Designer and the luxury jeweller Matthew Williamson will collaborate on a range of bags for Spring/Summer 2011, which will be presented during Milan Fashion Week in September. Francesco Trapani, chief executive officer of Bulgari, said the designer had been enlisted due to “the great sense of colour and design he brings to his work”. The bags mark Bulgari’s first collaboration with a designer as the company’s accessories are currently created by a design team based in Florence. Earlier this year, Williamson is venturing into menswear, following on from a successful collection with high street store H+M. He said: “I wanted to start a menswear line of slim-fitting, luxury cashmere jumpers in a range of great colours. I know these jumpers will become season-less staples in my own wardrobe. ”Cashmere and silk printed scarves and hand-beaded T-shirts complement the line and form a solid foundation for the collection to grow next season.”

Bulgari bags tend to be conservative and elegant affairs, so it will be interesting to see whether Williamson reigns in the exuberant color he was known for as creative director of Emilio Pucci.