HOSOO was founded in 1688 in Kyoto's Nishijin district as a weaving house serving major temples. It is one of the oldest established businesses in the world of Nishijin weaving. For over 1200 years, Nishijin weaving has flourished, supported by the overwhelming patronage of aristocrats, samurai classes, and affluent townspeople.

 

While HOSOO continues to uphold the traditional Nishijin weaving techniques for obi sashes and kimonos, it also develops unique textiles for the domestic and international luxury markets by combining innovative technologies with creativity.

 

The collaboration between Gucci and HOSOO began in 2022, centered around shared values of tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity. Both parties resonated with the idea of reinterpreting weaving techniques passed down through centuries with a contemporary perspective, leading to this partnership.

 

Since then, artisans from Gucci and HOSOO have worked closely together to develop innovative textiles for Gucci's signature bags.

 

The fourth chapter incorporates HOSOO's craftsmanship into two iconic models: the "Gucci Bamboo 1947" and the "Gucci Diana." These bags are crafted using HOSOO's signature "Petals" technique and are made from an original textile that fuses the Flora motif with the GG pattern.

 

 

The delicate expression of blooming flowers is rendered through advanced craftsmanship, further enhanced by the intricate weaving of silver foil within Nishijin's characteristic multi-layered structure, creating a beautiful finish with depth and dimensionality. The combination of warm ivory, copper, and rose tones with dark bamboo handles results in an elegant and graceful handbag.

 

 

This limited edition handbag collection features a total of 10 items. The "Gucci Bamboo 1947" and "Gucci Diana" are available in three colors: ivory, copper, and rose, each paired with matching leather trim. Additionally, the mini size of the "Gucci Bamboo 1947" in ivory features a special finish with precious leather trim.

 

Attention has also been paid to the hardware, with antique silver-tone for ivory and light gold-tone for copper and rose, adding an accent to the overall design.

 

Regarding this project, Masataka Hosoo, the 12th generation head and Creative Director of HOSOO, commented, "Over our four-year collaboration with Gucci, we have continuously explored new possibilities in weaving through ongoing dialogues between tradition and innovation. In this fourth chapter, that exploration has deepened further, incorporating contrasting elements like 'light and shadow' and 'stillness and motion' to express the three-dimensional texture of textiles more richly. I hope you will experience the new form of beauty born from the intersection of Nishijin weaving techniques and Gucci's creativity."

 

When distinct craftsmanship meets, beauty transcends culture and borders. The weaving techniques of Kyoto, passed down through generations, meet Gucci's renowned creativity. "Gucci Nishijin" is proof that there are no boundaries in the essence of making things.