Ritz-Carlton, Starboard inaugurate first Bvlgari boutique on a yacht

In festivities Tuesday aboard Ilma off Saint-Tropez, Jim Murren, executive chairman & CEO, RCYC; Lisa Bauer, president & CEO, Starboard; and Elodie Thellier, president of Bvlgari LATAM & Caribbean, snipped an orange ribbon to open the boutique.

'Starboard have been partners since our inception. We admire their willingness to branch out and try new things,' Murren said.

And Thellier said: 'We're proud to be at the vanguard of a partnership celebrating excellence and sophistication.' 

Jewelry, watches, bags

The selection includes jewelry, watches and bags from such iconic Bvlgari collections as Serpenti, B. Zeroi and Diva's Dream.

Diva's Dream evening bag with a design inspired by the mosaic patterns of the Caracalla thermal baths PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Showing off a Diva's Dream evening bag in gold and silver, Thellier extolled the design inspired by the mosaic patterns of the Caracalla thermal baths. 'The craftsmanship is fabulous,' she said.

Carefully curated

Alongside the dedicated Bvlgari boutique are shops 'curated very intentionally' to reflect the destination, Bauer noted.

In Ilma's case, that's currently the Mediterranean, so the brands, items and display color palettes are vivid with aqua, azure and cerluean blues and sunny, lemony yellow. A boutique is designed like an apartment, with comfy seating in a living area, 'closets' of men's and women's clothing with such lines as Orlebar Brown and Missoni, and a dining area with a table of housewares.

Housewares, jewely, handbags, clothing — all curated from Ilma's Mediterranean destinations and displayed in an apartment-like setting PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Things people can't get at home

Shoppers will find treasures like an Amalfi Coast backgammon set and a handbag that recalls a vintage travel poster of Capri. 

'The guests are getting things here that they can't get at home,' Bauer said.

Brands and items in Ilma's shops will be rotated seasonally.

Rolexes

One area displays certified pre-owned Rolexes.

Ilma also offers a shop with Ritz-Carlton logo items.

Both Stacy Shaw, VP luxury division, Starboard, and Mark Lockwood, chief product officer, RCYC, said they look forward to partnering with more iconic luxury brands.