For the better part of the last decade, Carla Bruni was better known to the world as Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife. That all changed this summer, when Carla stepped back into the limelight as the face of Bulgari. As it turns out, the former first lady was seduced by the rich history of Bulgari’s jewelry and was particularly enamored with their signature Diva Collection – and that was enough to bring her out of retirement and back into the world of modeling.

The Diva Collection is inspired by the great actresses of the 1950s and 1960s who wore jewelry from the Italian brand; a group including the likes of Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren. This year’s collection takes its inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor’s rendition of “Cleopatra”, a world created in Hollywood to be ruled by geometric patterns and theatrical-sized gemstones. While the collection is diverse in its designs, the shape of the fan can be found in each of the pieces, giving the collection artistic cohesion.

The campaign was shot by Terry Richardson known for his candid and controversial style of photography. Applying Richardson’s unique style and vision to a brand where people have come to expect polished adverts with dramatic sets, makes the fine jeweler appear accessible and fun. In a world where old-school glamour and classic opulence seem to be a dying trend, Bulgari’s Diva Collection has provided the Dolce Vita era with a glamorous renaissance.

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