The venerable Italian jeweler’s North American president, Hervé Perrot, welcomed guests to the airy new outpost
Words by DAVID NASH
Photography by DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY
On Thursday, April 24, it was “do as the Romans do” in San Francisco for the opening party celebrating Bulgari’s new boutique just around the corner, and down the block, from its most recent home on Union Square.
The move comes 15 years after the Roman high jeweler debuted what was, at the time, its largest U.S. outpost at 13,000 square feet and three levels — a bold gesture that enhanced the brand’s presence in the heart of San Francisco’s fabled luxury shopping district (and in one of its fastest-growing markets). In contrast, the new flagship location is a more modest, but no less impressive: a 3,500-square-foot space in the landmark Hastings building at the corner of Grant and Post Streets. Built in 1908 by the heirs of late mining executive and pioneer William M. Lent, the neoclassical-style building, with its historic facade, presents the breadth of Bulgari’s collections with as much grandeur as befits the famous Italian jewelry house and its devoted clientele.
Paying tribute to Rome’s rich heritage, the boutique’s modern design concept includes travertine columns and fluted walls that recall classic Roman architecture, a decorative mural by Milan-based design firm Pictalab that depicts the merging skylines of San Francisco and Rome, and a Serpenti chandelier by the century-old Italian glass factory Venini that shimmers with 300 colorful crystal wands meant to evoke a Roman sunset. Dedicated selling spaces for fine jewelry, watches, and handbags are flanked by two sizable salons that can be used to entertain clients for private selling events, lunches, or glittering receptions. “This iconic location embraces the cultural and historical relevance of the downtown area, and we are truly honored to bring our Roman heritage to life in such an important location,” said Hervé Perrot, president of Bulgari North America.
Among those joining Perrot at the haute housewarming: Mayor Daniel Lurie, actor and model Olivia Culpo, SFMOMA board trustee Brandi Hudson, FAMSF curator and Italian expat Furio Rinaldi, Brett Fahlgren, Tracy Chen, Betty Yu, Jennifer Raiser, Sonya Molodetskaya, Tanya Powell, Taylor Herr, Natasha Ponomarchuk, Joel Goodrich, and Barbara Brown.
May 7, 2025
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