FASHION /
MEN
June 22, 2015
GUCCI | Frida Giannini in Japan (Part 1)
GUCCI
Frida Giannini in Japan (Part 1)
Hosting a Charity Gala Dinner to Connect Children's Futures
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its first shop opening in Japan, Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini visited the country. The purpose of her visit was to support Gucci's ongoing charity initiatives for children's education, which she has spearheaded through various campaigns. What does Gucci envision as a gift to children?
Text by ITO Yuji (OPENERS)
Gucci's Educational Support for Children in Tohoku Since 2012
In 2012, a charity necklace; in 2013, a charity bracelet; and this year,"GUCCI 50 years in Japan" Capsule Collectiona scarf from the "Flora" print collection was offered as a charity item, a recent memory for many.
Through these activities, Gucci supports the "UNESCO Association Scholarship for Schooling Support - GUCCI Scholars" program, launched in 2012. This program provides non-repayable scholarships to children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
At the ceremony, Frida presented a donation of 25 million yen, the full proceeds from the "GUCCI 50 years in Japan" capsule collection scarf sold in the first half of 2014, to the Japan UNESCO Association, Gucci's partner in social contribution activities in Japan.
Patrizio di Marco, President and CEO of Gucci, commented on the event: "Gucci is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first shop opening in Japan. Throughout this time, we have consistently pursued quality and service, respecting craftsmanship. While we are a fashion brand, we believe it is essential to engage sincerely with society, not just superficially. This is our responsibility as a brand, and it means undertaking activities that consider children and their future, not just immediate concerns. We are delighted to be able to support Japanese children through this event."
©Ronan Gallagher
Frida added, reflecting on her decade as Creative Director: "I am deeply honored to share with everyone in Japan the invaluable nature of 'learning' for children and the importance of continuing our support for them through this initiative." She expressed her gratitude to those who have placed their trust in Gucci's activities through this charity.
A Culinary Expression of the Bond Between Japan and Italy
The Charity Gala Dinner was hosted by Junko Kubo, with Noboru Noguchi, Chairman of the Japan National Federation of UNESCO Associations, as the main guest. Approximately 250 distinguished guests from various fields, including celebrities and cultural figures such as Hideki Nakata, Emi Takei, Makoto Tanijiri (architect), and Shishu (calligrapher), who share a deep connection with Gucci, attended, filling the venue with a sense of shared purpose.
©Courtesy of Gucci
The dinner commenced with a chorus performed by 160 high school students from Tokyo and children from the disaster-stricken regions of Tohoku. Their clear voices filled the venue with a pure resonance, setting a serene and refreshing tone for the evening. Dinner tables were arranged around a specially constructed stage in the center of the room. To celebrate the relationship between Japan and Italy, Gucci's homeland, a special course was served, a collaboration between Yoshihiro Murata, master of the three-Michelin-starred "Kikunoi," and Hiroyasu Sasajima, owner-chef of Kyoto's "Il Ghiottone."
©Ronan Gallagher
A video message from Yokozuna Hakuho was also presented, followed by a special acoustic live performance by Jessie J, who opened The Sound of Change Live concert last year to support the empowerment of girls and women. It was a glamorous evening.