Louis Vuitton 2011 Annual Report Download - page 99

LVMH 2011
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WATCHES & JEWELRY
BULGARI
— Since 1884 —
Born in a family of Greek silversmiths,
Sotirio Bulgari, the company’s founder,
manufactured precious silver objects.
During the late 19th century, Sotirio moved
to Italy and in 1884, opened his first shop in
Via Sistina, Rome. In 1905, with the help of
his sons Costantino and Giorgio, he inaugu-
rated the shop in Via Condotti. Today, that
shop remains Bulgari’s flagship store.
In the early 20th century the two
brothers developed a deep interest in pre-
cious stones, jewelry and watches. They
improved their expertise and gradually
took over their father’s role in the manage-
ment of the business. The period immedi-
ately after the Second World War marked
an important turning point in the history of
Bulgari. Giorgio and Costantino decided to
move away from the dominant disciplines
of the French goldsmith school to create
a unique style inspired by Greco-Roman
classicism, the Italian Renaissance, and the
19th century Roman school of goldsmiths.
In the 1950s-60s, the bold and innovative
style of Bulgari had gained success within
the movie world.
With the growth of its international
reputation, Bulgari began its first phase of
global expansion in the 1970s, opening
stores in New York, Geneva, Monte Carlo
and Paris.
In 1977 Bulgari launched the BVLGARI
BVLGARI watch, a worldwide success story,
considered an all-time classic.
Following a period of strong growth
during the 1980s, Bulgari began to diversify
its product portfolio in the early 1990s. In
1992 Bulgari created its first fragrance, Eau
Parfumée au Thé Vert, which was soon fol-
lowed by ten other successful fragrances. In
1995, to support its international expansion
and continue its diversification, Bulgari
decided to launch a public oering on the
Milan Stock Exchange. In 1996, Bulgari
created its first textile collection, introduc-
ing silk scarves and a range of fashion
accessories made of the most exclusive
fabrics. A year later, a wide range of leather
accessories and eyewear collections were
launched, representing an additional step
in the development of a complete line of
Bulgari contemporary accessories.
In 2001 Bulgari announced the creation
of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, a joint venture
with Marriott International. The first
Bulgari Hotel opened in 2004 in Milan, and
was followed in 2006 by a resort in Bali. In
2009, to celebrate its 125 years of design,
Bulgari opened the first world retrospective
on the history of the brand in Rome.
While it remains faithful to its heritage,
Bulgari continues to seek new ways to
express its creativity and offer its fans a
unique way of thinking and living luxury.
FRED
— Since 1936 —
In 1936 Fred Samuel, the “Modern
Jewelry Designer”, opened his shop at 6
rue Royale in Paris. An innovative designer,
he created jewelry lines inspired by fashion
and the mood of the time.
His bold and creative genius attracted
international celebrities, including Marlene
Dietrich. The jeweler for artists and film
stars, Fred designed a large number of
matched pieces for the 7th Art, including
the superb ruby necklace studded with dia-
monds worn by Julia Roberts in the film
“Pretty Woman.”
In 1995, Fred opened a second chapter
in its history by joining the LVMH Group.
Drawing from the origins of the Fred
spirit, the team of designers is reinventing
a contemporary, creative, exuberant and
sensual style that respect the fundamental
rules of jewelry.