There are grand unveilings, and then there is Bvlgari’s Aeterna—an ode to eternity, artistry, and the maison’s relentless pursuit of beauty. The Roman maison recently presented its most extraordinary high jewellery collection yet against the mystical backdrop of Angkor Thom, Cambodia.
A testament to Bvlgari’s enduring legacy and its ability to reinvent itself with each passing era, Aeterna embodies the symphony of tradition and modernity, weaving together the maison’s Roman roots with avant-garde craftsmanship. Each creation is an opus of high artistry, where rare gemstones and impeccable designs capture the essence of timeless beauty.
As Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin eloquently put it: “With this collection, we have successfully brought together the roots of the brand with irresistible innovation and excellence. Today, in Siem Reap, one of the most impressive architectural sites in the world, where more than ever East meets West, we embark on an aesthetic journey that honors the timeless spirit of Bvlgari.”
The unveiling of the collection took place in front of the Bayon Temple, a relic of Cambodia’s rich past. This architectural marvel—renowned for its enigmatic stone-carved faces—served as the perfect stage for Bvlgari’s grand reveal. Framed by the intricate silhouettes of ancient stone, the gala dinner was a visual symphony of culture, artistry, and haute joaillerie.
An elite guest list of global tastemakers and Bvlgari’s Friends of the House, including “Mai” Davika Hoorne, Ho Ngoc Ha, Mile Phakphum, GRAZIA Singapore cover girl Pia Wurtzbach, as well as local stars Ayden Sng, Shawn Thia and Xenia Tan gathered to celebrate the collection’s grandeur.
Bvlgari’s reverence for heritage shone through the evening’s cultural performances, seamlessly intertwining Roman opulence with Cambodian tradition. The Apsara Dance, performed by dancers adorned in gilded costumes, told tales of celestial beauty with every graceful movement, mirroring the collection’s intricate designs. Adding to the spectacle, Cambodia’s first Western opera singer, Sethisak Khuon, serenaded the audience with a performance that encapsulated both legacy and innovation—an echo of Bvlgari’s own ethos.
And just when the evening couldn’t get any more magical, a breathtaking drone show lit up the sky, tracing constellations of light that mirrored the luminous gems of Aeterna. It was a celestial nod to Bvlgari’s eternal dance with the cosmos, a house that has long found inspiration in the stars.
The celebrations continued with an exclusive showcase at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, where the Aeterna collection was displayed in a setting worthy of its grandeur. Inspired by the architectural vision of Lina Bo Bardi and enriched by Venetian weaving house Rubelli’s jacquard tapestries, the exhibition space was a masterpiece in itself. Prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi adorned the walls, bridging Rome’s artistic past with contemporary craftsmanship.
This exquisite setting allowed guests to fully appreciate the Aeterna collection’s unparalleled artistry, where each piece seamlessly bridges Bvlgari’s rich cultural heritage with a forward-looking vision. From opulent necklaces dripping in radiant gemstones to timepieces that redefine haute horology, Aeterna is a celebration of both legacy and limitless creativity.
READ MORE
Bvlgari Rings in the Year of the Snake with a New Serpenti Collection
From Lisa To Pia Wurtzbach, All The Celebrities At Bvlgari’s Sparkling Tubogas Event In Bangkok
Modern Family: Bvlgari’s Tubogas Blends Tradition With Innovation