Why the Bvlgari B.zero1 collection has such a universal appeal

Modern yet classic. Masculine yet feminine. Intricate yet simple. The many paradoxes of Bvlgari’s B.zero1 have been enthralling the masses since 1999. Its versatility, inspiration and story – rooted in the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship and innovation – have become the stuff of legend.

The Roman jewellery house has other iconic motifs of course, like the Parentesi’s interlocking pattern that echoes Rome’s Via Condotti pavements, or the Serpenti’s snake, which is entrenched in the Roman folklore of rebirth and reinvention. Still, the Bvlgari B.zero1 is arguably the most emblematic for its bold representation of Rome’s magnificent Colosseum.

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The universal appeal of B.zero1 actually lies in its contemporary design. The distinctive tubular shape is made of a broad central band, comprising anything from one to five bands, and sandwiched by two flat rings. It’s created using the Tubogas technique, a method of creating flexible bands without soldering, which Bvlgari popularised with its Serpenti watches and bracelets.

On the other hand, B.zero1’s fashion appeal is underlined by its classic allure – its simple shape allows it to be stacked, be it multiple rings, bracelets or even necklaces.

Stylish, versatile and bold, the Bvlgari B.zero1 is indeed made for the new age.

History & design

Created back in 1999, the B.zero1 signalled the house’s effort in reinventing the rules of jewellery design. Bvlgari took pride in drawing inspiration from the Colosseum – Rome’s iconic landmark brought into modern conversation by the Roman jewellery house. The replication of the Colosseum’s structure was designed with symbolism in mind.

The simple tube and fusing of lines point to the industrial motif that adds an edge to the design, while the undulating layers soften the outline, resulting in a beautiful mix of masculine and feminine traits.

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Since it was first launched, B.zero1 has been relentlessly interpreted with much boldness and innovation. From collaborations with artists, like Anish Kapoor, and architects, such as Zaha Hadid, to multiple incarnations in varied materials like ceramic, the B.zero1 is continuously evolving. Most recently, the B.zero1 Rock, launched in 2020, boasts a new studded core, making it the edgiest addition to the line-up.

Now, the B.zero1 Rock collection welcomes six new design updates. The key piece is undoubtedly the show-stopping 18K white gold necklace with 7.20 carats of diamonds – the most precious B.zero1 Rock design to date. The necklace features an original chain motif, with every single link echoing the iconic ring’s distinctive edges and rounded shapes. Even the necklace’s proportions are faithful to the ring, as if each element were a B.zero1 unit of measurement – an ode to the visionary architect Le Corbusier and his studies of measurements based on human body metrics.

Ingeniously crafted, the chain necklace is made of individual modules, each composed of three hand-set and assembled elements, representing Bvlgari’s legendary jewellery-making know-how.

Made with versatility in mind, the necklace offers three different styling options: with or without pendant, and with an additional thin 18K white gold chain (comes with the necklace) that can be used to thread the round pendant.

It doesn’t stop there. The stylish chain is also available in an 18K rose gold option that comes with a B.zero1 pendant with black ceramic highlights on the rims, and an 18K yellow gold version studded with diamonds on the edges. The distinctive touch? B.zero1 Rock’s irreverent studs set on both pendants’ central band. There are also matching 18K gold rings, and a stackable 18K rose gold bangle with studs framed by black ceramic accents.

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Star appeal

In Bvlgari’s latest campaign Magnifica, Hollywood star Zendaya, and Lisa Manoban of global music phenomenon Blackpink can be seen sporting the house’s latest novelties, including the B.zero1. Blazing their own paths in different fields with charisma and determination, these two highly influential young talents are also known for their fashionable sense of style, making them the perfect embodiment of B.zero1’s classic yet trendy appeal.

CREATIVE DIRECTION Windy AuliaPHOTOGRAPHY Shawn Paul TanHAIR & MAKEUP Sha Shamsi, using Dior BeautyMANICURE Krystal LeongMODEL Alberta Aini/Ave Management

This article was first published in the November 2021 issue of Her World.