Little did I know that  when I walked into Gucci Garden,  it would be a huge source of inspiration for my own blossoming brand. Located in the heart of Florence in the historic 14th-century Palazzo della Mercanzia, it’s part museum, part retail, and home to Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura.   Creative director Alessandro Michele conceived it as a living, collaborative space which expresses the evolving aesthetic and philosophy of the House.

Ideally its best to start on the third floor, and work you way downstairs to the retail boutique. The top floor begins with vintage Gucci pieces that will  tantalize your eyes. The sumptuous colors and hand beading are simply beyond.  I particularly loved all of the Chinoiserie inspired pieces.

This pink and black jacket  screams Jackie O with a  twist. The bold black trim and massive rhinestones drew me right in for a closer look. It’s beyond dramatic, and takes black piping to a whole new level.

And this python overcoat is in a category all by itself. The colors are exquisite, and the use of the bold patterning is  dynamic.

Once downstairs in the boutique, I was fascinated by the beautiful use of fabrics and tassels in the displays. It made me think about my own wedding that I’d just designed. My instincts were spot on.

And then, there were the amazing Gucci Pillows! Wow. So stunning,  so Inspiring,  so deluxe, so… extra.

The biggest surprise in the boutique were the limited edition chairs. They start at $2600, and top out at  $5500.  The ottoman is $3500, and the tv / side tray is $1450.

I certainly couldn’t leave empty handed, so I purchased a new iPhone case in the bookstore. From what I understand, the phone cases are only available at  this one of a kind boutique in Florence.

Gucci Garden Galleria is a real and imaginary place, the translation of a vision that stretches through the first and second floors and is filled with history, objects, anecdotes and geographies. A series of rooms unfolds from a story that begins in 1921, to today, ready to be reactivated, according to philosopher Walter Benjamin, ‘in future-rich constellations in which the past can meet the present’. 

Continue the Gucci experience HERE