By Tessa Nolan
It can be said that the history of the fashion house began when a young Guccio Gucci worked as a luggage porter at the iconic Savoy hotel in London. This experience inspired him to create his own brand in Florence in 1921. The exhibition at 180 Studios even recreated the iconic red elevator from the Savoy hotel for an immersive experience.
The recreation of the famous red Savoy elevator, London’s first electric elevator, is the first thing that guests encounter during their journey. Paying tribute to the 7-minute journey that Guccio, guests, and their luggage took daily, the meticulously reconstructed elevator and Savoy vestibule mark the beginning of an incredible journey.
In honor of the original revolving doors of the Savoy, a three-tier circular installation showcases a wide range of Gucci’s finest luggage throughout the centuries. From the signature suitcase of the 1920s to Alessandro Michele’s 2020 Disney print, each item demonstrates the brand’s enduring artistry.
Inspired by Sabato De Sarno’s debut collection, the “Ancora” room is entirely decorated in the new Rosso Ancora red color and showcases personal memories, phrases, and more in both Italian and English. The walls are covered with cards featuring words that can be rearranged, allowing visitors to create their own composition.
The constantly evolving runway, showcasing 25 designs from the 1970s to the present, is accompanied by the sound of sewing machines and the buzz of the atelier on the “Carousel” portal. The styling is done through color and inspiration to uncover new connections and emphasize the ongoing creative dialogue of the House.
With the help of the exhibition design by contemporary artist Es Devlin, Gucci Cosmos traces one of many possible constellations that connect the ideas and inventions launched by creative directors and artisans over the past 102 years. Italian fashion theorist and critic Maria Luisa Frisa has curated treasures, many of which have ventured outside of the archive for the first time, to depict how Gucci not only reflects time but also defines it.
A new exhibition dedicated to Gucci’s connection with London has opened. From October 11 to December 31, 2023, Gucci Cosmos exhibition is taking place at 180 Studios gallery in London. This exhibition showcases iconic models created over the past century and tells the legacy that the House has built during that time. The exhibition was designed and developed by contemporary British artist Es Devlin. The curation by fashion theorist Maria Luisa Frisa helped select the iconic models.
The exhibition features nine immersive installations, each revealing a different aspect of the House. From the elevator of the famous hotel where Guccio Gucci dreamed that one day luggage would bear his name, to the recent Gucci Ancora show by creative director Sabato De Sarno. Each world focuses on a distinct aspect of Gucci, showcasing how the House’s legendary symbols are constantly reimagined to both reflect and shape their era.
For a complete immersion in the exhibition, one can download the Gucci app and enjoy a special audio guide and additional content.
