Gucci Celebrates the Reopening of Its Historic Boutique in Via Monte Napoleone
The profound relationship that binds Gucci and the city of Milan is further enriched with the reopening of the historic boutique in Via Monte Napoleone. Inaugurated for the first time in 1951, the shop reflects the distinctive ability of the Lombard capital to inspire creativity and becomes an integral part of it in a broader homage extended to the values of beauty and Italian craftsmanship.
The new space strengthens the maison's lasting bond with the city and pays homage to Italian beauty and craftsmanship through a careful renovation. To celebrate the inauguration, Gucci organized an exclusive cocktail party. The party took place inside the boutique, where the creative director Sabato De Sarno and the president and CEO Jean-François Palus welcomed guests. During the evening, with Kim Turnbull's DJ set, participants were able to taste Gucci Giardino 25 cocktails prepared by bar manager Martina Bonci. During the opening, the lower floor had a preview of the Gucci Ancora collection. For the first time, guests were invited to discover the clothes from the spring summer 2024 show, available for pre-order.
Returning to the store, the new boutique features characteristic elements of Milanese architecture in an essential environment designed to enhance the Gucci collections, with sober lines and shades that allow the appreciation of the values of quality, authenticity, and distinctiveness of Made in Italy in a natural context. The materials and furnishings were chosen in harmony with these values and with Sabato De Sarno's aesthetics. The marble cipollino and the bardiglio in the floors, which form intricate geometric patterns, evoke elements present in some of the residential projects most emblematic of the city. A broader homage to Italian tradition is represented by the use of Venetian glass "pulegoso" for shelves and other details. Also carefully chosen are the seats and tables by Cassina, B&B, Living Divani, and Minotti, icons of Italian design, a concept perfectly in tune with the creative gaze of Sabato De Sarno.
With over 1,800 square meters distributed over two floors, the boutique hosts men's and women's ready-to-wear, bags, luggage, shoes, silk, eyewear, jewelry, fragrances, and more. The store also introduces two separate lounges for a dedicated experience. The space also has the privilege of hosting a selection of works selected by the curator Truls Blaasmo. The path through the boutique is conceived for visitors as a visual experience that encourages interaction and participation, facilitating a dialogue between young talents and established artists. The collection renews the profound connection with the artistic heritage of the place by exhibiting masterpieces by Milanese masters such as Lucio Fontana, Getulio Alviani, Franco Mazzucchelli, and Liliana Moro, together with works by international artists such as Nathlie Provosty, Jamie Poblete, Adji Dieye and Augustas Serapinas, giving life to a conversation that explores colors and shapes.
"This opening pays homage to the House's longstanding connection and history with the city of Milan, which debuted here in 1951. Today, it is particularly meaningful that we reopen in this address, at the very heart of a city renowned for sparking creativity, influencing fashion, and embodying luxury," said president and CEO of Gucci, Jean-François Palus. "This flagship echoes Gucci's profound appreciation for contemporary art and design and epitomizes the essence of Italian beauty and craftsmanship. It invites our clients to embark on a beautifully tailored experience, showcasing the exceptional quality of the House's products. Here, Gucci's fashion authority and timeless luxury are center stage."
The ground floor is dedicated to leather goods, showcasing the house's iconic bag lines. Furthermore, the ground floor also houses the Rosso Ancora room, an immersive and transformative space decorated with carpet in the color Rosso Ancora and lacquered walls and ceilings in the same tone, iconic shade. On the occasion of the grand opening, the room displayed 150 models of Jackie Notte bags together with a luminous Gucci Ancora sign celebrating the codes of the fashion house and the contemporary vision of Sabato De Sarno. As part of Gucci's commitment to implementing and enhancing its sustainability strategy in its boutiques around the world, the store is designed according to requirements of the LEED protocol, the most widespread certification worldwide for sustainable construction. In addition, the store is equipped with a BMS to monitor consumption and make processes more efficient.
From:Â Esquire IT