How To Wear Your Watch Like A Fashion Editor: Bvlgari's Serpenti Aeterna
Have you ever reinvented yourself? Let me tell you something, it ain't easy. You will never entirely escape your fundamentals – your genetics, epi-genetics, the lifetime of experiences and loved ones that have shaped who you are. But you can, with a lot of thought, some time, and a tonne of soul searching, reimagine yourself a little and re-emerge, ready to take on a new chapter. No one knows this better than Bvlgari's Serpenti.
First designed in 1948, the behemoth brand's now iconic snake-inspired timepieces come with a legacy unlike any other jewellery watch of the 20th century. The earliest iterations showcased the Tubogas technique – a coiled bracelet inspired by gas pipes that drew on the utilitarian design movement of the era – and cleverly concealed a delicate watch dial in each serpent's head. The design shot to fame in the 1960s when Elizabeth Taylor was photographed wearing one on the set of Cleopatra, filmed in Rome; the very birthplace of Bvlgari. The Serpenti was, at that time, the ultimate It watch.
More than 75 years later, the Serpenti has had too many glow-ups to count. Double-spiral bracelets, mechanical movements, a rainbow of gems and a veritable paintbox of colour palettes later, the Serpenti has managed to emerge as one of the most enduring designs of women's watchmaking history, despite its chameleon-like qualities. For 2025, however, there's a mic drop. The Serpenti hasn't been reimagined, it has been reborn. No scales, no eyes, no coils; the Serpenti Aeterna introduces a whole new design language, a vocabulary which according to Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, the maison's head of horology, is founded on the irresistible Italian concept of sprezzatura – the art of appearing effortlessly elegant, when great effort has indeed been made behind the scenes.
This is the thing about Bvlgari, we do crazy things, in an effortless way,' smiles Fabrizio, introducing his new sleek and slinky creation at this year's Watches & Wonders show. He explains that the watch was designed to coincide with the maison's Aeterna high jewellery presentation, which with its contemplation of eternity, encouraged him to contemplate the future of the iconic snake silhouette. Fabrizio is adamant, however, that it wasn't a sculptural approach that brought this reptile to reality, rather simple pen strokes upon the page that set its svelte lines. 'Sculptural design can end up looking cold. The Aeterna doesn't look cold, it's gorgeous; you can see the Bvlgari proportions and it's bold. It has a very simple boldness.' The secret? 'There are golden rules, there is geometry, in the end it's mathematics, but it's also a secret and a mystery,' he quips.
Fabrizio refers to the Serpenti Aeterna as a 'wow upon the wrist,' and it is this that makes it so wearable with, well frankly, anything. Crafted in 18-karat white or rose gold, dazzling with snow-set diamonds, this is a watch to be worn with an evening dress after dark, but by day? With whatever. Take Miu Miu's Breton stripe top – ultra chic when paired with shorts by Gucci, slung with chains by Tiffany&Co. and finished with this season's cult loafers-cum-sneakers. The perfect laidback-luxe look for a day's yachting, the Serpenti Aeterna's chilled-out charisma wouldn't look remotely out of place. The embodiment of contemporary classicism, it will morph to suit burlap or ballgowns, both timeless and timely.
'It's the beginning of something,' says Fabrizio. 'In Italy, when you cook the pasta, there's a precise moment that the pasta is done. Maybe we are early. Maybe we are late. I don't know. We will see,' he laughs. He isn't, however, proud of his latest timepiece. 'I'm always thinking about the next challenge, and it's never perfect. As a designer, if I was entirely content, it would be time for me to retire. You can always improve.' Amen to that.
All Imagery Supplied
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Billie Eilish teases collab with 'Avatar' director James Cameron
Singer Billie Eilish took a break during her concert in Manchester recently to announce that she's working on a project being shot in 3D by James Cameron, Variety reported. Although the singer didn't reveal details, she did confirm that she is filming something that requires her to wear the same outfit for four nights at Co-op Live, where Cameron was in the audience, according to the outlet. "So you may have noticed that there are more cameras than usual in here," Eilish addresses the crowd. "Basically, I can't say much about it but what I can say is that I'm working on something very, very special with somebody named James Cameron and it's going to be in 3D. So, take that as you will and these four shows here in Manchester, you and me are part of a thing that I am making with him," Eilish was quoted as saying by Variety. "He's in this audience somewhere, just saying. So don't mind that, and also I'll probably be wearing this exact outfit for like four days in a row." More details of the project are still awaited. Many are speculating that the footage could be a documentary, film or even a music video. In the past, Eilish has released several films, including the 2021 documentary Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry and the concert film Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles. Eilish is currently on a world tour in support of her third album Hit Me Hard and Soft, which released last year. She kicked off the trek in September 2024, touching down in North America and Australia before heading over to Europe, reported Variety. Following her shows in Manchester, she'll perform in Japan before returning to the US, where she'll conclude on November 23 at San Francisco's Chase Centre.
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Ajith Kumar unhurt after GT4 car crash in Italy, praised for humble gesture
Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, known as much for his passion for motorsports as his on-screen charisma, was involved in a car crash during the latest round of the GT4 European Series at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. The incident occurred during the second round of the race, when Ajith's car collided with a stationary vehicle on the track. The Good Bad Ugly actor walked away unhurt but was forced to withdraw from the race. In a video shared by the race's official page, Ajith was seen doing what very few professional drivers would — stepping in to help the marshals clear debris from the track immediately after the collision. The commentator said, 'Ajith Kumar out of the car, out of the race. It's the first significant bit of damage we've seen from him this year. He's a fine champ; he goes and helps the marshals clear up all the bodies. Not many drivers would do that.' Out of the race with damage, but still happy to help with the clean-up. Full respect, Ajith Kumar ð�«¡ ð��° #gt4europe I #gt4 — GT4 European Series (@gt4series) July 20, 2025 Social media erupted with praise for the actor. Ajith's gesture won over the racing community. He has been a part of the racing circuit since 2003 and continues to juggle his film career with his love for motorsports. He previously competed in the 2010 Formula 2 Championship and has long been regarded as one of the few Indian actors who balances cinema with high-level professional racing. Earlier this year, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the nation's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contributions to both cinema and motorsports. While Ajith is currently taking a break from films, he is prepping for the third round of the GT4 European Series in Belgium. On the cinematic front, he is reuniting with Good Bad Ugly director Adhik Ravichandran for his next project, though details remain under wraps. Good Bad Ugly was released in early 2025 and became Tamil cinema's highest-grossing film to date.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
15 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Feeling Splendido: The Hotel That Serves Elizabeth Taylor's Favourite Spaghetti
She's had a meticulously planned face-lift. But though the Splendido's appearance may have been refreshed, her celebrated spirit – that has attracted a slew of celebrities since 1901 – remains preserved Those in the know don't say they re going to Portofino, they say they're going to the Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. This isn't just an indication of how intrinsically linked this starry, storied property is to it: location on the Italian Riviera – it's what it says about you. It's a stamp of belonging to a rarified world. An indication of taste, refinement. And yes, we will be so crass to point out, sheer spending power. The 'Homage to Elizabeth Taylor' tomato spaghetti starter – named after and created for the icon that adored it, and spent four of her honeymoons here – is 40 Euros. And when you order it, accompanied by a chilled spritz on the jasmine-scented, wisteria-clad La Terrazza, youll come to the realisation that money surely can buy happiness. This pink 16″-century Benedictine monastery anything but austere, as stars like Jennifer Aniston and Madonna would attest to. And it's reemerged this summer season with added aplomb, having undergone a meticulous facelift courtesy of designer Martin Brudnizki, to celebrate its 40 anniversary under the stewardship of Belmond. Drawing inspiration from its setting – at the summit of a cliff overlooking the glistening superyacht-filled harbour (and the homes of designers Giorgio Armani and Dolce and Gabbana in the distance) – motifs of painted flora and fauna, bespoke Medea furniture and local artisanal techniques, are married with requisite upgrades when it comes to tech and modern amenities. You definitely won't hear your neighbours, keen athletes on the tennis court, or the seagulls that swoop in the sunshine outside. The vibe? Staying at your art collector friend's villa. Luxurious, but understated. Comfortable yet elevated. Somewhere it wouldn't seem out of place to see Jeff Goldblum and his jazz band take to the piano for an impromptu performance (true story, this actually happened in June). Opt for one of the suites – 103 offers excellent views and two balconies, plus a stand-alone sunken tub complete with Acqua di Parma toiletries – while La Baronessa is sure to become the ultimate bolt-hole for regulars looking for sprawling space. And while it's tempting to order breakfast in bed, venture downstairs to fully indulge in a generous array of dainty patisserie, juicy sun-kissed fruit, fresh mascarpone and burrata coupled with the region's famous pesto, plus Lombardian chef Corrado Cortis signature Portofino eggs. Even A-listers can't resist the temptation of taking a snap of the bay as the sun rises. You'll be tempted to take all your meals at La Terraza – a hotspot for visitors willing to make the trek up the steep hill to get a taste of the property, and excellent for people-watching – but the poolside Splendido Grill is another option. Don't miss the trofie pesto – rightly recommended by all the staff as a must-try – though the scent of wood-fired pizzas is hard to resist. Those taking in the sun on the tangerine-hued loungers with their distinctive striped parasols, can also take advantage of this menu as they dip n the (temperature-controlled) saltwater pool and sip. If there's an unexpected drizzle? Head to the indoor bar that dispenses excellent Negronis and Ava Gardner (another fan) cocktails. This season also sees the opening of a Dior spa. Distinctive Toile de Jouy wicker furnishings immediately set the scene, with a menu of face and body treatments that can be enjoyed in the comfort of dedicated rooms, or outside in specially created cabanas hidden on the cliffside. Many enjoy the brisk walk down to Portofino's designer boutique-lined pizzetta, where ferries still usher locals to nearby Towns like Santa Margherita (where Silvio Berlusconi has his summer house) and fishermen share space with big boats in this once-sleepy village, but the Splendido also puts on a regular shuttle for guests. A hotspot? The hotel's sister property, the 14-bedroom Splendido de Mare that has captured a prime location at the centre of the main square, flanked by Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cuccinelli and two Louis Vuittons, overlooking the port. Grab a pistachio cone at Gelateria Bar San Giorgio – a contender for the best ice-cream in the country. Splendido is set amidst a protected, forested park – hence its lush surroundings – and in keeping with this ethos, it has a special relationship with an eco-farm La Portofinese. They'll dispatch a tiny van to take you up what seems to be a footpath, but is actually a winding road, further into the greenery, where you can have private cooking lessons or dine amid organic vineyards and plantations endemic to the area. A must-do activity, even though you'll be loath to leave the comforting confines of the hotel, or cut into the exploration of the Cinque Terre (ideally via a sleek Riva boat that the hotel can arrange). There's also been another simultaneous unveiling this season: the spectacular Villa Beatrice. This five-room villa (four suites in the main house, and a stand-alone cottage) with its own private pool and gardens offers the ultimate in privacy. Butler? Check. Private chef? Check. And complete access to the hotel next door if you're looking for company during aperitivo. What To Pack: It would be remiss to head to Portofino without a sprinkling of raffia and some enormous shades. This season, Chloe does the trick. For those who pride themselves on knowing the best, and staying at the best, it's a rite of passage to stay at the Splendido. It says you've not only arrived, but that you've kind of always been there, always belonged. And it takes a magical place to have this allure. For people, from billionaires to celebrities, to wear their patronage as a badge of pride. Once thing is for certain, the hype is justified. It's a privilege to be part of this club.
