Gucci Garden reopens in Florence to explore fashion history

The newly renovated Gucci Garden by the Florence-based fashion giant has opened this January kicking off an exciting start to 2018.

Housed in the historic 14^th century Palazzo della Mercanzia just off main square, Piazza della Signoria, it’s a sensory wonderland celebrating the fashion house’s almost 100-year history.

Designed by current Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele, six spaces are dedicated to an ‘exploration of the eclectic creativity that lies at the very heart of the [fashion] House.’ Rooms are themed showcasing a curated selection of items dating back to the label’s launch and include recent work, memorabilia and contemporary art. Clothing, accessories, video installations, artwork, documents and artefacts are displayed over the two floors in a lively and interactive experience.

All past Gucci designers are represented along with new creative collaborations including with famed Italian chef Massimo Bottura who has taken the helm of the Gucci Osteria, an intimate restaurant on the ground floor of the palazzo where the three-Michelin-star chef has created a menu of iconic Italian dishes with contemporary twists open for all-day dining from midday.

The ground floor also houses a retail space with exclusive products designed for the Gucci Garden and not on sale in any other Gucci stores with several one-of-a-kind creations that feature the new Gucci Garden Gothic script. Pieces from the Gucci Décor collection are also for sale, as is a selection of magazines and books curated by Rome-based, Antica Libreria Cascianelli.

Florence has an illustrious fashion heritage and the re-launch of the latest museum in the city dedicated to the craftsmanship of fine tailoring and artisan workmanship only adds to the city’s creative appeal making this a must-see space for any fashion lover when next in the Tuscan capital.

By Nardia Plumridge