The Story of Italian Luxury Brand – Bvlgari

Bvlgari (pronounced “Bull-guh-ree”), a renowned Italian luxury fashion house, was established in 1884. 

While Bvlgari manages the core aspects of design, production, and marketing, the company occasionally collaborates with other entities. For instance, Bvlgari eyewear is crafted under a licensing agreement with Luxottica. In 2001, Bvlgari partnered with Marriott International to introduce the prestigious Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, an exclusive collection of upscale properties and resort destinations worldwide.

Presently, as a proud member of the LVMH Group, Bvlgari originated in the region of Epirus, Greece, in 1884. It was founded by the skilled silversmith Sotirios Boulgaris (Greek: Σωτήριος Βούλγαρης, Italian: Sotirio Bulgari) as a modest jewelry boutique. Over the years, this humble shop has blossomed into a globally recognized brand. Bvlgari has emerged as a key player in the luxury market, boasting a well-established and expanding network of boutiques worldwide.

History of Bvlgariy

Founded in the heart of Rome, a city soaked in history and artistic brilliance, lies the tale of Bvlgari, a brand that has defined Italian luxury for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a silversmith’s workshop in 1884 to its current status as a symbol of luxury and innovation, Bvlgari has woven a rich history of heritage and creativity. 

How To Pronounce Bvlgari 

Before discussing Bvlgari’s legacy, let’s answer a common question: How do you pronounce “Bvlgari”? The brand’s name may appear daunting, but fear not, it’s pronounced as “Bull-guh-ree.” 

Who Owns Bvlgari

The experienced Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari founded the brand which initially prospered by creating exquisite silver ornaments. These intricately crafted pieces garnered praise from English tourists venturing on the traditional Grand Tour of Europe. This early success began with opening new stores, with Via Condotti becoming an essential goal for the brand.

Sotirio’s sons, Giorgio and Costantino, realized the potential to promote the family business and joined their father in the business and suggested that the family company could focus on high jewellery in order to grow, taking advantage of the fruitful legacy of silversmithing.

The 1920s witnessed the emergence of Bvlgari’s high jewellery creations influenced by the traditional French school, incorporating platinum, diamonds, and Art Déco design. However, it was in the 1940s that the unmistakably Italian Bvlgari style began to take shape. The brand adopted the warm hues of yellow gold and the sinuous forms of the Serpenti creations, crafting pieces that exuded Italian flair and sophistication.

Bvlgari’s creation knew no bounds. By the mid-1950s, they introduced bold combinations of precious and coloured stones. Drawing inspiration from Rome’s iconic cupolas, cabochon-cut gems became synonymous with the brand, celebrating the spirit of colour.

During the Dolce Vita era, Bvlgari’s store on Via Condotti became a haven for movie stars and socialites, catapulting the brand to international stardom. In the early 1970s, the company expanded its presence in Europe and the United States, solidifying its status as a global luxury icon.