The Spring/Summer 2011 capsule collection of handbags by Matthew Willamson for Bulgari
Bulgari unveils the exclusive capsule collection of handbags designed by the British fashion designer Matthew Williamson for the 2011 Spring/Summer season.
The boldly modern, even futuristic spirit that underlies the collection is most clearly expressed in geometric lines, visionary kaleidoscope prints, maxi jeweled details and intensely powerful colors that lend a ‘tropical urban’ essence to the line.
The search for linear and symmetrical forms, motifs and details inspired by art and architecture, stunning combinations of colors and materials – unmistakable features of all Bulgari creations – gave the stylist the original idea: transpose the esthetic language of the Italian brand to the materials and lines of this handbags collection.
The color palette chosen by Williamson, predominantly green, blue and pink, reflects the tonalities of the most prized stones and metals, which in turn ignite the more daring and intense colors of the bespoke kaleidoscope prints that pay homage to the exotic atmospheres and plays of color for which the British designer is renowned.
Leathers and fabrics for the capsule collection - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
The collection offers an emotional journey of the senses, the result of an insightful cross-contamination of the signature features and core strengths of Matthew Williamson and the Bulgari brand. It manifests itself in the creative flair of this special line of accessories that reflects an ‘urban landscape’ suspended between precious inspirations, exotic influences and contemporary architectures.
“For this capsule collection I wanted to create a particular kaleidoscope drawn from the rich Bulgari heritage in fine jewellery whilst also attaining a modern, contemporary feel”, explains Matthew Williamson. “I am thrilled to have worked with Bulgari on this collection, having long admired the house for its fascinating history, the formal elegance and style of its creations.”
The Capsule Collection
The collection features a line of calfskin hobo bags with braided leather handles and a line of calfskin clutches for day to evening, each available in two different sizes, matching with a small range of coordinated wallets.
Small hobo bags in embossed calf leather with braided leather shoulder strap and diamond shape closure - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
Small clutches in embossed calf leather with diamond shape closure - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
Wallets in embossed calf leather with diamond shape closure - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image>
The hexagonal motif embossed onto the leather gives all four models a look of contemporary vitality, echoing the dynamic heartbeat and architectural geometry of the modern metropolis.
Leather embossing for the capsule collection - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
The oversize jeweled closure, finished in light gold, palladium or ruthenium and set against the nuanced surface of the leather, reproduces the form of a diamond, radiating a soft luminosity from every bag.
Details of the diamond shape closure for the capsule collection - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
The palette is composed of richly saturated colors like blue sapphire, rubellite pink, emerald green and bronze, while a fine, sinuous chain, inspired by the serpentine forms that often recur throughout Bulgari’s collections, becomes the distinguishing feature of the shoulder strap clutch.
The folds of the matching lining come alive in three seductive kaleidoscope prints – emerald palm, sapphire galaxy and crystal butterfly – whose luminous chromatic harmonies and lively patterns play on the bright tones of green, blue and pink.
Quality control of the medium clutch - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
In Williamson’s unique imaginarium precious gems and singular ornaments, the quintessence of Bulgari design, magically emerge into the light from their jewel boxes to sparkle against backgrounds of luxuriant tropical scenes and modern crystalline galaxies, or to transform into stylized butterflies that evoke the enchantment and vitality of a sort of ‘modern urban jungle’.
The line of city totes captures all the dynamism and velocity of metropolitan life, with its rhythm marked out by appointments, shopping and weekend getaways, and transforms it into a selection of contemporary bags realized in a special glossy coated canvas that ensures maximum durability and versatility. The bold color palette, inspired by jewel tones of rubellite, emerald and sapphire, is carried through these tote bags, which feature the three statement kaleidoscope bespoke prints and are trimmed with fluorescent fuchsia, green and electric blue patent leather.
City totes in kaleidoscope-print canvas and fluorescent patent leather - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
A selection of original, vintage-inspired minaudières completes the collection. The model pays homage to the precious evening bags produced by Bulgari in the early 1950s, a must-have accessory for the fashionable ladies of the time. The hexagonal form, which alludes to the geometric motif subtly embossed on the calfskin bags, is wrapped by fine silk printed with the three bespoke kaleidoscope patterns and graced by a snake chain shoulder strap.
Hexagonal minaudières in kaleidoscope-print satin with snake chain strap and diamond shape closures - Click on the image (right key) to download the hi-res image
The exclusive “capsule collection”, which represents Bulgari’s first partnership with a fashion designer for an accessories collection, was entirely realized, in close collaboration with Matthew Williamson, at the Florence Accessories Atelier, where all of the Bulgari leather products are created and crafted.
Matthew Williamson commented about the collection: “I enjoyed working with the Bulgari team to create a capsule collection which featured a high level of bespoke hardware. The delicate snake chain straps and graphic, jewel closure encapsulates a sense of luxury within the embossed leather group. The jewel fastening also recalls the faceted crystal shapes which appear within the bespoke kaleidoscope prints on canvas and silk lining. The craftsmanship applied in the making of the collection is unparalleled, and evident in the hand stitched braided leather shoulder straps seen on the hobo bags”.
Bulgari’s CEO Francesco Trapani also commented: “We chose Matthew Williamson for the great sense of color and design he brings to his work which resonates with our brand’s rich history”.
The Matthew Williamson for Bulgari Spring/Summer 2011 capsule collection will be available at Bulgari stores starting from January 2011.
Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson rose to fame after showing his debut collection ‘Electric Angels’, during London Fashion Week in 1997. He became instantly known for his signature use of bright, intricately detailed pieces which defined his highly recognisable aesthetic. Following this initial show, Williamson’s collections have continued to gather momentum, cementing his reputation as an internationally renowned designer and one of the UK’s leading designer talents. In 2005 Matthew was appointed as Creative Director of Italian House Emilio Pucci – a natural progression with his reputation for kaleidoscopic color and modern fashion design. He worked there for 3 years. Today he continues at the design helm of his namesake company, while receiving numerous awards and accolades, including the Red Carpet Designer of the Year presented to him at the 2008 British Fashion Awards.
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