Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3
Cover Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3

The famed Italian jewellery house offers an escape to a world of elegance and heritage

Bulgari’s 198-sqm Manila boutique store opened last October 15th at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. Strategically located in the country’s leading financial district and in one of the city’s high-end retail centres, the jewellery and watchmaker brand’s boutique brings la dolce vita to life.

The entrance is flanked by white Travertino Navona round columns that speak of the brand’s affinity to its Roman and Grecian roots. Upon stepping inside, clients are embraced by luscious, earth tones that bring to mind the Eternal City’s ambience. Bois Jourdan marble at the entrance threshold, sweeping views of apricot-coloured furnishings and upholstery, as well as illuminating crystal chandeliers, made and flown in from Italy welcome visitors to a contemporary experience of both Bulgari and Italian heritage.

Linking the Greenbelt store to all the other Bulgari boutiques around the globe is the historic Via Condotti eight-pointed star, which symbolises the saying “all roads lead to Rome”. Rendered in red porphyry, the star is a focal point from which patrons can see all the major sections within the area. These sections include galleries for ladies and men’s watches and jewelleries, accessories as well as a dedicated area for bridal jewellery.

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'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3
Photo 2 of 2 Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3

The store follows the concept and artistic direction of the celebrated American architect Peter Marino, who has partnered with Bulgari, among many other luxury brands, in reinterpreting the architectural and aesthetic heritage of ancient Rome into cutting-edge, contemporary design. In fact, Marino is widely credited for reshaping and redefining modern luxury retail by skillfully bringing the legacy of designers or brands to the fore through architecture, thus allowing clients to deepen their appreciation and relationship with their preferred labels.

Marino’s touch can be seen too with the choice of furniture that pay tribute to the tradition of Italian design. Different pieces such as the Mangiarotti table, Oswaldo Borsani sofas, chairs or clubchairs complete the store’s seamless blending of classic and contemporary. An oval-shaped counter with light galvanised iron inspired by the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa is an enticing invitation to saunter around the boutique to explore, discover and shop. Adorning the very centre of the store is a crystal chandelier that adds a gleam of decadence to the jewellery on display but at the same time, highlights the warm, rich palette of the store.

Tatler Asia
Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3
Above Bulgari opens its refurbished store in Greenbelt 3

At the rear end of the shop, VIPs are entertained at an oval, private sales room inspired by the days when Italy was at the pinnacle of the film era. In the 50s and 1960s, many Hollywood stars came to Rome to make movies, and one of them was Elizabeth Taylor. It was during the epic, golden years of the dolce vita when she visited Via dei Condotti while filming in Rome. She, among many other film goddesses, was Bulgari’s great inspiration for the VIP room concept, the jewellery and Peter Marino’s design.

The redesigned Bulgari store is truly, an escape—a space to indulge in all things luxurious.

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of the newly opened Bulgari Greenbelt store by clicking on this link.

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