The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actress and jewellery brand ambassador for Bulgari Singapore embodies the bold strength and character of the Serpenti
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Bulgari’s Serpenti, the Roman brand’s iconic snake motif that adorns its jewellery creations, watches, bags and more. The women who choose to wear Serpenti—the Serpenti women—include many notable names like Elizabeth Taylor, Naomi Campbell, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway and more.
Just like the serpent represents rebirth and renewal in mythology, the Serpenti woman too is iconic, timeless and versatile. She is unafraid of change and of reinventing herself. These are qualities boldly embodied by actress Fiona Xie, who is a jewellery brand ambassador for Bulgari Singapore.
Below, the Crazy Rich Asians star shares her affinity with Bulgari and what it means to be a Serpenti woman.
In case you missed it: How Bulgari's Serpenti has evolved over 75 years
Share with us your most memorable encounter with Bulgari’s Serpenti.
Fiona Xie (FX): It was at the global premiere of Crazy Rich Asians in Los Angeles, a powerful and mesmerising experience I’ll always hold on to. With the serpent—a symbol of seduction and rebirth—around my neck at such a watershed moment for Asians in Hollywood, the Serpenti felt like a hypnotic sign of collective transformation. It was an indelible night. A legacy! It has now paved the way for further diversity and inclusivity. A new dawn arises.
Just as a snake sheds its skin, the Serpenti woman reinvents herself through inner strength and charisma. Can you share some examples of how you have reinvented yourself?
FX: The Serpenti woman is a symbol of transformation, a creature of pure imagination and creative energy. I’ve always believed in the infinite possibilities of the human spirit. To reinvent oneself is to embrace that plurality, to come into the abundance of life.
If change is inevitable, intentional transformation is what leads us towards growth and discovery. Traversing between cities such as New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai and Los Angeles, I’ve always had a spirit of curiosity and a mindset to evolve across all my roles and interests as an actor, fashion icon, art curator, collector, angel investor, philanthropist, daughter, lover and friend. I challenge myself to pivot quickly and harness new ideas while maintaining a foundation of personal values and a tribe with credence. Progress moves at the speed of trust.
Reinvention is also key in my work with brands and creative collaborators, which spark joy and imaginative inspiration. I especially enjoyed this year’s Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and Serpenti campaigns, which my team and I gleefully crafted and executed. Thank you, Bulgari, for the opportunity to co‑create more impactful projects for 2023.
The Serpenti woman is also bold and confident. When do you feel most confident?
FX: The serpent is often associated with wisdom and knowledge. The ancient Greek god Apollo was often depicted with one, which was seen as a symbol of his knowledge and wisdom. In the Bible, the serpent is the creature that tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, granting her and Adam knowledge of good and evil.
The pursuit of wisdom is what underpins my confidence. I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. In order to take control of my own destiny, I approach life with a beginner’s mind; to be teachable, to find inspiration and enlightenment, and to hold space for inner dialogue and processing. I strive to be better tomorrow than who I am today. It is in these moments that I’m able to harness my inner wisdom and grow. This quiet confidence is the fire that fuels my soul and the light that guides me through the darkest nights.