“Time is one of our most valuable currencies,” says the musical artist, designer, comic book creator, and NFT collaborator.
If you’re missing the clubs, perhaps you should check out the latest collaboration between Bulgari and contemporary renaissance man Steve Aoki. This team up gave birth to the Bulgari Aluminum Steve Aoki Special Edition, a festive timepiece that reflects their shared values.
Aoki couldn’t be prouder and more grateful of this partnership. “Bulgari is a company that stands for tradition, for craftsmanship, for quality. These core principles are sacred to me and guide how I both aspire to live and create,” says 43-year-old American.
Tomorrow man
Described by some as an “unabashed futurist,” Aoki might be best known for his achievements in the music industry, being a two-time Grammy nominee, Dim Mak Records founder, and nightlife icon. He has also teamed up with quite a number collaborations with many big name musical acts, including Linkin Park, LMFAO, will.i.am, Iggy Azalea, and the Backstreet Boys.
But the Benihana restaurant scion has more than dabbled in other creative pursuits. He has launched a clothing line named after his record label as well as a series with Impact Theory Comics called Neon Future. This year, he began collaborating for Non-Fungible Tokens, which has since sold for millions. Aoki’s Dream Catcher NFT, which dropped in March, raked in more than $4 million while a second digital art line named after his comics was announced in April.
“Right now, we’re in a new renaissance. We’re so excited about this huge world that’s going to open up and be everywhere,” Aoki says in an interview with CNBC. “Anyone can make it. You don’t need a big company to do it. You can do whatever you want with it.”
Shining through
The Bvlgari-Aoki watch seem to be similarly future forward. Fitted with a dial bearing the artist’s graphic logo, the timepiece is coated with Superluminova, which allows it to radiate in the dark, much like Aoki’s performance pre-pandemic.
Featuring a B77 Calibre and 42 hour power reserve, the 40mm watch’s caseback and rubber bezel is made with diamond like carbon titanium. It is 100m water resistant, with bracelet made of rubber with aluminum links, and an aluminium ardillon buckle.
Throughout its history, the Rome-based luxury house has gravitated to color in its creations in its desire to stand out from prevailing aesthetic formalism. Bulgari says it speaks the language of the Mediterranean—warmth, conviviality, colors, and joie de vivre—which is also expressed by Aoki through his music.
“Time is one of our most valuable currencies and that is why together we mindfully and meticulously designed a beautiful timepiece that upholds the strong standards of quality and craftsmanship that both Bulgari and I stand for,” Aoki says. “I’m beaming with pride and excitement to share this new timepiece with the world and cannot wait to share what else we have coming together.”
For more information, visit Bulgari.com.
