Bvlgari products are now available in Indonesia

Bvlgari products are now available in Indonesia

By Thalia Kamarga

JAKARTA (JP): Luxurious, original and classic: that's the
image created by Bvlgari, an exclusive brand of jewelry, watches
and perfumes from Italy.

Bvlgari launched its 1996 collection here last month.

Known for its classic designs, Bvlgari cannot really be
considered a fashion house. Instead of following trends, the new
collections were created by modifying its former designs. This
strategy is reflected in the watch selection.

The new collection of watches features the Bvlgari-Bvlgari
design -- a twin engraved of the Bvlgari logo on the watch's
bezel. They're available in quartz movement, with batteries, and
automatic movement, which is powered by the movement of the arm.

The quartz movement line comes in four designs. Perpetual, in
steel with a leather strap, is programmed until 2099, complete
with leap years and 28- and 30-day months, and displays the month
and year at the push of the crown.

The other quartz movement models are the 18-karat gold version
and the Chemin de Fer, available in gold with white dial hands
and steel with pink or white hands, both with leather straps.

The non-leather strap model from the quartz movement series is
the Bvlgari-Bvlgari with a tubogas bracelet. Tubogas is an thin
metal intertwined around a thicker metal in a process that
results in a more flexible strap. This model features the classic
index marker for a more day-to-day-wear watch, and four- or
eleven-diamond index for greater "elegance".

The automatic movement watch is also available in four models.
Squelette is an 18-karat gold watch with a transparent back case
and dial hands. The platinum Bvlgari-Bvlgari features a sapphire
back with a leather strap and a platinum deployant buckle. The
third model, GMT, made especially for travelers, is a leather-
strap watch with two time zones.

The fourth model of is the Rattrapante, which has a
transparent back in sapphire with three function buttons, is
available in two versions -- 18-karat gold, priced at Rp 63
million (US$27,391), and in platinum. Both come with leather
straps.

Bvlgari also sells jewelry influenced by ancient Greek and
Roman styles.

The Trika collection, which incorporates gold and paved
diamonds, includes five necklaces, bracelets and rings
accompanied by matching earrings.

In a more sporty style, Bvlgari has the Tubogas collection,
which is made of intertwined 18-karat gold and steel. A more
interesting style is evident in the Passo Doppio line based on
two golden leaf-shaped motifs. The necklaces, bracelets and
coordinated rings feature pearls and colored stones such as
citrine, topaz, and pink and green tourmaline.

There are thirty-one different diamond rings whose central
stones weigh between 0.4 and 0.7 carats, set in in white gold,
yellow gold, or a combination of both.

All of the products are handmade with strict quality control.

Bvlgari has also launched a new perfume. In 1993, its first
perfume was also the first unisex fragrance on the market. It was
called Bvlgari Eau Parfumee, Cologne au the vert, (production,
please add accent on letter e of the word the. why not ask Bapak
Ali?) which was followed by a women's fragrance, Bvlgari pour
Femme. A new one -- Bvlgari pour Homme, for men -- is coming out
this month in Indonesia.

The distinction of Bvlgari perfume is the use of tea. For the
first fragrance, Bvlgari used green tea, while in its women's
perfume, jasmine tea was chosen. The scent of darjeeling in
Bvlgari pour Homme gives the perfume a citrussy, aquatic aroma.

The launch of this perfume is accompanied by a bath line which
consists of aftershave, aftershave emulsion, deodorant, soap,
shampoo and shower gel, especially formulated for men.

Available in more than 36 boutiques in 20 countries, Bvlgari
is a very "exclusive" brand. It opened in Indonesia, with PT
Mogems Putri International as the franchise holder, on Nov.15
last year.

All Bvlgari's boutiques provide a personal service that
includes a VIP room for transactions. Custom-made orders are
executed in Italy.

All this style does not come cheap. The watches cost between
Rp4 million and Rp 20 million ($1702 and $8510). And the Bvlgari
pour Homme goes from Rp 47,000 to Rp 182,000 ($20 to $77).
Available at Sogo and Metro department stores in Jakarta.