Bulgari Works With Century-Old Wicker for Its Eternal Collection
Courtesy of Bulgari
Bulgari reinterprets Vimini in its Eternal collection, weaving the heritage of centuries-old wicker craftsmanship into contemporary jewelry.
Rattan products made with intricate wicker techniques have been carried across the country for centuries, recalling a time when they functioned as everyday tote bags in pre-colonial Philippines.
Wicker dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was even found buried with pharaohs and first developed for basket weaving. Centuries later, trade with Asia introduced rattan to the West, introducing a stronger material that elevated wickerwork. Native to the tropical jungles of Asia, rattan is a vine-like palm that the Philippines produces in abundance. Its outer bark is used for caning, and the inner, reed-like section is what weaves into wicker furniture.
Over the years, wicker techniques have been adapted in various ways, including in Bulgari’s 1942 Vimini (Italian for wicker) bracelet which was made during the material shortages of World War II. The maison presents a new collection built around Vimini, featuring five pieces: a necklace, bracelet, ring, and two earrings, each exploring its own interpretation of gold.
“While envisioning this line, I kept the original archive piece in mind, captivated by its timeless allure. I was fascinated by its rhythmic geometry and warm tones of gold, which we reinterpreted with a modern sensibility,” mentioned by Lucia Silvestri, creative director of Bulgari, in a statement.
Maude Apatow wore the Vimini bracelet with matching drop earrings and a ring, while Ryan Destiny paired his bracelet with a ring and necklace. The pieces feature a flowing golden design of rhomboid elements, inspired by both industrial aesthetics and the ancient Greco-Roman woven forms behind the original bracelet.
“Launching Bulgari Eternal in Los Angeles at our new Rodeo Drive boutique allows us to honor our heritage while embracing contemporary design,” said by Hervé Perrot, Bulgari North America president, during his speech.
From ancient weaving techniques to modern design, wicker’s centuries-old craftsmanship continues to inspire, as seen in Bulgari Eternal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgari Eternal is a jewelry collection built around Vimini, the Italian word for wicker, featuring five pieces: a necklace, bracelet, ring, and two earrings, each offering its own interpretation of gold inspired by the maison’s 1942 Vimini bracelet.
Bulgari’s original Vimini bracelet was created in 1942 during World War II material shortages, drawing on wicker weaving techniques. The design references rhythmic, rhomboid geometry inspired by industrial aesthetics and ancient Greco-Roman woven forms.
Lucia Silvestri, creative director of Bulgari, led the Eternal collection, saying she was inspired by the original 1942 Vimini archive piece’s rhythmic geometry and warm gold tones, which she reinterpreted with a modern sensibility.
Bulgari launched the Eternal collection at its new Rodeo Drive boutique in Los Angeles, with North America president Hervé Perrot describing the launch as a way to honor the brand’s heritage while embracing contemporary design.
Wicker and rattan weaving have a centuries-long history in the Philippines, where rattan, a tropical vine-like palm native to Asia, was traditionally used to create everyday tote bags in the pre-colonial period, long before Bulgari’s Vimini design.