The dream of Sotirios Voulgaris
Martha Taylor-Brown ▼ | January 16, 2010
In the late 19th century, Sotirios Voulgaris, the head of the Greek silversmith family, moved to Italy and opened his first shop in Rome. He named it Bulgari.Article continues below
That year, 1884, was the beginning of the great journey for the Greek family whose trade began in a small village of Epirus, where Sotirios, the family founder, manufactured precious silver objects. In 1905, with the help of his sons Costantino and Giorgio, he inaugurated the shop in via Condotti, still the Bulgari flagship store.
In the early 20th century, the two brothers developed a deep interest and expertise in precious stones, jewels and watches, gradually taking over their father's role in the management of the business.
The period immediately after the Second World War marks an important change in the history of Bulgari. It represents a turning point for the Company, which moves away from the dominant strict rules of the French goldsmith school, and creates its own unique style. The inspiration comes from Greek and Roman classicism, with a special take on Italian Renaissance, and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths.
Bulgari’s international expansion begins in the 1970's with the opening of the first overseas store in New York, followed by others in Paris, Geneva, and Monte Carlo. In the 80’s Bulgari launches the BVLGARI BVLGARI watch, a worldwide success story, considered an all-time classic. These years also see the establishment of Bulgari Time Neuchatel, a company specially founded to produce all Bulgari watch lines.
In 1984 Giorgio' sons, Paolo and Nicola Bulgari become Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Company, while their nephew, Francesco Trapani, is appointed Chief Executive Officer. Today Bulgari is one of the global players in the luxury market. The company has 52 companies in 24 countries and 273 stores located in the most exclusive shopping areas of the world. All that is legacy of a humble but very talented Sotirios Voulgaris. ■ What to read next
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