Mary Katrantzou Is Bulgari's First Creative Director of Accessories and Leather Goods

Bulgari has appointed Mary Katrantzou as Creative Director of Accessories and Leather Goods. The announcement was made today, making the Greek designer the first and sole creative director of the jewelry house. 

Katrantzou's connection with Bulgari dates back to 2019, when the Italian jewelry company lent her its precious necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for a fashion show held at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens. Cate Blanchett wore a sensational jewel-encrusted bodice dress from the collection that matched her blonde hair at the 2020 Golden Globes. The relationship between Katrantzou and the Roman brand deepened in 2021, when she designed a capsule collection of leather bags and jewel minaudières inspired by the famous Serpenti motif: Mary Katrantzou x Bulgari.

Born in Greece and based in London, Katrantzou made a name for herself directly from Central Saint Martins in the late 1990s, specializing in the then-novel technique of digital prints. From the beginning, she had a deep fascination with jewellery. Her debut collection, purchased by the British retailer Browns, showcased hyper-realistic trompe l'oeil images of necklaces. The clothes of the subsequent collections would be compared to Fabergé eggs.

"The rich cultural heritage and the dual Greco-Roman roots of Bulgari have played a fundamental role in shaping me as a designer. I have always drawn inspiration from Bulgari's aesthetic codes and syncretism, its mastery in the use of colors, and the intensity of its storytelling. I am deeply honored to be the first Creative Director of Accessories at Bulgari—a new chapter that I hope will elevate everyday life to an art form," said Mary Katrantzou.

"The arrival of Mary as Creative Director of Accessories fills us with pride. Mary shares with Bulgari not only Greek origins but above all, a pursuit of excellence in material selection and in the way they are transformed, with a special emphasis on craftsmanship, along with a passionate love for colors. We are confident that what we are embarking on will, thanks to her vision, be a path filled with successes," said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. 

In this role, Katrantzou will be responsible for the creative direction of Bulgari's leather goods and accessories, including the exclusive collection of handbags and unique clutches from High Jewelry - unifying the high-end universe of the maison.