Rome. Consisting of fan-shaped patterns in rich tones like pearl white, amethyst, emerald, and gold, these motifs also served as the inspiration for Bvlgari’s Divas’ Dream collection. For Katrantzou, the curving lines brought to mind femininity as well as a universality — the shape also resembles ginkgo leaves and calla lilies, symbols seen across cultures. And so, if the saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, then these winding paths lead straight to the heart of Bvlgari.

The most obvious interpretation can be seen in the Serpentine Duo bag, a tote that nods to Bvlgari’s history as a jewelry brand. From the trapeze shape that brings to mind the faceted cuts of gemstones to a metal handle that has a double serpent head — a direct reference to the brand’s famed Serpenti collection, Katrantzou’s attention to detail is evident. A leather quilted option nods to the winding lines of the mosaic while the hand beaded crystal evening versions are more overt. For those who prefer a more subtle take that can be worn everyday, there’s the Serpenti Sugarloaf shoulder bag, with padding that brings to mind Bvlgari’s signature cabochon cut stones, as well as the Marquise tote, with a shape taken from the cut bearing the same name. And finally, Katrantzou also included the Ginko clutch, a glittering wristlet that reinforces the universality of the silhouette.

To celebrate, Bvlgari hosted not one but two elegant dinners. During Paris fashion week, the brand took over the Palais Galliera, complete with a performance by Yseult and a red carpet that included the likes of Natalia Vodianova and Adriana Lima. In New York, what could be better than an intimate evening at Fouquet’s? Over a Roman inspired meal, Katrantzou also toasted to actress Monica Barbaro, who also happens to be a friend of the house. See images from the two nights below.