Bulgari creative director Lucia Silvestri on why one bracelet is never enough

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari creative director.

How would you describe your style? I like to play with colour; I’m a very colourful person.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Bulgari diamond ring from my 18th birthday. Also, a classic black and white coat that was my mother’s; I have a picture of her wearing it, it’s very sentimental and important to me.

And the most recent addition? A Comme des Garçons x Disney “Mickey Mouse” T-shirt I bought in Tokyo.

Is there a current fashion trend you like? All the vivid colours.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I would have loved to have been alive when Coco Chanel was inventing her signature designs, especially during the 1950s.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? A red dress and heels, always.
… on a plane? Jeans, a T-shirt and wedge heels.
… on the red carpet? A gala gown. I like Alberta Ferretti and I recently discovered Renato Balestra.

Do you have any favourite fashion designers? Chanel, Valentino, and I like Alexander McQueen for my suits.

Do you wear fragrance? Yes, I like to switch between three fragrances from Bulgari’s “Le Gemme” collection; I play with them depending on my mood.

Are there any jewellery pieces you always wear? I love bracelets and never leave the house without my Bulgari Serpenti Vipers. I started with one, then two, and now three is much better; maybe I will stop at seven, or 10. I like to play with different-coloured golds: I wear yellow, rose and white gold together. I also always wear a gold necklace which has an ancient coin and diamonds, but I change my earrings every day. I love to wear jewels; I cannot live without them.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I started to choose my own wardrobe when I very young. When I started school, I remember discussing what to wear with my mother. She wanted me to wear something pink but I decided on my favourite red dress.

What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? It’s a long list, starting with the jewels – I need more bracelets. I’d also like a new Valentino gala dress. I went to the Valentino haute couture fashion show in Rome and I was so excited to see all the colour. I love creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli; I dream of owning one of his gowns.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Jewels, a white shirt and a beautiful jacket.

Is there something you’d never wear? Anything too tight – it’s not possible any more. At my age I have to hide some defects, so I prefer something larger.

What shoes do you wear most often? Saint Laurent “Tribute” espadrilles with a wedge heel during the day and Jimmy Choo heels at night.

What do you sleep in? An old silk nightgown that belonged to my mother.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? Coco Chanel was a visionary. For me she is a muse. I love the quantity of pearls she put on, the dresses and the mix of feminine jackets with trousers – so modern. I also love Anna Wintour’s style; she’s so chic. She found her sense of style in the beginning and she believes in it. She’s strong, self-confident and always elegant.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A silk shirt with trousers and a blazer, or a collared dress.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A light, long dress and jewels, always jewels. Colourful necklaces with coral and turquoise are my favourites for summer.

Lucia Silvestri is the creative director of Italian jewellery house Bulgari; bulgari.com.

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