zaha hadid's serpenti installation showcases bulgari jewelery

during milan design week 2015, luxury italian brand bulgari celebrated the unveiling of an installation designed by architect zaha hadid. named ‘serpenti’ (the italian word for ‘snakes’), the piece references the company’s famous jewelry line from its location in the grounds of the bulgari hotel. the temporary work showcases serpenti creations dating from the 1960s up to the latest collection contained within polygonal elements of the structure.

images courtesy of bulgari

the 20 meter-long pavilion conveys the idea of sinuosity and continual change, intertwining both fluid and geometric forms. zaha hadid’s interpretation of the snake is also included the bulgari store in milan’s via montenapoleone through windows specially designed for the occasion.

the 20 meter-long pavilion seeks to convey the idea of sinuosity and continual change

serpenti became the signature of bulgari, paying homage to the company’s rich roman past. since debuting on the maison’s watches in the 1940s, the emblem has grown into an entire collection; encompassing jewelry, bags and accessories.

see here for designboom’s recent interview with zaha hadid, where the acclaimed architect reveals her first exposure to the field of architecture, and explains her fascination with the early russian avant-garde artistic movement.

serpenti became the signature of bulgari, paying homage to the company’s rich roman past

the installation illuminated in purple at night
image © designboom

the piece showcases jewelry contained within the polygonal elements of the structure
image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

a range of jewelry pieces are displayed
image © designboom

since debuting in the 1940s, the snake emblem has grown into an entire collection
image © designboom