Gucci Cosmos Exhibition in London: celebrating a century of style and creativity

After a highly successful debut in Shanghai in April, the Gucci Cosmos exhibition has made its way to the United Kingdom. Running from October 11th until December 31st, 2023, this immersive installation is set to celebrate the iconic house signatures that have shaped Gucci's fashion legacy over its impressive 102-year history. With British artist Es Devlin at the helm – the same visionary behind the original Shanghai exhibit – the show space pays homage to London's vibrant heritage. It does so through imaginative sets, sculptures, and multimedia artworks, all staged at the spectacular 180 Studios on The Strand.

Following its London stint, the exhibition is set to embark on a journey to Paris and Kyoto, with each showcase offering narratives deeply intertwined with the unique culture and history of its host city and country. London holds a particularly special place in Gucci's rich history, as it was here that the house's founder, Guccio Gucci, found his initial inspiration to establish his artisanal luggage atelier while working as a porter at The Savoy hotel in the late 1890s.

A tribute to Gucci's roots

In tribute to this historic connection, the London version of the exhibition opens with a meticulous recreation of The Savoy lobby as it would have appeared in that era, complete with the iconic black-and-white marble floor. Visitors are then transported into a large-scale reproduction of The Savoy's famous red lift, affectionately dubbed 'The Ascending Room' – London's first electric elevator. As visitors exit the lift, they are immersed in the rest of the exhibition, a journey through Gucci's illustrious history. The ground floor of the exhibition is also home to a Gucci café, adorned with vintage wallpaper and serving red-colored drinks and snacks, adding an immersive touch to the visitor experience.

Unveiling the Gucci archive

For the Cosmos exhibition, Italian curator Maria Luisa Frisa has sourced never-before-seen items from the Gucci archive, showcasing the fashion house's evolution over the past century. It demonstrates how Gucci's visionary design ethos has not only reflected but also shaped the fashion landscape over the years.

Fashion enthusiasts can expect to witness an impressive collection on display, featuring iconic bags and archival looks from creative directors both past and present. This includes designs by luminaries such as Tom Ford, Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele, and Sabato De Sarno, who have all contributed to the brand's innovative journey. The Gucci Cosmos exhibition in London offers an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the brand's rich heritage and its indelible influence on the fashion world. As it continues its global tour, this extraordinary showcase promises to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, celebrating Gucci's century-long commitment to style, creativity, and innovation.

Among the highlights of the Gucci Cosmos Exhibition in London are the stunning displays of iconic Gucci bag models that have left an indelible mark on the world of luxury fashion. From the renowned Gucci Bamboo bag, which made its debut in 1947 and continues to be a symbol of timeless elegance, to the  Gucci Jackie bag, first introduced in the 1960s and named after the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, visitors will have the opportunity to witness these emblematic creations up close. The Gucci Horsebit bag, an exquisite fusion of style and functionality, will also take its rightful place in the spotlight. These bags, meticulously selected from Gucci's extensive archive, tell a story of fashion evolution and design ingenuity, exemplifying how Gucci has consistently stayed at the forefront of luxury accessories throughout its storied history. Fashion aficionados and handbag enthusiasts will undoubtedly be delighted by the curated collection of bag models on display, offering a glimpse into the world of Gucci's enduring style and craftsmanship.