Beatrice Borromeo Lends Modern Royal Pedigree as the Face of Buccellati
When we think of diamonds, we often think of aristocracy. And indeed, the 101-year-old Italian jeweler Buccellati found an ambassador with a modern royal pedigree in Beatrice Borromeo. The journalist and documentary filmmaker is the daughter of the Italian Countess Donna Paola Marzotto and Count Carlo Ferdinando Borromeo and wife of Pierre Casiraghi, the youngest son of Monaco’s Princess Caroline and Grace Kelly’s grandson.
Buccellati’s latest campaign for its Hawaii, Macri, Ramage, and High Jewelry collections is a collaboration between Lucrezia Buccellati, the fourth-generation co-creative of the house, and Borromeo. Shot by Josh Olins in Rome, where Borromeo once lived, the black-and-white images are all glamour, elegance, and effortlessness.
Ahead, Borromeo chats with BAZAAR.com about playing dress-up with her mother’s jewelry box, her fondness for the Eternal City, and wearing diamonds with jeans.
What are your earliest memories of Buccellati?
When I was younger, my mom had a Buccellati Macri bracelet that she would wear quite often. It was way too big for me, so I wasn’t really allowed to wear it, but I loved it because of all the diamond stars. I remember slipping it on when she was at work, paired together with her oversized high heels, and then I would be sure to put it back exactly in the right place so she wouldn’t notice. I must have been five or six. It was a lot of fun.
How has the brand evolved throughout the years?
From my perspective, the amazing characteristic about Buccellati is from inception. The’ve always managed to create timeless jewelry with eternal style. Pieces they designed 100 years ago still feel modern and sophisticated for today’s world.
How would you describe the vibe of the ad campaign?
We tried to forget about constructing pre-made ideas. They allowed me to be completely myself. Josh Olins, the photographer, really excelled at creating the perfect atmosphere where I could be spontaneous, yet remain who I am. By trade, I am a storyteller. I have a production company that focuses on documentaries, so he played with the idea of me traveling around, discovering interesting things, and, of course, enjoying the timeless beauty of Rome, where I have lived for many years when I was a political reporter.
How do the images reflect the history of the brand and your own personal style?
Many of the campaign images were shot in black and white, which I think portrays a certain timeless feel, but in a modern way. Coincidently, that is how I approach my personal style. I tailor my wardrobe choices based on the particular day. When I’m at work, and on set, I am just in a T-shirt and jeans. If I have an event or special occasion to attend, I opt for a more elegant look. I think it's important for women, now more than ever, to express their own individuality and to wear clothes they feel most comfortable and confident in.
What are some of your favorite pieces from the collection?
That is a tough question. The Macri collection will most likely always be my favorite—the earrings, pendants, and bangles, everything. However, I also love the Hawaii collection, and find myself wearing several pieces from it as well.
Is there a particular item you wear the most?
I have a pendant my mother gave me when I was a teenager. It’s small and so very beautiful. I never take it off.
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