Gucci’s Dual Showcase of Design Command and Timeless Elegance
As Milan buzzes with the excitement of the Design Week of this year, Gucci prepares to launch “Design Ancora,” a new project, at its prestigious Via Montenapoleone boutique from the 15th to the 22nd of April.
2 min
Led by the creative vision of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci’s Creative Director, this project aims to investigate the complex nature of iconic design by linking the legacy of legendary designers with the dynamic creativity of contemporary fashion.
This project represents a tribute to the golden era of Italian design, emphasizing the country’s excellency in both artisanal craftsmanship and accessible manufacturing, fusing intellectual depth with everyday utility.
“Design Ancora” will highlight a select range of five items that showcase the essence of Italian, more specifically Milanese, culture, freshly interpreted to resonate with the sensibilities of the present day.
A Visionary Collaboration
Adding a layer of international flair to the project, acclaimed architect Guillermo Santomà will design the exhibition space, offering a unique environment that accentuates the collection. Following their debut at the Design Week, these pieces will be available for purchase on Gucci’s website, marking a seamless blend of artistry and accessibility.
Gucci, an advocate of luxury fashion since its inception in Florence in 1921, continues to push boundaries under the Kering umbrella, celebrating over a century of creativity, Italian craftsmanship, and innovative luxury.
A New Era for the Iconic Loafer
In another bold move, Gucci unveils its latest campaign, dedicated to the Horsebit 1953 loafer, under the creative leadership of Sabato De Sarno. Featuring the talented British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, the campaign reinterprets the loafer’s timeless allure through minimalist portraits that underscore its enduring elegance.
Captured by photographer Heji Shin, the campaign stitches together the legacy and future of the loafer, a piece steeped in equestrian-inspired luxury since its first appearance in 1953.
De Sarno, with Ben-Adir as the face of the campaign, reinvigorates the Horsebit 1953 loafer, showcasing its evolution as a symbol of casual, sporty, and sensual sophistication.
This iconic design, with its distinctive double ring and bar motif drawn from equestrianism, stands as a testament to Gucci’s ongoing innovation.
Through this campaign, the Horsebit 1953 loafer is celebrated not just as a link to Gucci’s rich heritage but also as a beacon of modern elegance, inviting wearers to reinterpret sophistication in their daily lives.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
To empower local talents in the fashion industry
3 min
The Chalhoub Group has unveiled the second edition of the Fashion Lab, an innovative initiative designed to support and nurture local fashion talent in Saudi Arabia. Powered by The Greenhouse, Chalhoub Group’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and in collaboration with the Saudi100 program, the Fashion Lab opens its doors to a new cohort of Saudi Arabian fashion brands specializing in ready-to-wear, accessories, handbags, and jewelry.
Fashion entrepreneurs across the Kingdom are now invited to apply for this intensive six-month program. The Fashion Lab is crafted to provide participants with an intensive curriculum that covers essential aspects of fashion business fundamentals, commercialization strategies, and entrepreneurial skills.
This initiative is a testament to Chalhoub Group’s dedication to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fostering local talent, and driving innovation within the Saudi fashion industry.
Joaquin Mencia, Chief Innovation Officer at Chalhoub Group, commented: “The Fashion Lab is yet another testament to Chalhoub Group’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the Saudi fashion scene. After the great success of the first cohort of the Fashion Lab, we are launching Cohort 2 with double the efforts and expanding our perks for the next batch of Saudi fashion brands. With the exciting addition of The Greenhouse’s newly opened location in Riyadh, we are well-prepared to host Cohort 2 in a dynamic environment designed to nurture creativity and innovation. We are committed to providing an unparalleled experience that will empower the next generation of Saudi fashion brands to thrive and reach new heights.”
The first cohort of The Fashion Lab produced remarkable success stories that highlight the program’s impact. Brands like KAFBYKAF have gone on to receive significant acclaim. “The Fashion Lab gave KAFBYKAF the unique experience of selling on a Chalhoub Group platform and receiving guidance and exclusive access to senior leaders and retail experts from the Group, which was incredibly valuable to my brand,” said Kawthar Alhoraish, Founder of KAFBYKAF. “I recommend this program for any brand ready for acceleration.”
“Having worked closely with the brands in the first cohort of The Fashion Lab, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible talent and potential within the Saudi fashion industry,” said Joseph Chalhoub, General Manager of Fashion KSA at Chalhoub Group. “This program is a transformative journey that provides real support, knowledge sharing from retail experts, and commercial opportunities for local brands to thrive.”
This year’s cohort will offer ten Saudi brands a unique chance to gain mentorship and guidance from prestigious partners such as Boltable Studios, Instagram and Snap Inc. The program will be hybrid, based out of Riyadh, and will feature approximately 30 exclusive mentorship and workshop sessions. Successful applicants will have the rare opportunity to bring their collections to life on one of Chalhoub Group’s sales channels.
For more information and to apply, visit The Fashion Lab’s official webpage from June 27 until July 18, 2024, on the following link:
https://www.chalhoubgreenhouse.com/thefashionlab
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
