On September 30th 2008, Bulgari will celebrate the opening of its new Paris flagship store. Located at the corner of Rue François 1er and Avenue George V, the new store will be the fourth location in Paris following the boutiques on Avenue Montaigne and Place Vendôme at number 10 and 25. It will also be the largest Bulgari store in Europe with 1.500 square meters of retail space on two levels.
Francesco Trapani, Chief Executive Officer of the Bulgari Group, thus commented: “I am very proud of this magnificent new store, which further consolidates the Bulgari brand’s presence and visibility in Paris, which has always been a key market for luxury goods and a city where we are returning to invest with great determination after opening our store on Place Vendôme in 2005. We spent three years searching for this prestigious location, and the final result perfectly represents the high quality and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Bulgari style.  This location simultaneously offers the jewellery, watch, and accessory collections the right profile in an exceptional space and a luxury shopping experience to our customers.”
Inspired by the volumes and architecture of ancient palaces, the new Bulgari store uses all of the brand codes, reinterpreted with great finesse by the company’s in-house architectural team. It embodies a new architectural concept, the “twin store,” with two separate entrances for two worlds which subtly mingle inside through the clever arrangement of materials and soft colours.

The outside “rotunda” façade features a sophisticated contemporary design, spaced by diamond-shaped columns in gris pulpis marble.
Facing Rue François 1er, shoppers will find a complete assortment of jewellery and watches. On the Avenue George V side, glass display cases will showcase the latest Bulgari accessories collections for men and women. An entrance in the centre of the “rotunda” provides a link between the two spaces.
Tall petal-shaped ivory columns treated with encaustic soar up towards the next level, illuminated by the light of a large chandelier specially made by master Italian glassmakers. The chandelier cascades downward from the transparent glass dome over the “rotunda”.

A wide copper staircase is concealed behind all this transparency and light. Its suspended ramps and glass side panels provide the staircase a floating appearance. With its luminous risers – a hallmark of the new architectural concept for Bulgari stores – it leads visitors towards the suspended display cases containing fine jewels from the High Jewellery collection.

The overall store design is alternated by panels of stone and oak treated with encaustic, jewellery display cases and large panels of silk stretching from floor to ceiling. Soft, warm colours mingle naturally such as bleached oak and rich, glossy brown oak, Trani marble and encaustic finishes.
The six-meter-high space in the accessories area is enclosed by a steel-mesh display balustrade.
A light-coloured, diamond-shaped wall, treated with encaustic and decorated with Trani marble, connects the accessories and jewellery areas.

This architectural achievement has been realised by 250 craftsmen and workers from 35 companies. Altogether, they will have removed more than 550 tons of rubble, all of it recycled according to the environmental practises, and installed nearly 50 kilometres of cables. The 1,000-square-meter space will be fitted with 65 tons of fine marble.

The Bulgari Group is a major player on the global luxury market. In 2007, its sales totalled 1.091 billion euros. Bulgari stores are located on the most prestigious shopping areas around the world and the brand has a network of selective distributors. As of June 30, 2008, the 252 existing Bulgari boutiques included 155 directly owned by Bulgari. The Bulgari product portfolio ranges from jewellery and watches to accessories and fragrances. The Group is controlled by the Bulgari family, which owns approximately 52% of its capital, with the remaining 48% being traded on the Milan Stock Exchange.

Ancient and antique coins mounted in sleek gold or steel tubogas mounts are signature pieces of Bulgari in the 1980s as well as bold jewels set with vibrantly coloured gemstones often cabochon cut and calibrated.

Two colour gold necklace, set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds and cornelian, 1980

Two-colour gold tubogas and ancient coin necklace, 1980

The 1970s are characterized by a production of striking jewels either set with important gemstones or unusual colour combinations often typified by bold geometrical motifs or stylized naturalistic elements. Sautoirs (long necklaces) are a favourite of the decade. Elegant and unusual tubogas snake watches are also a feature of the period.

Emeralds, rubies and diamonds sautoir, 1971

Gold, yellow and blue sapphires, pale blue agate, citrine and diamond sautoir , 1972

Lady’s bracelet-watch in 18 kt yellow gold, 1972

Characteristic of the 1960 is the extensive use of cabochon gemstones of daring colour combinations such as green, turquoise and purple  (emerald, turquoise and amethyst) or blue, green and red (sapphire, emerald and ruby). In the early years of the decade Bulgari created fine jewels of floral design, in particular brooches set with variously fancy coloured diamonds where the flowerheads were mounted on springs enabling the flower to oscillate with every movement.

Tremblant brooch in platinum with white and yellow diamonds, 1962

Evening bag in 18 kt yellow gold with turquoises and diamonds, 1963

Necklace and matching earrings in yellow gold with turquoises, cabochon amethysts, cabochon emeralds and diamonds, 1965

The jewels of the 1950s are characterised by flowing lines often lavishly set with precious gemstones or made of intricate gold mesh. Favourite Bulgari jewels of the period are delicate floral bouquets.

Diamond ‘en tremblant’ flower spray brooch, 1958

Earrings in white gold with cushion-cut rubies, baguette-cut diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds.

In the 1940s Bulgari jewels tend to present stylized floral motifs mainly mounted in gold either, yellow or pink, diamonds are used sparingly due to the scarcity of supplies caused by World War II.

Bracelet watch in gold and diamonds, ca 1942

Brooches in yellow gold with fancy sapphires, rubies and diamonds, 1945

The 1920s are characterised by jewels mounted in platinum, precious and semiprecious gemstones featuring delicate geometrical designs.

Sapphire and diamond ring, 1925

Lady’s wristwatch in diamonds and platinum, 1920

The early 1990’s witness a definite diversification strategy for Bulgari. The establishment of Bulgari Parfums in Switzerland  marks the Group’s entry in the high-end perfume market.
On July 17th ,1995 the Holding Company Bulgari S.p.A. is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.
It is now also traded at the IRS of London Stock Exchange.
In 1997 Bulgari introduces its first silk collection, made up of scarves and ties, featuring original designs and top quality Italian craftsmanship.
The following year, 1998, sees the launch of the Leather Goods and Eyewear collections.
In 2001 Bulgari announces the creation of Bulgari Hotels&Resorts, a joint venture with Mariott International with the aim of opening a small and exclusive number of luxury hotels in most major cities and resorts all over the world.
The first Bulgari Hotel is opened in Milan in 2004. October 2006 the second property by Bulgari Hotels & Resorts opens in Bali.
2007 Bulgari Hotels & Resorts - Tokyo Restaurants opens two locations in Tokyo: Il Ristorante, on the top four floors of the Bulgari Ginza Tower, Il Cafe’ and Il Cioccolato in Omotesando.

Bulgari’s international expansion begins in the 1970’s with the opening of the first overseas store in New York, followed by others in Paris, Geneva, and Monte Carlo.
In the 80’s Bulgari launches the BVLGARI BVLGARI watch, a worldwide success story, considered an all-time classic.
These years also see the establishment of Bulgari Time Neuchâtel – a company specially founded to produce all Bulgari watch lines.
In 1984 Giorgio’s sons, Paolo and Nicola Bulgari, respectively become Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Company, while their nephew, Francesco Trapani, is appointed Chief Executive Officer.

The period immediately after the Second World War marks an important change in the history of Bulgari. It represents a turning point for the Company, which moves away from the dominant strict rules of the French goldsmith school, and creates its own unique style.
The inspiration comes from Greek and Roman classicism, with a special take on Italian Renaissance, and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths.