Photo: Bulgari
Kuala Lumpur has been chosen to be the first city to reveal Bulgari’s new façade in an ambitious refurbishment exercise around the world.
Tatler Asia
Bulgari's Kuala Lumpur boutique is the first in the world to reveal a new facade (Photo: Bulgari)
Above Bulgari's Kuala Lumpur boutique is the first in the world to reveal a new facade. (Photo: Bulgari)

No matter what they say, first impressions matter. And Bulgari’s latest makeover at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur truly possesses the wow factor that tempts you to venture further in.

The magnificent two-storey façade has a honeycomb-esque appearance complete with marble-like surfaces. But it is not marble – instead, the effect was created using a mix of glass fibre concrete with veins filled with golden resin. When light shines through the resin, it produces a dramatic effect, especially at night.

Work on the façade started in Italy in December last year, and it took two months from February to April this year to construct it on site. Meanwhile, refurbishment to the interior was completed at the end of last year.

The entire façade is anchored by an entrance reminiscent of the Bulgari’s original store by the Spanish steps on via Condotti in Rome where it has been since 1905. The glass inside is framed by brass with an amber colour that progressively lightens as it reaches the top.

This via Condotti frame is the only permanent element that will be seen in different locations around the world, while the “marble” façade will be reinvented and reinterpreted by material experimentations.

Find out which 8 new stores to hit up in the Klang Valley.

Tatler Asia
The refurbished interior (Photo: Bulgari)
Above The refurbished interior. (Photo: Bulgari)

The Kuala Lumpur new look is also the first in a series of Bulgari façade reinventions by award-winning Dutch architecture firm, MVRDV. On its website, co-founder Jacob van Rijs revealed that he and his team took inspiration from Bulgari’s rich Italian style history.

“We emphasise the historic essence of the renowned Italian brand to the world, looking not only to the past but to the future as well. Bulgari is a bold, glamorous, exuberant and undeniably Roman brand, so we interpreted these themes as key ingredients for an innovative façade.”

Also see: Bulgari's work with Save The Children

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