Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

1 5 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I In this spirit of exclusivity, Bodino chose Villa Mozart in Milan as his base, rather than opting for selling through boutiques. His clients have the rare and personal experience of being a guest in the stunning villa that serves as his studio and showroom. Bodino has said that he couldn’t see himself in a traditional store. “When you buy something as special and as important as a jewel, you should relate. You don’t just buy an object, you buy an emotion.” Italy was of course the natural choice for Bodino: “I can’t hide the fact that I’m really in love with my country,” he has been quoted as saying. Located in a little-known corner of fashionable Milan, Villa Mozart is an Art Deco landmark from the 1930s, which Bodino restored to uncover its hidden beauty, undeniable charm, and clean architectural lines. Surrounded by lush green greenery, the villa was designed by master architects Aldo Andreani and Piero Portaluppi. Floral-frescoed ceilings float over marble columns, remarkable sculptures from his private collection and larger-than-life-paintings by Bodino himself are part of the scene. More than just a location, Villa Mozart is a a wellspring of creativity, and a destination of utmost beauty and incomparable design. Here, Bodino studies, sketches and creates – it’s a true Maison, an atelier where he engages discerning clients by appointment only. This is not a shopping trip – this is a one-of-a-kind luxury lifestyle experience. It’s easy to see the influence of the surroundings in the jewellery creations produced here. There’s a nod to centuries of Italian art, architecture and style, including Baroque and Renaissance styles. All are expressed with opulent flourishes and impeccable structural expertise, as evidenced in the Barocco necklace, Chimera bracelet or Tesori del Mare ring, just to name a few examples. Stately and coolly elegant, Villa Mozart is in constant dialogue with the contemporary creativity of Giampiero Bodino. It remains an eclectic and expressive representation of his worldview, an inviting villa where guests can see true artistry at work. www.giampierobodino.com Photograph by Miro Zagnoli