Inside the New Bulgari Icons Minaudière Collection

This fall in Japan, I attended the “Bulgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures, and Crafts” exhibit at the The National Art Center in Tokyo. The exhibition showcased over 350 pieces from Bulgari’s rich history of archives dating back over 140 years to when the house was founded in 1884. The exquisite jewelry was shown alongside equally exquisite minaudière bags. One evening bag in particular caught my eye—a circa 1976 clutch designed in fluted gold, set with sapphires and diamonds, and finished with a tasseled silk cord—a piece so timeless that it looked completely modern despite the museum setting. I later learned that Bulgari would be relaunching a new collection of minaudière bags, which debuted this week.

Launched under creative director Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari introduced the new Icons Minaudière Collection with designs that embody both heritage and innovation. In each of the bag designs, Katrantzou reimagined Bulgari’s five timeless symbols, Monete, Serpenti, Tubogas, Divas’ Dream and Bulgari. “Each minaudière was conceived not simply to hold objects,” Katrantzou shares, “but to hold meaning, blending high craftsmanship with cultural storytelling.” Each of these symbols were linked with campaign stars Isabella Rossellini, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Linda Evangelista, Sumayya Vally, and Kim Ji-won, shot by Ethan James Green under the artistic direction of Ferdinando Verderi. Ahead, see more on Bulgari’s new Icons Minaudière Collection and campaign.

Bulgari Tubogas Minaudière

Bulgari Serpenti Minaudière

Bulgari Divas’ Dream Minaudière

Bulgari Minaudière

Bulgari Monete Minaudière