Fashion
The Bulgari Serpenti Cuore Is Made of Pure Romance
In celebration of the Year of the Snake, the Serpenti Coure enamors with its distinct curvature and fine jewelry inspiration.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Apr 21, 2025
In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. While often associated with malevolence in Westernized cultures, the snake is regarded as a figure of mystique and transformation in the zodiac.
Such belief was the guiding principle of Bulgari Leather Goods and Accessories creative director Mary Katrantzuo when she designed the Serpenti Cuore 1968. Characterized by a serpentine handle that forms half of a heart, the piece signifies a romantic nature and spirit of innovation that have always been upheld by the Roman maison.
Ahead, we dive into the Serpenti Cuore's multi-layered inspirations and why it deserves to be every lady's evening bag of choice.
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The History of the Serpenti Cuore 1968
Debuted at the onset of Chinese New Year this 2025, the Serpenti Cuore 1968 served as Mary Katrantzuo's tribute to Bulgari's heritage. The hand-held art piece is named after three of the creative director's main inspirations. Firstly, the Serpenti handle's design is derived from a famed watch that originated in 1968.
The Serpenti was first developed in 1948, taking cues from a Tubogas technique inspired by coiled gas pipe. Wrapped around a wearer's wrist, a sophisticated timepiece was embellished with multi-colored enamel twenty years later. This, as one can expect, was in reference to the reptilian creature's scales. In reference to a snake's ability to shed off its skin, the Serpenti Cuore can also be worn hands-free with a removable shoulder strap.
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PHOTO: Instagram/bulgari.
The piece carries on the ongoing legacy of Bulgari's revered Serpenti line of bags. While the Baia Shoulder Bag or the Serpenti Forever Top Handle exhibit more subtle imagery of a snake, the Serpenti Cuore is more brazen with how it showcases the patented design. True to how rubies, emeralds, and diamonds were originally utilized as the Serpenti's eyes, dots of zirconia are used to complete the bag's anatomy.
"Cuore" comes from the Italian word for heart, which is the shape the purse takes on in its entirety. The smooth curvature of the Serpenti handle is masterfully mimicked by the cavity, resulting in a familiar and undeniably romantic silhouette.
The Making of a Serpenti Cuore 1968
As with all originals by the House of Bulgari, the Serpenti Cuore is meticulously crafted with utmost precision and artistry. The main cavity of the bag is made out of matelasse black calfskin leather, which depending on the chosen style, is dyed or gilded with crystals.
The gold-plated brass handle is molded through fire to achieve the distinct serpentine shape, with black and white enamel serving as its outer layer, and zirconia taking the form of its "eyes."
The single compartment, which is then lined with nappa leather, is sealed with a press button enclosure. Inside, one can find a card pocket and a Bulgari logo pressed on metal. The standard Serpenti Cuore measures 18 centimeters in length, 11 centimeters in width, and 4 centimeters in height.
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PHOTO: Bulgari
How Much the Serpenti Cuore 1968 Costs
At present, the Serpenti Cuore is available in the Philippines in five alluring colorways—namely black, star rose, royal ruby, feroza turqouise, and perla white. Regardless of the the chosen shade, all bags cost P235,000. However, more stylized iterations, such as those encrusted in gold or silver, are known to fetch for expectedly higher price tags.
Serpenti Cuore 1968 Top Handle, P253,000, BULGARI, bulgari.com
How Style Stars Are Wearing the Serpenti Cuore 1968
Pia Wurtzbach
Friend of the House Pia Wurtzbach has taken her Serpenti Coures out on multiple occasions. She was one the first to clutch a glittering version of the tote during a soiree hosted by Bulgari in Siem Reap, Cambodia. She was spotted arm-in-arm with fellow Southeast Asian representatives Davika Hoorne and Ho Ngoc Ha.
Similarly, she was spotted in flawless whites at an Aeterna event in Bangkok, Thailand. Aside from her Serpenti Cuore, she was also joined by Thai actor and fellow ambassador Mile Phakphum. But even on her casual outings, Pia has demonstrated that the carrier can be the extra layer of sophistication needed to amp up her looks.
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PHOTOS: Instagram/piawurtzbach
Anne Hathaway
At the launch of the Serpenti Cuore in Shanghai, China, global ambassador and Bulgari muse Anne Hathaway donned a gilded version of the it-bag. With its charming design and petite size, it proved to be an ideal accessory to her princess-esque ball gown.
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PHOTO: Instagram/bulgari.
Natsuko Margaret "Maggy" Gibb
Simply known by her fans as Maggy, the Japanese-Canadian model and actress imparted a pop of color to her all-white ensemble with a ruby-hued Serpenti Cuore. While other iterations of the bag are definitely eye candy, the red one is an unbeatable classic.
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PHOTO: Instagram/maggymoon.
The Serpenti Cuore is available for purchase online through Bulgari Philippines' official website. You may also view available pieces at Bulgari boutiques located in Greenbelt 3 in Makati, The Shoppes at Solaire Resort in Paranaque, and Nustar Resort Mall in Cebu.
Em Enriquez is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're an editorial assistant at Preview who can't live without pop music and lemon-tinted sunnies.