Bulgari brought its breathtaking Polychroma high jewelry collection to Los Angeles, hosting a spectacular week of events that blended cinematic history with unparalleled craftsmanship, culminating in a star-studded gala at the legendary Fox Studios. This immersive experience highlighted the brand’s vibrant Roman roots and its enduring bond with Hollywood’s most iconic figures, offering fans a glimpse into a world where luxury meets classic film magic.
The allure of Hollywood converged with the splendor of Roman high jewelry recently as Bulgari celebrated the West Coast debut of its exquisite Polychroma collection. This wasn’t just another launch; it was a week-long series of intimate experiences that culminated in a lavish gala at one of cinema’s most legendary locations, the Fox Studios film lot in Century City, Los Angeles. For classic film aficionados and jewelry enthusiasts alike, the event was a vivid testament to Bulgari’s mastery of color and its deep, storied connection to the world of movies.
The Polychroma Collection: A Masterpiece of Color and Craft
First unveiled in May of this year, the Polychroma collection is a true marvel, boasting 600 unique creations that showcase a dazzling spectrum of 56 precious and colored gemstones. This arrival on the West Coast introduced even more exclusive pieces, cementing Bulgari’s reputation for bold hues and audacious design. From magnificent $9 million yellow diamond rings to the distinctive Tubogas necklaces centered on cabochon-cut sapphires, each piece underscores the Roman jeweler’s singular approach to vibrant stones.
As Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, stated, the brand is “thrilled to share the bold hues of Polychroma with the city of Los Angeles.” He further emphasized Bulgari’s commitment to celebrating its “Roman roots while embracing the distinct character and energy of each place we touch” as it deepens its presence in the United States, foreshadowing a new flagship boutique set to open on Rodeo Drive next month. Elle detailed his statement regarding the collection’s arrival.
A Star-Studded Gala at an Iconic Cinematic Location
The pinnacle of the week’s events was a glitzy gala held on October 22nd at Fox Studios. This iconic location, which has served as the backdrop for classic films like “Hello! Dolly” and TV shows such as “Charlie’s Angels,” was spectacularly transformed. Guests were welcomed onto a meticulously recreated New York street, complete with brownstones and bodegas, before being treated to an unforgettable evening.
Among the luminaries in attendance were Viola Davis, Kirsten Dunst, Jon Hamm (accompanied by Anna Osceola), and Julius Tennon, all adorned in an array of dazzling Bulgari jewels. The evening featured a captivating performance by Tony Award–winning actress and singer Idina Menzel, who famously sang “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen. The dinner itself was served in an empty soundstage, which was artfully decorated with long tables, crimson floral displays, and white tarps overhead that mimicked kites, illuminated in deep reds, blues, and greens reflective of the Polychroma palette.
The choice of Fox Studios for this grand event was particularly significant, resonating deeply with fans of classic cinema. The studio has a rich history as a hub for groundbreaking productions and has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of American film for decades, offering a perfect marriage of cinematic legacy and timeless jewelry artistry. You can explore the history of this storied location on the Walt Disney Studios official website.
Immersive Pre-Gala Experiences: A Nod to Film and Art
Before the grand gala, Bulgari curated a series of exclusive experiences for its guests, setting the stage for the collection’s vibrancy:
- A Conversation on Color in Film: At the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel, guests were invited to a special discussion with Oscar-winning costume designer Mark Bridges. Introduced by acclaimed actress Laura Dern, Bridges, known for his work on films such as “Boogie Nights,” “Joker,” “Phantom Thread,” and “The Artist,” delved into the profound importance of color in filmmaking and character development. Bridges famously won Academy Awards for his costume design in “The Artist” and “Phantom Thread,” achievements recognized by the Academy Awards official site.
- Private Viewing at Eva Chow’s Estate: The collection was officially unveiled to guests inside the private estate of renowned designer and Los Angeles social figure Eva Chow. Her Spanish-style home, blending with contemporary art, provided an elegant backdrop for visitors to experience the Polychroma pieces up close, displayed amidst Chow’s own impressive art collection.
Hollywood’s Dazzling Ensembles: A Closer Look at the Jewels
The celebrities present embodied the spirit of the Polychroma collection, showcasing Bulgari’s breathtaking creations:
- Viola Davis captivated in a platinum high jewelry necklace, featuring a striking 5.07-carat pear diamond surrounded by marquise and fancy-cut diamonds. She complemented this with matching platinum earrings, an onyx-accented ring, and a Serpenti Forever chain pochette in black calf leather with emerald-green lining and a gold-plated snakehead closure.
- Kirsten Dunst exuded soft glamour, opting for pink gold pieces from Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti line. Her ensemble included a high jewelry necklace and bracelet adorned with mother-of-pearl elements and pavé-set diamonds, paired with elegant viper earrings and rings in rose gold. She completed her look with a sleek black ginkgo clutch.
- Jon Hamm presented a sophisticated masculine style with the Octo Roma Naturalia watch in rose gold, featuring tiger’s eye details and a tourbillon movement. He also wore a high jewelry brooch in yellow gold, set with onyx and a magnificent 13.44-carat rubellite.
- Idina Menzel, true to her vibrant performance, wore a high jewelry necklace in pink gold, featuring a 14.87-carat cushion spinel, 23.29 carats of emeralds, and over 25 carats of pavé-set diamonds. Her look was enhanced with a pair of emerald earrings and a bold ring in pink gold, showcasing a 5.32-carat octagonal emerald.
Bulgari’s Enduring Legacy: Where Roman Grandeur Meets Cinematic Artistry
Bulgari has long been synonymous with the glamour of cinema, with its iconic Serpenti necklaces and bracelets famously worn by film legends such as Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci, and Elizabeth Taylor both on-screen and in real life. This latest Los Angeles celebration reaffirmed that powerful connection, seamlessly blending the house’s rich Roman heritage with Hollywood’s distinctive character and energy.
The “Polychroma” collection and its dazzling launch events signal a splendid new chapter for Bulgari, one that continues to marry unparalleled craftsmanship with a celebration of color and a touch of movie magic. For fans of classic films and exquisite jewelry, this unforgettable week provided a rare glimpse into the artistry that defines both worlds.