Bvlgari brings a distinctive piece of its archives back into the spotlight, reimagined by Mary Katrantzou in a radiant gold finish that blurs the line between fine jewellery and leather goods.
During Paris Fashion Week, Bvlgari celebrated the return of one of its most distinctive creations. First conceived in the 1970s, the Melone Clutch has been revived from the Maison’s archives under the creative direction of Mary Katrantzou, Artistic Director of Leather Goods and Accessories. Reimagined in a new golden iteration, the design retains its unmistakable silhouette while introducing a fresh approach to materials and finishes.
Unveiled at an intimate dinner hosted at Jacques Garcia’s Parisian residence, the Melone’s return reflects Bvlgari’s approach to heritage: revisiting defining pieces through a contemporary lens rather than simply recreating them. Both its name and sculptural form draw inspiration from the melon, a fruit traditionally associated with abundance, prosperity and vitality. The reference translates into a rounded, ribbed silhouette that gives the clutch its instantly recognisable character.
For its latest incarnation, the Melone Clutch is crafted in pleated aluminium with a luminous gold finish. A cabochon-inspired clasp, set with a white mother-of-pearl insert, completes the design, echoing the jewellery codes that informed the original 1970s model. The same attention to detail extends to the interior, where a considered opening mechanism divides the clutch into two perfectly symmetrical compartments, each lined in nappa leather.
Two interchangeable silk tassels, in black and ivory, accompany the design, while a further 12 shades are available to order, allowing for a more personal expression of the piece.
The revival arrives at a moment when archival references continue to shape contemporary luxury. For Bvlgari, the Melone is more than a nostalgic return. Under Katrantzou’s direction, it has been reinterpreted in keeping with the Maison’s evolving identity, balancing its historical significance with a distinctly modern sensibility. With its all-over gold finish, fruit-inspired silhouette and unmistakable jewellery references, the Melone Clutch remains true to what made it so distinctive in the 1970s: a handbag conceived, quite literally, as a jewel.
