Bulgari has reimagined its Hong Kong Landmark Chater flagship with a design concept specially developed by American architect Peter Marino.
Opened in 2002, the flagship has been restyled to now occupy more than 3000sqft of the facade of the Landmark Chater.
The design draws inspiration from architectural elements of the brand’s flagship store on Via Condotti in Rome, including a reproduction of the iconic door complete with a hand-crafted replica of the lantern that hangs over the entrance.
Incorporated in the floor at the entrance is the brand’s signature eight-pointed Condotti star in red porphyry – a universal symbol of balance, harmony and cosmic order, and also a graphic representation of the saying “Roma caput mundi” (all roads lead to Rome).
“Entering the store is like a walk in the city of Rome, kissed by the sunlight; with a central main ambiance that resembles a promenade or Italian piazza, then opening up the view to other spectacular rooms,” says Bulgari. “The round ceiling vault pays homage to the Pantheon dome, as well as to the cupolas of typical Baroque churches.”
In the main entrance, a light bronze oval-shaped counter in galvanized iron, inspired by the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, is an invitation to browse the store and to explore Bulgari’s iconic collections.
Jewellery is presented on original Eros marble tables designed by Angelo Mangiarotti. The High Jewellery Room, custom-designed by Marino himself, is enriched with Imperial Saffron silk.
A stairway in Pavonazzetto marble leads to the Happening Lounge, a VIP area that echoes the lounge originally dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor, where the Hollywood actress would spend hours after escaping from the paparazzi through a secret door to chat with Gianni Bulgari. Today, Hong Kong shoppers can have aperitifs in the lounge.
On the other side of the store, the Bridal Room welcomes couples in an intimate atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the High Jewellery Room, designed specially by Marino, features windows covered with saffron-coloured silk to recreate the earthy colours of Italy, and four majestic marble columns that divide the interior, reminiscent of Rome’s baroque architectural style.
Until August 31, Bulgari has Aperitivo at the store, offering complimentary Italian beverages and snacks.