In this exclusive video interview, I meet Giampiero Bodino, the man behind the new, elite high jewellery maison, as he welcomes me to the Villa Mozart in Milan. I see the first edition of the jewels Bodino has designed and sit down with him to talk about his inspiration and the importance of having a personal relationship with each one of his clients.
Although his name may not sound familiar, Giampiero Bodino is no newcomer to jewellery design. Formerly at Bulgari and later the Art Director of the Richemont Group, overseeing the watch and jewellery designs of brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget, Bodino has spent his career making beautiful things.
I decided to travel to Milan to experience Giampiero Bodino's approach to high jewellery in person. And it all starts on a quiet leafy street where wrought iron gates swing open onto the 1930's Villa Mozart, a showpiece of rationalist architecture. I am invited into his very luxurious yet relaxed private villa, where the walls of the salon are lined with glass cases displaying glittering jewels, all of which reflect Bodino's love of Italy. Tucked behind a thick curtain you will find Bodino's studio where you may catch the artist, paintbrush in hand absorbed in a gouache sketch as he starts to design a new jewel.
From the thick chain choker emblazoned with fiery coloured jewels, worthy of a Medici patron, to the boldly graphic cuffs in rich hues, each jewel he crafts is unique. And if nothing catches your eye, Giampiero Bodino is happy to sit down in the living room and over a cup of coffee discuss your personally designed jewel.
