Mary Katrantzou
2026
Born in Athens, Greece, Mary Katrantzou established her namesake brand in 2008, after studying Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design (USA) and graduating with a BA in Textile design and an MA in Fashion from Central Saint Martins (London). Her graduation show in 2008, which featured trompe l’oeil prints of oversized jewelry, took the industry by storm, immediately securing prestigious stockists such as Browns, Joyce and Colette.
Mary Katrantzou was dubbed "The Queen of Print" by the press, a moniker that recognized the enormous influence of her work in the medium. Katrantzou's work changed the face of 21st century fashion, inspiring high fashion and high street designers alike. Refining her signature aesthetic, Katrantzou expanded the complexity of her engineered prints, translating her narrative into innovative textile design, couture craftsmanship, and a focus on form.
Katrantzou has received numerous awards throughout her career. In 2010 she was awarded the Swiss Textiles Award in recognition of her pioneering textiles; in November 2011, she received the Emerging Talent Award at the Fashion Awards and in February 2012 was awarded Young Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards. In 2015, Katrantzou received the VOGUE Designer Fashion Fund.
Her work has been showcased in renowned museums worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She has been the subject of two solo exhibitions: MARY, QUEEN OF PRINTS at the Dallas Contemporary Museum in Texas (2018) and KALEIDOSCOPE KATRANTZOU at SCAD in Atlanta (2019). In addition, she has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Bulgari, Swarovski, Moncler, Adidas, and Villeroy & Boch, as well as cultural institutions like the New York City Ballet and the Paris Opera.
“Though she found immediate success with her innovative patterns, to think of Katrantzou only in terms of print or tech would be a mistake, because she’s continually pushing and evolving. Marchesa Luisa Casati once said “I want to be a living work of art”, Katrantzou explained “... and by adorning themselves in the culture and the history of Art and Design, women can express themselves through the luxury of craftsmanship.” The luxury of craftsmanship is exactly what Katrantzou delivers, by means of both high-tech and analog.” VOGUERUNWAY.com
Turning a new page in its 140-year journey, Bulgari announced Mary Katrantzou as its inaugural Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories in April 2024. In this new role, Mary Katrantzou will be responsible for the Creative Direction behind all Bulgari leather goods, the one-of-a-kind High Jewellery collection of bags and clutches, eyewear and accessories, unifying this universe of luxury.
“The rich cultural heritage and dual Greco-Roman roots of Bulgari have played an integral part in my formation as a designer. I’ve always been inspired by the design codes and syncretism of Bulgari, its mastery of colours and the depth of narrative. I’m deeply honoured to be the first Creative Director of Bulgari Leather Goods and Accessories, leading the creative vision for this new chapter and elevating everyday life into a form of art.”
Katrantzou’s journey with Bulgari began in 2019 as part of the Spring/Summer 2020 couture show at the Temple of Poseidon and has since evolved into multiple collaborations. One could describe her appointment as destiny. Born in Greece, her background mirrors Bulgari’s founder Sotirio Bulgari who was raised and trained as a silversmith in Greece before pioneering the brand in 1884. Both grounded in a love for timeless luxury and instinctive artisanship, Bulgari’s legacy in its ideology and aesthetic is bound to continue.
