A Journey Through Light and Eternity
Sometimes, something like divine grace illuminates a person’s heart. This happens almost universally to everyone. Like a fuse burning toward dynamite, we can sense such events being prepared and expanding. A spark flashes in the mind, and the entire world unfolding before the eyes radiates light. For someone who has spent their entire life in melancholy, the earth and trees would appear dark and gloomy. Then, suddenly, a day of glory arrives. The chirping of crickets delights the ears, the scent of soil sweetens the nose, and the dappled sunlight beneath the tree blesses the eyes.
All of it was because of ‘light.’ I revisited these lines from novelist John Steinbeck’sEast of Edenwhile examining the ‘Christmas tree’ that had already been set up. Under normal circumstances, I might have lamented the passage of time or ruminated on it. However, upon encountering the dazzling, light-completed ‘Divas’ Dream Lighting Tree,’ I felt blessed before even entering a state of rapture.
The ‘Divas’ Dream Lighting Tree’ at theBvlgari Holiday Divas’ Dreampop-up, unveiled from the 6th at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, was not just splendid but sublime. Gold may be seductive, but light symbolizes salvation. As I moved toward the light from the entrance of the first-floor open plaza, sentences I had once read and re-read under my pillow flashed through my mind. The original text of the line translated as ‘sunlight’ in the Korean version ofEast of Edenreads, ‘dappling lights under a tree blesses his eyes.’ When light like sunlight blesses the eyes, we taste glory.
A Symbol of Eternity and Artistry
A star at the top of the tree, shining as if gathering all of Rome’s stars, cascades light like a fountain and petals in layers. There is no reason to close one’s eyes when light blesses them. It seems like a spiritual remedy for those who hesitate to shine on their own and take it for granted that they fade.
The Lighting Tree highlights Rome’s artistry, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of women through Bvlgari’s iconic Divas’ Dream collection. Inspired by the grand mosaic decorations of Rome’s Caracalla Baths, the Divas’ Dream is an icon born from the symbolic fan motif, which reinterprets the geometric perfection and artistic curves of ancient Roman architecture in a modern way.
The silhouette created by the flowing curves captures soft femininity even amid a strong presence, expressing the image of a modern ‘Diva’—a woman with confident and self-directed beauty—as symbolized by Divas’ Dream.
An Immersive Experience
TheBvlgari Holiday Divas’ Dreampop-up sensually realizes the artistic world of the Divas’ Dream collection. The Divas’ Dream Lighting Tree, at the center of the pop-up, projects radiant light symbolizing Rome’s eternity, based on architectural formative beauty utilizing the iconic fan motif. It feels as if one is in a ‘space of light’ where ancient Roman heritage and modern luxury intersect.
At the pop-up, visitors can encounter not only the latest jewelry from the Divas’ Dream collection, the main theme, but also various lineups including bestsellers. Additionally, Italy’s traditional Christmas dessert, ‘panettone,’ is available, and completing a stamp tour allows one to receive three limited-edition postcards and stamps designed around the Divas’ Dream concept.
A Unique Collection of Experiences
The Divas’ Dream stamps, available only at the Bvlgari pop-up, were specially produced in collaboration with Korea Post and Bvlgari. Issued in limited quantities, these commemorative stamps can be used for actual mailing. Whether sending to a friend, lover, parent, or even oneself, one can express their heart through direct mail.
While limited-edition experience goods, including ‘panettone’ made by a Michelin-starred chef, are popular, what has already spread by word of mouth among visitors is that it has become a ‘life photo’ hotspot. The tree’s formative beauty, along with the Divas’ Dream-patterned carpet that stably supports it, creates a rich color palette where golden light and deep blue reminiscent of the night sky intersect.
The harmonious light of soft gold and white gold accumulates layer by layer with balance, naturally acting like a reflector. On the 7th, Bvlgari ambassador and actor Kim Ji-won visited the site, adding more light to the glow.
Pop-Up Events Across the Country
The Pangyo Branch pop-up, unveiled on the 6th, runs until the 16th. TheBvlgari Holiday Divas’ Dreampop-up will then be held at Shinsegae Department Store Centum City Branch from the 21st to the 30th, at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch from December 4th to 14th, and at The Hyundai Seoul from December 18th to 31st.
In his book, John Steinbeck wrote following those lines: “I think the dignity of a human being in this world can be measured by the quality and quantity of glory he has experienced. Though it is a lonely thing, it connects us to the world. It is the mother of all creation, distinguishing each of us from others.” There is still plenty of time left for us to experience glory.