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.