GUCCI | 50th Anniversary Capsule Collection for Japan's First Gucci Shop
GUCCI
Celebrating 50 Years Since the Opening of Japan's First Gucci Shop
The "GUCCI 50 years in JAPAN" Capsule Collection
GUCCIunveils a capsule collection commemorating the 50th anniversary of its first shop in Japan. The collection features a full lineup of bags, apparel, and shoes adorned with the iconic "Flora" print, a signature motif of the brand. Additionally, silk scarves will be available ascharity itemsto support children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The entirety of the proceeds will be donated to the "UNESCO Association Scholarship - GUCCI Scholar Program."GUCCIScholar Program.
Photograph by JAMANDFIXText by FUJITA Mayu(OPENERS)
The "Flora" Print, Born Alongside Gucci's Arrival in Japan, Takes Center Stage
This year marks 50 years since the opening of Japan's first Gucci shop on Ginza's Miyuki Street in 1964. In fact, Gucci's connection with Japan dates back much further, to the 1940s. After the war, Florentine artisans, struggling to source high-quality materials, discovered bamboo imported from Japan. Through their exceptional craftsmanship, they ingeniously processed the bamboo into an arched shape, creating a beautiful handle that highlighted its unique silhouette. This resulted in the creation of the "Bamboo Bag," a historic icon of the brand.
In this anniversary year, the brand has planned a variety of initiatives throughout the year. In March, the first phase featured an event allowing visitors to experience Gucci's craftsmanship firsthand. Artisans were invited from Gucci's workshops in Florence, Italy, to demonstrate the creation process, showcasing traditional artisanal techniques on an unprecedented global scale.
The second phase is a capsule collection inspired by "Flora," another iconic motif alongside "Bamboo." The "Flora" print, a botanical pattern designed in 1966 for a scarf gifted to Princess Grace of Monaco, two years after Gucci's official launch in Japan, is the inspiration. The capsule collection offers a full lineup of bags, scarves, apparel, wallets, shoes, and jewelry, all featuring the "Flora" print, which was created around the same time as Gucci's full-scale entry into Japan.
The bags include a practical canvas tote bag and the popular "Bamboo Shopper" handbag, a contemporary interpretation of the "Bamboo Handle." The calfskin versions, available in three sizes, feature a subtle "Flora" print lining. The small-sized Flora canvas version is accented with chic leather trim. Both styles come in three colors, with a light white color exclusively available online.
The silk scarf, with its storied origin created for Princess Grace, will have all its proceeds donated to the "UNESCO Association Scholarship - GUCCI Scholar Program." This scholarship program, aimed at children affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, has been ongoing for three years. While "Flora" has been reinterpreted in various ways, the pattern used in this collection is the original print from 1966. The scarf beloved by Princess Grace is revived for the modern era. The white scarf is exclusively available online.
The ever-popular Horsebit loafers also appear in the "Flora" design. Their light, airy aesthetic, perfect for the upcoming season, is enhanced by leather trim. A notable piece is the silk tunic dress, distinguished by its metallic chest embellishment. Inspired by a signature 1970s creation displayed at the "Gucci Museo" in Florence, this dress offers a fresh, retro mood, embodying the timeless allure of "Flora" that transcends eras.
The "GUCCI 50 years in JAPAN" capsule collection is available from April 1st at major Gucci shops and the online store. In addition to the items featured here, a variety of other pieces, including apparel and jewelry, are also available, so be sure to explore them.
Half a century has passed since Gucci's official arrival in 1964. Through its creations, the relationship between the brand and Japan has matured. This is evident in Gucci's immediate response with charitable activities following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and its continued support. The anniversary initiatives celebrating Gucci and Japan's partnership have just begun, and future developments are highly anticipated.
Gucci Japan Customer Service
Tel. 03-5469-6611
www.gucci.com
