Editor’s Note
This article previews the upcoming BVLGARI KALEIDOS exhibition in Tokyo, an event that promises to trace the brand’s artistic journey through a stunning display of historical and contemporary jewelry.
From September 17 to December 15, 2025, BVLGARI KALEIDOS is being held at the National Art Center, Tokyo. The exhibition name ‘Kaleidos’ originates from the Greek words ‘kalos’ (beauty) and ‘eidos’ (form), symbolizing a splendid journey of aesthetics and creativity. The exhibition features nearly 350 masterpieces from the BVLGARI Heritage Collection and important private collections, spanning from the brand’s early days to the contemporary era. These works not only highlight the profound cultural affinity between Italy and Japan but also celebrate the shared passion for art between the two nations. Notably, the exhibition invites three contemporary female artists—Lara Favaretto, Mariko Mori, and Akiko Nakayama—to participate, adding more imaginative space through their unique perspectives and insights.
Through films, interactive spaces, and artistic dialogues, Bvlgari’s world of color aesthetics unfolds vividly before the audience, taking them on an in-depth exploration of the ultimate craftsmanship of gemstones and precious metals.
This heritage retrospective is divided into three immersive chapters, revealing Bvlgari’s color revolution layer by layer.
The first chapter, “The Science of Colors,” examines the effects of color from a scientific perspective. It features a 1940 citrine and diamond bracelet, crafted in gold and platinum, being exhibited outside Italy for the first time. The gemstones on the bracelet shimmer with a golden light reminiscent of a Roman sunset. Another highlight is a platinum bracelet featuring cabochon-cut sapphires and rubies paired with diamonds, showcasing Bvlgari’s classic red-blue color contrast.
The second chapter, “Color Symbolism,” explores the meanings and emotions behind colors. Key exhibits include rare jade jewelry from the brand and the legendary “Seven Wonders” platinum necklace. Set with seven emeralds and accentuated by diamonds, it was once worn by Italian screen legends Monica Vitti and Gina Lollobrigida. After its last public display in Tokyo a decade ago, it has now returned to the Bvlgari Heritage Collection.
The final third chapter, “The Power of Light,” emphasizes how Bvlgari uses color to create plays of light and shadow, particularly with reflective metals like gold and silver. The most eye-catching exhibit is a 1969 long gold necklace, which can also be transformed into a bracelet, set with various amethysts, turquoise, rubies, and more, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Also featured is a Serpenti evening bag from around 1978, crafted using three different tones of gold, rose gold, and a rare blue-green metal called “acqua di mare,” combined with silk thread and diamonds, showcasing top-tier technique and creativity.
The exhibition space design is a collaborative creation between Bvlgari, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of the Japanese studio SANAA, and the Italian studio Formafantasma, showcasing the shared passion for art and design between Italy and Japan. Inspired by the mosaics of the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla, entering the exhibition space is like stepping into a vibrant color journey. Studio Formafantasma specially designed independent display cases to present the Bvlgari Heritage Collection, highlighting the creative resonance between Roman tradition and Japanese aesthetics.
Bvlgari’s aesthetics further demonstrate shared values with Japan through this exhibition, deepening cultural exchange between Italy and Japan. The exhibition commences with two rare heritage pieces: a gold paperweight shaped like a Roman temple and a gold circular brooch, symbolizing the mutual dedication to craftsmanship, insistence on detail, and love for aesthetics.