The Designer’s Entry Into the Newly Created Role Continues the Brand’s Push Beyond Jewelry
Mary Katrantzou has been appointed to the role of creative director for leather goods and accessories at Bulgari, marking the establishment of a newly formed position within the company.
A Greek native residing in London, Katrantzou gained recognition shortly after graduating from Central Saint Martins in the late 2000s, specializing in digital placement printing. Her early work demonstrated a keen interest in jewelry, evident in her Central Saint Martins MA collection, which featured hyperreal trompe l’oeil images of necklaces. Subsequent collections drew comparisons to Fabergé eggs.
In her new role at Bulgari, Katrantzou’s responsibilities span from leather day bags to silk products, including one-of-a-kind or highly specialized high-jewelry bags. She expresses curiosity about the transition from adornment to functionality, leveraging Bulgari’s extensive archive as a creative resource for transformation. Her association with Bulgari dates back to 2019 when the company provided precious jewelry for one of her fashion shows in Athens. This relationship further flourished in 2021 with Katrantzou’s design of a capsule collection inspired by Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti motif.
“Mary’s arrival makes us very proud,” said Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin in a statement. “She shares with Bulgari not only the Greek origins, but above all the search for excellence in the choice of materials, the way in which they are transformed with a particular emphasis on craftsmanship and a passionate love for colors.”
Following her relocation to Athens during the pandemic, where she also became a mother, Katrantzou will split her time between her home base and Bulgari’s design studios in Florence and offices in Rome. She will continue managing her own business headquartered in London.
Mary Kantrantzou’s inaugural pieces for Bulgari are expected to debut in stores in August of this year.
