The Guccification of Florence

The renaissance of Gucci under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele is hitting new heights as sales at the luxury fashion brand soar. A perfect time, then, for the maison to open the much-anticipated Gucci Garden inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence, very close to the Uffizi Gallery.

Michele’s influence is evident in this multifaceted space that hosts the green-walled Gucci Osteria restaurant with a menu masterminded by Massimo Bottura, owner of the threemichelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena; the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition area curated by the critic Maria Luisa Frisa; and a boutique filled with unique and beautiful items.

Bottura has pulled together a menu celebrating pasta – naturally – with the addition of dishes influenced by his world travels. Examples include mushroom risotto, Parmigiano Reggiano tortellini, Peruvian-inspired tostadas and pork belly buns. Talking to reporters at the opening Bottura commented: “Haute couture and haute cuisine are a recipe made in heaven.” Gucci, founded in Florence in 1921, has embodied a new vision of the maison through the Garden Gallery. Composed of several themed rooms, the gallery pays homage to the Gucci archive, displaying historical ad campaigns and focusing on craftsmanship and vintage pieces. The two-floor exhibition area opens with the Guccification room dedicated to the double G of the house. The most modern takes by the brand are here: Guccighost by Trouble Andrew, the new denominations of the maison – Guccy, Guccify and Guccification as promoted by Alessandro Michele on social media.