Gucci has launched the Gucci Visions exhibition at the EmSphere shopping, showcasing the marvellous design throughout its century
Author: Kantinan Srisan | Photographer: Courtesy of Gucci
Jun 07, 2024
“…Flagship exhibition of the year from Gucci, Gucci Visions. The exhibition narrates the illustrious history of Gucci, spanning over 103 years, and brings together an array of unique aesthetics and characteristics from the brand's creative directors and talented artisans over the past century, all in one place..."
With the spacious and centrally located EM GLASS at the EmSphere shopping centre, this exhibition comprehensively tells the story through six meticulously curated themed rooms. Highlighting the brand's unique iconic inventions, including the Bamboo bag, monogram patterns, the interlocking GG logo, and more. Additionally, the exhibition offers insights into the origins and significance of these iconic elements, showcasing their enduring charm through significant dates and events, specifically. Visitors can explore the evolution of Gucci's iconic pieces, such as travel bag models, the renowned Bamboo bag, monogram GG patterns, and Flora designs, alongside exquisite precious gowns worn by celebrities for over a century.
Flora
The Flora room showcases the brand's iconic pattern, which originated from the imagination of Vittorio Accornero de Testa, an Italian artist, set designer, and illustrator who has been with the brand since 1966. The Flora pattern first appeared on fabric through a silk scarf, reflecting the natural beauty of all four seasons with images of flowers, plants, and various insects. This design has continually inspired the brand and expanded its enchanting appeal to other creations, including ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, accessories, and the distinctive Gucci eau de parfum.
Bamboo
Another exhibition room comprehensively showcases the legendary Gucci Bamboo collection, which began in 1947. This collection is clear evidence of Gucci artisans' relentless innovation and their bold move to step beyond certain traditional norms. Inspired by Vasco Gucci, the fifth son of Guccio Gucci, who had a fondness for canes, the use of bamboo, a material not popular at the time, was introduced. After numerous trials, bamboo was incorporated into the brand's workshop in 1947, moulded into a curved bag handle using an open flame, and finished with a glossy coating. This led to a modern design that quickly garnered attention from leading actors worldwide. The bamboo element was subsequently adapted into various designs, from belt buckles to high-heeled shoes. The Bamboo 1947 bag thus serves as a reminder of Gucci's unique creativity and reinforces its position as a leader in the art of high craftsmanship.
Travel
Dating back to the year 1921, when the Gucci brand was founded, the initial concept was not about dominating the fashion world but rather about creating “perfect English-style luggage." This ambition stemmed from Guccio Gucci's travels to London more than two decades before the brand's inception. As a young man working as a porter at The Savoy, one of the city's most luxurious hotels, Guccio observed the behaviours, practices, and 'equipment' of the upper class. This insight made him realise and understand what the best travel bags and luggage should be like. Combining this understanding with a strong desire and vision, Gucci's luggage designs at the time excelled in multiple dimensions. The display in this room, along with the iconic models arranged around, effectively reflects this marvel.
Icons
When talking about Gucci's iconic designs, many would agree that numerous standout pieces exist. All of these imaginable creations are gathered in the Icons room. This room was crafted to commemorate the brand's many legendary works and designs, including the Bamboo 1947 handbag, the Horsebit, which has adorned loafers since 1953 and in the year 1955 for the Horsebit 1955 handbag, as well as the Jackie 1961, a crescent-shaped bag featuring a distinctive piston-shaped lock. These timeless pieces represent the brand's hallmark designs, reflecting Gucci's outstanding image, inspired creativity, and exquisite craftsmanship in every aspect. Furthermore, over 200 pieces of these three iconic designs are showcased in the room, highlighting Gucci's boundless creativity.
Stars
As previously mentioned, Gucci has had a longstanding relationship with prominent figures, celebrities, and influencers for over a century. This journey began when Guccio Gucci first encountered the upper class at the Savoy Hotel in London, extending to recognition among Hollywood stars and global elites during the 1950s and 1960s, evolving into an icon of luxury and elegance over subsequent decades up to the present day.
The Stars room utilises mirrors and digital screens to create an immersive experience for the participants, enhancing the prominence of the carefully selected garments on display. Many of these outfits were specifically tailored for notable figures in the film and music industries, such as Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Chastain, among others. This exhibition vividly demonstrates Gucci's dedication to creating pieces that reflect the brand's unique identity.
Fashion
Lastly, the final room, Fashion, this themed room showcases various iconic looks from each decade, meticulously selected from the brand's extensive archives housed at Palazzo Settimanni in Florence. These treasured pieces not only provide inspiration but also serve as a testament to the design legacy of their respective eras, passing on the stories to future generations.
This room captures Gucci's signature elements in their entirety. It features the Flora pattern from the 1960s, the seductive styles of the Tom Ford era, and lace designs to the Gucci Jackie bag. It also highlights Frida Giannini's feminine design codes and Alessandro Michele's 1970s-inspired creations, as well as the debut collection of the brand's latest creative director, Sabato De Sarno.
The Gucci Visions exhibition in Thailand will be open to the public from June 9 to July 21, 2024, at EM GLASS, located on the G floor of the EM Tower at the Emsphere shopping centre.
Those who are interested in visiting the Gucci Visions exhibition can reserve their visit at https://www.gucci.com/th/en_gb/st/capsule/gucci-visions-bangkok or through the LINE Official Account: @GUCCITH
Sources: Gucci