Gucci Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection

Gucci and the Green Carpet Challenge are pleased to introduce a new line of signature handbags designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini. By introducing the world’s first bags certified as zero deforestation from Amazon leather, the Florentine House furthers its commitment towards ecological consciousness. 

The three exclusive designs of the Gucci for the Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection convey Gucci’s mission to interpret the modern desire for sustainable products in a responsible way. Coinciding with the launch, Gucci will donate 50.000 euro to the National Wildlife Federation, funding work to promote deforestation-free Brazilian leather.

“I believe that today more than ever before customers want to be associated with brands that are thoughtful and responsible. Through our sustainability, humanitarian and philanthropic actions we would like Gucci to not just be synonymous with Made in Italy, but also Made with integrity,” said Giannini. “This project with the Green Carpet Challenge was conceived to show how we can be proactive on environmental issues, by raising awareness and demonstrating action on the subject of deforestation.”

Comprising the hobo, top-handle tote with detachable shoulder strap and the iconic New Jackie bag, the versatile and functional accessories all feature hand-selected and natural calfskin originating in Brazil, with craftsmanship respecting important environmental issues such as traceability and anti-deforestation. Gucci’s attention to detail includes lining in organic cotton on each style. The first steps of the production chain follow the requirements of internationally recognized standards, embracing processes that avoid the cutting-down of trees in the Amazon Forest.

Every model mirrors a unique blend of relaxed elegance and modern innovation, characterized by the daubed semi-matte and uneven grain appearance, the extreme softness and the slightly wax feel of eco-certified leather. Each piece features a special label embossed with the “Gucci for Green Carpet Challenge” script and will be accompanied by the Gucci GCC passport, which documents the origin and traceability of the handbag.

Alongside the plush surface in a warm red-wine colour, the bags boast embellishments such as exquisite hand-stitching and woven detailing for a three-dimensional effect on the exterior, paired with antique gold hardware and bamboo tassels.

This project symbolizes an important challenge and commitment for Gucci, maintaining the balance between the timeless values of style and superb quality and the growing understanding of the need to protect life-sustaining resources. www.gucci.com

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Gucci Women's Collection Autumn/Winter 2013

Luring Luxury Brands

The growing number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa offers a compelling opportunity for proprietors of luxurious brands seeking new markets.

The spate of oil and gas discoveries on the continent is fuelling economic growth and spawning a set of super-wealthy individuals with expensive taste in countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Ghana and Mozambique. According to Capgemini’s World Wealth Report 2012, the total investable wealth of high-net-worth individuals in Africa totalled $1.1-trillion by 2011.

Michael Lieblich, a contributing analyst at Euromonitor International, said with growth slowing in India and China, it was essential that other markets were explored. "As with any industry, being the first to offer a brand offers the opportunity to gain the much-coveted first-mover advantage," he said.

The rise of luxury travel on and to the African continent, and how safari tourism has moved upmarket. Read more...

With 60%, or about 71,000, of Africa’s millionaires in South Africa, the country has the continent’s most developed luxury retail sector. Late last year, global consultancy Bain said South Africa’s luxury goods market was expected to grow between 20% and 30% over the next five years.

Apart from South Africa’s affluent, rising fortunes in other African countries have also contributed to the sales uptick of luxury goods and services, as big spenders flock to boutiques in Johannesburg and Cape Town because their home markets are still comparatively small.

Claudia D’Arpizio, a Bain partner in Milan, said South Africa would continue to attract international brands, and the potential for luxury players elsewhere on the continent was "big". Despite the complexities of doing business, logistical risks and the lack of suitable real estate, opportunities in Africa are still proving tempting for yield-hungry investors.

Bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and luxury, high-end African brands are out to make a global impression. Read more...

 

Ermenegildo Zegna, which the makes made-to-measure suits worn by Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Robert De Niro, will open a store in Nigeria this year. German fashion house Hugo Boss already has a presence in several countries including Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa. Other luxury players such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Fendi, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo have stores in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

However, the upmarket trappings favoured by African consumers are not limited to clothing, handbags and "bling" — spending lavishly on alcohol and fast cars is also on the rise.

In 2011, Nigerians drank 752,879 bottles of bubbly, more than were consumed in Russia or Mexico, according to Euromonitor International. That made Nigeria, where most people live on less than $2 a day, the 17th-biggest market for champagne in the world. Porsche opened its first Nigerian dealership in Lagos this month. It also plans to open in the capital, Abuja.

Read more at Business Day

Gucci Women’s Autumn/Winter Collection

The Gucci woman seduces with a dangerous femininity.  Juxtaposing a demure silhouette inspired by couture, with a subversive undertone. Elegant shapes, outlined in strong, signature Gucci materials, are contrasted with accessories inspired by the fetish aesthetics of Allen Jones. A noir atmosphere saturated by colour, envisioned on exclusive textiles and details.

“She is steely yet sexy – defining her discipline with femme fatale vices.” explains Creative Director Frida Giannini. “She wears sculpted dresses with pure graphics, all the while alluding to devious touches.” The models and makeup are reminiscent of Luc Besson's The Fifth Element complementing Gucci's extraordinary accessories in an out of this world collection.

The silhouette is constructed, while the perfection of couture lines is applied to ready-to-wear. Powerful and body conscious, the new tailleur with skirt was introduced. Jackets are caban style or small, either with softly egg-shaped shoulders or definition. The pencil skirt is meticulously below the knee but reveals an unexpected slit. Worn high for a new, delicate take on the waistline.

The little black dress inspires new interpretations, up to the neck or open to show the collar bone. Either embracing the body and employing strategic leather inserts or cut on the bias for languid lines in shiny satin. The coat takes on the form-fitting shapes of a bustier, recalling a robe-manteau.

The oversized overcoat is the only nod to the male wardrobe in a self-indulgingly ladylike collection. Even pants are feminine with tapering and short lengths. Sexy, irreverent touches finish each look: from t-shirts in leather and python to gloves and the collection’s leitmotif, fishnet tights with a back seam on every look.

The colour palette is purple wine, rust, moss green and cerulean blue tainting black. A wise and novel use of materials and treatments makes each piece precious; leather, both smooth and cracklé, patent, python, pony skin, Astrakhan, silk, bouclé, lace and wool, reworkings of pied de poule and Prince of Wales with shading and even lurex threading.

Evoking chinoiserie, tapestry effects with three-dimensional fern leaves see woven metallics interrupting the black dresses, tailleur and outerwear. A cape in goat hair with shading from black to green embellishes an Astrakhan skirt suit.

Every facet of evening, from the t-shirt and skirt to the pairing of pants and tops, through to cocktail dresses and evening gowns are cinematic. A black-out of lace followed by an outburst of color. Ethereal looks with netting and satin, embroidered with feathers, studding, and sequins – intersecting punk with couture.

The accessories are femme fatale. Shiny calfskin and exotic skins. Python and crocodile. Black or monochromatic. Structured bags with archival luggage locks for a retro hint. The iconic Bamboo handle characterizes a new style in two proportions. Booties, boots and sandals, all with sharp high heels, for a touch of fetish. By day, necklaces recalling willow leaves, along with leather lock cuffs. For evening, cuffs adorned with colorful stones evoking the nuances of the embroideries.

Gucci is available exclusively at GUCCI Boutiques in Cape Town and Johannesburg in Southern Africa. For further information please contact their stores on 021-421 8800 (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town) or 011-784 2597 (Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg) or visit www.gucci.com