Here are the elements you shouldn’t miss when visiting the latest luxury destination in Makati
“All roads lead to Rome” is what the historic Via Condotti eight-pointed star symbolizes. And with its presence at the new boutique of Bulgari in Makati, it is safe to say that we now have a more special and direct connection with the Eternal City.
As Manila slowly loosens its pandemic restrictions, shopping establishments are beginning to welcome Filipinos back to their stores after being closed for quite some time. During those downtime periods, they’ve reimagined their spaces, bringing new vibes and sceneries for people to enjoy in their return. For retail destination Greenbelt in Makati City, one of the newest jewels is Bulgari's new boutique.
“We refer to our boutiques not just as stores, but as temples. Temples of beauty and representations of everything that Bulgai holds dear, including our Roman heritage, the premise that we are a master of colored gems,” Bulgari regional managing director for South Asia Pacific Jeffrey Hang says. “You can see all of these aspects very well encompassed in the concept and the look of the boutique, not to mention the products, of course.”
Opened to the public last Oct. 15, 2021, the 198-square meter concept store offers an escape to a world of elegance and heritage. La dolce vita comes into one’s life upon entering its entrance flanked by white Travertino Navona round columns, an ode to its Roman and Grecian roots. Warm earth tones courtesy of apricot-colored furnishings and upholstery, Italian crystal chandeliers, and Bois Jourdan marble exude a sense of ancient Rome.
“The store follows the concept and artistic direction of the celebrated American architect Peter Marino, who has partnered with Bulgari, among many other luxury brands, in reinterpreting the architectural and aesthetic heritage of ancient Rome into cutting-edge, contemporary design,” the luxury brand says. “In fact, Marino is widely credited for reshaping and redefining modern luxury retail by skillfully bringing the legacy of designers or brands to the fore through architecture, thus allowing clients to deepen their appreciation and relationship with their preferred labels.”
Mirroring Marino’s aesthetic, the store houses curated furnishings such as the Mangiarotti table, Oswaldo Borsani sofas, and an oval-shaped counter with light galvanized iron inspired by the works of Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.
Of course, one shouldn't miss its treasures. Delicately displayed are the brand’s Serpenti collection evoking power, femininity, rebirth, and rejuvenation to twisted metals and gems; the timeless and Roman coliseum-inspired B.Zero1 line; and the exclusive to Metro Manila only, the Manila Resort limited-edition collection; among others.
Anyone can assure a VIP treatment with its private sales room inspired by the days when Italy was at the pinnacle of the film era. Think of yourself as Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn in the glamorous 1950s and 1960s shopping at the label’s Via Condotti—an experience with opulence and style.
Say “ciao, Bulgari!” and visit its store in Greenbelt 3 or explore it online via 360° virtual tour, because, as we all know, pandemic or not, there’s always a reason to love jewelry.