Thursday, May 29, 2008

Bewitched by Bvlgari

Where was I last Tuesday( two weeks ago)? Paris? London? New York? Or Milan? Well, Pavilion KL will be the best answer for the question.

Last Tuesday, Italian fine jeweller Bvlgari held an intimate soiree for its 150 guests to celebrate the launch of their newest flagship store in Southeast Asia, which is located at the swanky shopper’s paradise, the Pavilion KL.

As early as 7.30 p.m., guests arrived and mingled at the Bvlgari lounge, which was specially set up for the occasion. Free-flowing and chilled Perrier-Jouet and other drinks harmoniously complement the delicious finger foods, all prepared with tender love and care by the Westin Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

While waiting for the event to commence, I managed to meet my dearest friend Mansor Tun Abdul Aziz and his friend Emran who were looking absolutely gorgeous in suits (Sparkmanshop perhaps) for some chit-chatting.

After taking some snapshots with them, I went to see another good acquaintances of mine, Tay Ai Leen from L’Oreal as well as Soo Sheau Pin, the Managing Director of Anya Hindmarch Malaysia, both looking absolutely impeccable in style.

By 8.15 p.m., guests were ushered to the outdoor storefront overlooking Jalan Bukit Bintang for the ribbon cutting ceremony, thus officially marking the opening of the store for business. Later, Malaysia’s very own “Sarah Brightman” Syafinaz Selamat appeared from the store and succeeded the event with her dazzling rendition of operatic number called “Nessum Dorma”.

A great applause from the guests followed and the storefront was lit up beautifully. Later, guests were invited to view the store. Living up to its tagline – Contemporary Italian Jeweller, the new flagship store is the epitome of timelessness and modern luxury, with marble floorings, tempered glass staircase and clean layout. There’s also a VIP room within the store itself.

Apart from the current jewellery displays, a number of classic and vintage pieces created by Bvlgari in its early years were also exhibited. One of them was a beautiful embossed golden minaudière that looked like a tortoise’s shell or a football in oblong shape. Most of them were made circa 1930’s up to the late 70’s, and of course, these pieces are not for sale.

On the way to the second floor, I met Camelia and Magie at the first floor jewellery counters. We air-kissed and grabbed my friend Lind for a snapshot against the counter with the songstress herself. Camelia looked stunning that night in white shirt and black leggings, complemented with a pair of acetate framed glasses, evoking the sexy librarian chic.

Ascending up to the second floor was Kak Wirda from GLAM, who looked effortlessly in blue sweater and peppered with her warm smile. Later we made our way up to the second floor, where the accessories are located. The marvellous tempered glass staircase illuminated with lights provided an ideal reflection and perfect balance towards the classy yet elegant interior.

On the second floor is the accessories paradise. From handbags to sunglasses, the selections are awesome and not recommended for fashionistas with fainted heart.

The sunglasses range is amazing and starts from RM 1400.00 a pop while the must-have Bvlgari bags of the season include the calfskin-shopping tote with its 1910 Art Nouveau ad print and bag in ostrich skin with Bvlgari hallmarked hardware in Roman blue sky.


Done with the accessories and photo snapping, my friends and me proceeded downstairs and back to the Bvlgari makeshift lounge where we had another round of finger food and lots of Perrier-Jouet to wash them down. While mingling and eating our hearts out, we were serenaded with beautiful jazz rendition at the lounge.

Spicing up the night, Ferhat came with a gift for Camelia and Magie – a copy of the latest French VOGUE. Yes, Camelia was on the last page of VOGUE.

Her photo, taken at the recent Louis Vuitton’s 5 Canton Road Maison opening event was featured on the last page of VOGUE and I was so happy for her. So did Magie too, who managed to take a snapshot of the page. At 9.45, we decided to call it a day.

*Photos by Me.

Bvlgari - Level 2 and 3, Couture Pavilion, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

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