:: Bulgari stages Forever Barbie Exhibition in Melbourne

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Barbie and Bulgari share not only an important anniversary this year but also a long history of glamour, allure and elegance. While she is celebrating her 50th birthday in excellent form, Bulgari is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its foundation with a series of events that will culminate in the first retrospective ever organised and dedicated to the history of the brand. This exhibition opened on May 20 at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. In homage to Barbie, one of the world’s most recognized divas, Bulgari has created a collection of one-of-a-kind precious jewels and accessories that will be featured in the ‘Forever Barbie Exhibition’ held at Melbourne’s Federation Square from June 26 until July 12 2009.

Coinciding with the exhibition, the BVLGARI Collins Street store will dedicate its front window to Barbie showcasing an exceptional High Jewellery Collection necklace in yellow and white gold with fancy pink sapphires (103.12cts) and round brilliant cut diamonds (25.15 cts) which was especially created by BVLGARI for Barbie’s 50th Birthday.

Barbie General Manager and Senior Vice President, Richard Dickson said, “Luxury has a very simple, clear philosophy: it expresses absolute values like quality, beauty and exclusivity, creating an emotional bond with people. This concept is magnificently represented in the jewellery collection that Bulgari has dedicated to Barbie. The unique and sophisticated creations that make up this collection offer a precious interpretation of Barbie’s qualities. We are proud to have associated the excellence of Bulgari with our brand.”

But that is not all. Barbie and Bulgari have always distinguished themselves for their social commitment, and this year they have decided to join forces for a good cause. Barbie will flank Bulgari in providing support for the Save the Children “Rewrite the Future” campaign, aimed at ensuring quality education for 8 million children who live in war-torn countries.

Together with numerous other international celebrities, Barbie appears in a portfolio of photographs shot by Fabrizio Ferri who, as supporter, has contributed to the project on a pro bono basis. “The Barbie brand is based on the spirit of altruism and friendship, and we are committed to realising this spirit in everything we do,” said Richard Dickson. “Bulgari’s commitment to Save the Children, the biggest charitable organisation in the world that promotes and defends children’s rights and works in more than 100 countries, represents the ideal basis for our partnership.”

Nicola Bulgari, Vice Chairman of the Bulgari Group, said, “Barbie has always been an icon of style inspiring the dreams of generations of girls around the world. She still perfectly interprets the spirit of the times today, by deciding to support us in the ‘Save the Children’ campaign to guarantee an education for children afflicted by hardship. This is the perfect role for a contemporary Barbie”.