Kansai Companies news
For its 100th anniversary, Gucci opens a pop-up exhibition in a historical Kyoto Machiya
For its 100th anniversary, a Kyoto Machiya (Japanese townhouse) has been transformed into the Gucci Bamboo House – in honor of the brand’s iconic bag.
The pop-up is in celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary and highlights the latest collection titled ‘Aria’ by creative director Alessandro Michele.
As Gucci frequently draws inspiration from the past to create new and innovative pieces, Kyoto – revered for its deeply rooted traditions – was a fitting destination to showcase the new collection.
Installations include the brand’s bags with classic bamboo handles while also showing the craftsmanship behind the process.
The library is especially eye-catching with flower-print wallpaper, Gucci chairs and curated bookshelves reminiscent of the Gucci Garden Bookstore in Florence, Italy. Other details, like the shoji paper panels with Gucci monogram, are far more subtle. There is also a salon displaying the reissued Gucci Diana bag.
As a nod to the brand’s latest series of handbags – a revival of the bamboo-handled purses Gucci first released in 1947 – the house is now monikered as the Gucci Bamboo House. This theme is consistent throughout the machiya, which is not only decorated with bamboo furnishings and installations but also boasts a lush bamboo grove in its private Japanese garden.
The Gucci Bamboo House is now open through August 15. Admission is free, but visitors must make reservations in advance.
Photos: Gucci
