Bulgari launched the B.Zero 1 Labyrinth collection at a cocktail reception in the Sage Bar of the Makati Shangri-la. The iconic jewelry line of the Italian luxury house was enthusiastically received by the jeweled set whose demographics cut through different generations.
Colosseum on a Finger
The B.Zero 1 debuted in 1999 and became one of Bulgari’s most popular collections. It was inspired by the Colosseum in Italy that Emperor Vespasian built from AD 72 to AD 80. The amphitheater in the center of Rome was translated into a band that fused ceramic and gold, affirming Bulgari’s Italian heritage, particularly to the Eternal City. Bulgari opened its first store on the Via Condotti in Rome. The ring was a piece of Italy on the finger, with the distinctive Bvlgari logo visibly inscribed on the rim of the outer circle.
While the B.Zero1’s draws from the
past, the industrial design established the connection to the current mileau. It is contemporary, created through an interlocking of long metal strips sans soldering, held together by two flat rings. After the first generation of the B.Zero1, several variations have since been created throughout the years, using combinations conceived by artistic imagination.
WATCH: Video, Entering the Launch of the B.Zero1 at Sage Bar in Shangri-La Makati
WATCH: Video, Sage Bar Turned into Bulgari Events Space for the B.Zero1
Edgy Iteration of an Icon
The Labyrinth Collection was presented at a young and hip event over the weekend, showing stylish interpretations in rings and pendant necklaces. Guests parted black curtains and walked through a blue tunnel after being stamped with a glow in the dark Bulgari mark. It opened up to a party place with free flowing drinks and a well-curated menu of finger food set up around the bar.
Opposite the bar, B.Zero 1 was spelled out in big letters in front of people-size spirals. Bulgari ladies held out trays displaying pieces of the Labyrinth collection, inviting guests to make their selection and have their photographs taken while wearing the rings and necklaces.
The ladies mixed and matched pieces that came in rose gold, white gold and diamonds, stacking rings and combining bands and pendants. Their combinations showed the versatility of the Labyrinth Collection that could be worn as everyday jewelry as well as for glamorous occasions.
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Free from Convention
Further in, guests milled around the display stands that showcased the different designs of the Labyrinth Collection. The jewelry showed inspired Italian innovation that was not retrained by convention. The necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets were jewelry of architectural fluidity that strung around chains or hoops, clasped at earlobes or dangled on wrists. Pavé diamonds set in 18kt rose gold and white ceramic, B.zero1 one-bands in 18kt white gold with one round brilliant cut diamond, bangles and hoop earrings in 18 kt white gold were statements of new rules being made, rocking tradition for a new classic.
The party mood was escalating as the night progressed. Besides the food stations, wait staff passed around trays of savories and replenished empty glasses with more wine. When the live band began to play, spontaneous dancing revved up the remaining hours of the day. It was happy abandon to the music, capturing the spirit of the unconstrained codes of the Bulgari B.Zero1 jewelry.
