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Sonam Kapoor and Arab Stars Preview Bulgari’s Collection Inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Celebrities from all over the Arab world flew to Abu Dhabi yesterday, February 11 for the launch of Bulgari‘s new Jannah Collection. The glorious high jewelry designs unveiled at the Louvre Abu Dhabi are the results of an unprecedented collaboration between the Italian house and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the ruling UAE Royal Family, that took almost two years to manifest.

Inspired by the intricate five-petal flower mosaics that adorn the pristine white marble ceilings of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE’s capital, the latest pieces bloom into exquisite strands weaving together diamonds and precious gemstones—each more extravagant than the next in true creative representation of “paradise” the Middle-Eastern-inspired collection is named after. However, “flower petals may adorn, but they only epitomize the roots that run deeply,” explained Her Highness.

Jannah collection, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bulgari

The Bulgari Jannah Exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo courtesy Bulgari

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Bestowing a gift upon her beloved grandmother, the Princess created an extraordinary necklace with a single, cushion-cut Colombia emerald of 13.38kts as the centerpiece, paying secret homage to her grandfather with an engraving reading “Zayed” in Arabic on the back of the pendant. “Baba Zayed, you realized a ‘jannah’ on our soil, truthful to our heritage while embracing the world. Today I dedicate my ‘jannah’ to you,” said the UAE royal.

Bvlgari, Jannah collection

Making of the Bulgari Jannah collection. Photo courtesy Bulgari

A celebration of world culture commenced under the dome of the iconic art museum, with an elaborate runway show to the James Bond hit soundtrack, Diamonds are Forever. Prima ballerina-esque models in boldly colored ball gowns and contrasting elbow-length gloves donned over 70 new jewelry and watch designs along with the La Dolce Vita reminiscent Cinemagia collection in a touching Rome meets Abu Dhabi tribute. “There are a lot of similarities between Italian and Middle Eastern women…the warmth, generous hospitality, and sense of humor,” said Bulgari creative director for high jewelry Lucia Silvestri. “Whether I’m in Italy or the Middle East, I feel at home.”

Sheikh Nahyan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bulgari, Jannah collection

Ribbon cutting ceremony with Sheikh Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, at the Jannah Exhibition in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo courtesy Bulgari

Inaugurated by HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance, the opening of the Jannah Collection exhibition led by Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin welcomed the region’s biggest actors and style icons to the exclusive viewing. Saba Mubarak, Dorra Zarrouk, Tara Emad, Lojain Omran, Aseel Omran, Layla Kardan, and Vogue Arabia February 2020 cover star Nadine Nassib Njeim were among the star-studded invite list while Indian actor and longtime friend of the house, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, made a special appearance as an exemplar for an empowered, modern woman born out of the fusion between Eastern and Western cultures.

Sonam Kapoor, Bulgari, Jannah collection

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja wearing Bulgari Jannah collection. Photo courtesy Bulgari

On display were nine pieces belonging to the private collection of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima in addition to 26 jewelry designs and two high-end watches. The exhibition showcased several necklaces—including the Bulgari signature “Poncho” style that takes a single artisan up to 1,500 hours to craft—bracelets, earrings, and rings, as well as precious tiaras interpreted for a contemporary princess.

Click through the gallery above for an insider’s glimpse into the glamorous evening and the gallery below for a closer look at this East-meets-West collection.

 

The Jannah collection will be available for preorders only in all Bulgari locations worldwide. 

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