A Feast For The Eyes

With a nod to Italian festivals and other festivities, Bulgari’s new Festa high jewellery collection is a riot of colours and whimsy that captures the euphoria of a celebration. FRANÇOIS OOSTHUIZEN travels to Venice for the global launch

 

- Francois Oosthuizen

THE 16TH-CENTURY Palazzo Papadopolli on Venice’s Grand Canal with its Murano chandeliers, sumptuous Rubelli silk wall coverings, gilt mirrors and original frescos is a fitting setting for another kind of spectacle contained within its majestic walls today: A collection of over 300 pieces of magnificent jewels and watches — one of the largest ever presented by the Roman jeweller.

Italy’s feste come in many guises, from celebratory festivities at harvest time, traditional regional festivals like the famous Palio di Siena in Tuscany or the Tarantella in the south, to children’s parties and grand regal balls. Whether they take place in the streets and squares of the cities, alongside the canals of Venice or in the palaces of the aristocracy, these celebrations have one common denominator: They represent the essence of the Italian way of life — an expression of pure joy and happiness. Bulgari’s latest collection mimics this philosophy with gusto and brazen authenticity — best described by the phrase, “Facciamo festo!” (let’s have a party).

“The festa runs deep in our way of life,” says Lucia Silvestri, jewellery creation and gem buying director at Bulgari. “The theme is closely linked to Bulgari, as one of the purposes of our jewels is to give joy and happiness to the women who wear them. A woman who wears Bulgari jewels is also a woman who has a grasp on her life. She chooses her own way and makes her destiny larger than anyone would have ever dreamed.