Mary Katrantzou, known for her striking digital prints and architectural designs, has embraced a new chapter as Bulgari’s first-ever creative director for leather goods and accessories.
In a recent interview with AFR, Katrantzou who founded her eponymous label 15 years ago, reflected on her new role and the evolution of her collaboration with the luxury brand.
In her latest venture with Bulgari, Katrantzou has spent four years studying the brand’s heritage and culture before launching her debut collection of bags and silk scarves.
Her work with Bulgari began with high-jewellery collaborations and expanded into fragrance and accessories.
This has led to her signature “Calla” fan motif, inspired by Rome’s Terme di Caracalla, which now graces a range of luxury bags.
“There had to be a statement of intent,” Katrantzou explained, referring to her approach to the collection’s design.
The new bags, including the Serpenti Duo tote and Serpenti Sugarloaf shoulder bag, feature meticulous embellishments and a fusion of high jewellery craftsmanship with leather goods.
“We’ve created special pockets within each category that feel almost like the ‘high jewellery’ of bags,” Katrantzou said, highlighting a $16,750 forest-green tote with a sequinned design that mirrors Bulgari’s iconic Tubogas spiral viper necklace.
Katrantzou’s personal touch is evident in her designs, such as the upcoming Ginkgo clutch, which reflects her admiration for the ginkgo leaf—a symbol of resilience and strength in South-East Asian cultures.
“It’s a more minimal approach, but in every drop, I want there to be more diverse offerings,” she said.
Balancing her own label and her Bulgari role, Katrantzou works from both Athens and Florence, managing a small team for her brand while collaborating with Bulgari’s larger development team.
Despite the challenges, she finds joy in the creative process, calling her current phase one of “highly creative instinct.”
With her vision now taking shape at Bulgari, Katrantzou continues to break new ground in both fashion and luxury accessories.
Source: AFR.
