Chimamanda Adichie Named Among Bvlgari's Global Icons Amid Personal Tragedy
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been unveiled as one of the global faces of Bvlgari's ICONS Minaudière collection, joining an exclusive roster that includes supermodel Linda Evangelista, South Korean actress Kim Ji-won, Italian actress Isabella Rossellini, and South African architect Sumayya Vally.
Bvlgari's Prestigious Collection and Adichie's Role
The collection, designed by Mary Katrantzou, Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories at the Italian luxury house, features sculptural metal minaudières inspired by Bvlgari's 140-year jewellery-making heritage. Each icon was paired with a symbolic minaudière and commissioned to write an original miniature book to fit inside it, reflecting personal ideas on culture, tradition, nature, and belonging.
This honour is a recognition of Adichie's global influence, spanning literature, culture, and fashion. Her works have consistently explored themes of memory, identity, and the role of women in society, making her selection a natural extension of her creative vision.
Bvlgari highlighted that each selected woman represents a unique vision of creativity and achievement, celebrating cultural contribution beyond the conventional fashion world. For Adichie, whose career has bridged literature and global feminism, the project recognises her as a figure whose influence resonates across multiple disciplines.
Adichie's Previous Achievements and Fashion Engagements
She has previously featured in Dior's 2023 campaign for The Lady 95.22 handbag and received several major literary accolades in Europe in 2025, including the Sjöjungfrun (The Mermaid) Award at the Gothenburg Book Fair and Germany's Felix Jud Prize.
Tragic Personal Loss and Family Grief
However, the celebration comes at a profoundly difficult time for the writer. Earlier this January, Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, at 21 months old. The death occurred at Euracare Multispecialist Hospital in Lagos and has been linked by the family to alleged medical negligence during a routine procedure.
The incident sparked national discussion about healthcare standards and accountability, though the family has requested privacy as they continue to mourn.
Speaking with The Guardian, Adichie's cousin, Mrs Ogechukwu Ogbeide-Ihama, confirmed that the Bvlgari shoot took place in November 2025, when the author was looking forward to celebrating the project with her twin boys in Paris.
"Sadly, she's at home, heartbroken and completely devastated, mourning the loss of our precious Nkanu, who should be here with us today," Ogbeide-Ihama said.
Details of the Medical Incident
Nkanu's death followed a brief illness that began with what appeared to be a common cold but escalated into a serious infection. The family had planned a medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, United States, where a specialist team was awaiting the child.
In the days leading up to his death, the child was sedated at Euracare for diagnostic procedures, during which Chimamanda and her family allege lapses in standard medical care.
This tragic event underscores the challenges in Nigeria's healthcare system, even as Adichie's international recognition highlights her enduring impact on global culture and fashion.
