Find out how a modest Greek boy created a world-famous brand. Read more about the history of Bvlgari

Bvlgari is a luxury fashion house with a distinctly Italian signature; a name that has become synonymous with masterful craftsmanship, quality materials and unrivalled design. But where and how did the story of the brand itself begin? Today we will tell you exactly that story, which inspired our whole team.

The Bvlgari brand was founded in 1884 by Sotirio Bulgari, and the name of the fashion house is derived from the surname of its founder (the letter "v" in the word is actually the classical Latin form of the letter "u", which is why it is simply pronounced "Bulgari"). Sotirio Bulgari was of Greek origin. He was a descendant of a family of craftsmen and mastered the jeweller's trade well while still young. His first shop in Paramythia, Greece, can still be seen today. In 1877 Sotirio left his hometown and went to Corfu, later settling briefly in Naples, but the turning point in his life was his arrival in Rome in 1881. It was the Eternal City that took in Sotirio and his idea of Bvlgari. This is where the brand was born in 1884. At that time Bvlgari was still conceived as a brand producing only jewellery.

A Bvlgari store in Rome. Photo: bulgari.com

Sotirio opened the company's main store in 1905. The premises (its location is also distinctive, namely the prestigious Via dei Condotti, leading to the Spanish Steps) became both a home and a source of inspiration. With real passion and professionalism Sotirio fought to build a good name for his brand and make it popular. The prerequisites for the brand to become a future emblem of Italian excellence in the world of fashion were already visible.

But what actually inspired Sotirio on the road to success? Undoubtedly, the answer lies in listening to the echo of Rome's long history, grand architecture, style and culture. The brand skilfully interweaves Rome's rich past with contemporary designs, seeking a new interpretation of classical themes and trying to capture the elusive in history through the centuries. Classic, yet contemporary and innovative: this is the signature of the brand, which has endured for 130 years. A sense of eternal beauty, refinement and tradition, successfully upholding its name for Italian quality and style. That is why the Bvlgari designs are so famous and recognisable: they combine stylistic boldness, and were created with sensuality, love and reverence for art, history and majestic architecture.

The store on Via dei Condotti became host to an international elite of artists, writers and actors during the Dolce Vita period (the 1950s and 1960s). In the 1950s Italy became the design centre of Europe, where Bvlgari took the colour revolution to a whole new level. The brand won the attention of the world's elite and became a favourite of film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Quickly recognisable for their quality, splendour, bright colours and sense of refinement, the jewels created under this brand soon became known among the local bourgeoisie and later among the country's high society. Bvlgari stands out for a bold and unprecedented style, exploring unusual colour combinations, with special attention to rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The brand's jewels come alive in a colourful palette of combinations. The talented Italian jeweller quickly established himself as an expert in the design of coloured gemstones. Bvlgari's creations have symmetrical, compact forms and lavish, high-quality gemstones. The gemstone is ideal for achieving a sense of volume, brilliance and contrast. The beauty of the stone is what truly makes Bvlgari one of a kind, and it is the heart of the design of their jewellery...

Beyond Italy's borders, the brand began to grow in the 1970s. The brand's first international stores opened in 1970 in New York, Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo. The company's overall vision also expanded, and it entered the world of watchmaking. In 1975 the first Bvlgari watch was launched. In 1980 the company Bvlgari Time was founded in the capital of Swiss watchmaking. Over the years the subsidiary perfected its line and became a world-class watch manufacturer.

Over the years the film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Sophia Loren, Romy Schneider, Gina Lollobrigida and many others became regular visitors to Bvlgari stores.

The Bvlgari store in London. Photo: bulgari.com

Gradually the company expanded its scope to the production and sale of jewellery, watches, bags, accessories and perfumes. In 1992 Bvlgari launched its first fragrance - Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert. This proved to be a turning point in the history of world perfumery altogether. Following its principle of capturing refinement, sophistication and elegance, the brand stayed true to itself this time too. Bvlgari perfumes for women and men are one more jewel of elegance. The charm of dazzling gemstones, inspired by the power of nature and a sense of opulence, also captivates the fragrances of the famous Italian brand. Popular fragrances include:

Women's perfumes:

Bvlgari Aqva Divina

Bvlgari Goldea

Bvlgari Goldea The Roman Night

Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste

Bvlgari Omnia Paraiba

Bvlgari Splendida Iris d'Or

Bvlgari Splendida Rose Rose

Men's perfumes:

Bvlgari Aqva Amara

Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme

Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Atlantiqve

Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Marine

Bvlgari BLV Pour Homme

Bvlgari Man Black Cologne

Bvlgari Man In Black Essence

Proof of Bvlgari's professionalism is also the fact that its fragrances were created in collaboration with renowned perfumers Annick Menardo, Alberto Morillas, Jacques Cavallier, Sophie Grojsman, Béatrice Piquet, Carlos Benaïm, Daniela Roche Andrier, Nathalie Lorson and Jean-Claude Ellena.

In 1996 Bvlgari launched its refined accessories collections. With its incomparable standard, the Bvlgari Group also works on the design of hotels and resorts, presenting contemporary luxury and exceptional design in Milan, Bali and London. In 2011 Bvlgari became part of the luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which further expanded the brand's possibilities.

Telling stories of the refined nature of Italy, the name Bvlgari has become synonymous with vivid colour and individuality, elegant style and unsurpassed craftsmanship. In every Bulgari project and product, luxury is of paramount importance. 130 years later Bvlgari is no longer a fledgling jeweller in the heart of Rome, but a world-famous brand that owes its success to constant creativity, unsurpassed design, masterful craftsmanship and a bold pioneering spirit.