Reimagining its flagship store in Rome, Bvlgari brings the fabled essence of Italian lifestyle to Hong Kong

Few experiences in life are as pleasurable as a shopping trip to Rome, wandering the fashionable streets of the Via dei Condotti down to the Colosseum. With the redesign of Bvlgari’s new flagship store in Hong Kong’s Central district, however, shoppers can enjoy the Eternal City’s sophistication and joie de vivre a stone’s throw from home.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

Designed by renowned American architect Peter Marino, the revamped Bvlgari boutique at Landmark Chater draws inspiration from architectural elements of the mythic brand’s flagship store on Via Condotti in Rome, including a reproduction of the iconic door complete with a hand-crafted replica of the lantern that hangs over the entrance.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

Roman inspiration is ubiquitous, from the marble portals reminiscent of the city’s 17th-century architectural style to the Venini glass chandelier and the Pantheon dome.

Incorporated in the floor at the entrance is the brand’s signature eight-pointed Condotti star in red porphyry—a universal symbol of balance, harmony and cosmic order—and also a graphic representation of the saying Roma caput mundi—all roads lead to Rome.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

Meanwhile, the High Jewellery Room, designed specially by Marino, features windows covered with saffron-coloured silk to recreate the earthy colours of Italy, and four majestic marble columns that divide the interior, reminiscent of Rome’s baroque architectural style.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

For a refreshing break, shoppers can enjoy aperitifs in the Happening Lounge. A few steps away, the VIP Area echoes the charm of the Salottino Taylor private room at the via Condotti boutique in Rome, the lounge where Elizabeth Taylor would escape from the paparazzi through the secret door of Palazzo Marucelli-Lepri to chat with Gianni Bvlgari—and buy some breathtaking jewels, of course.

 

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

A word of warning: stepping out of this ode to Italian architecture and on to the sticky, skyscraper-filled streets of Central can be a little disconcerting—but at least now you know that la dolce vita is nearby.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari

From June 11 until August 31, Bvlgari is bringing Aperitivo to its Landmark Chater store, where you can enjoy complimentary Italian beverages and snacks alongside the fashion house's magnificent creations in absolute privacy. Make your exclusive reservation here

Bvlgari, Shop G3, G/F, Landmark Chater, 8 Connaught Rd Central, +852 2523 8057, bulgari.com

 

Topics