Gucci’s Latest Pop-Up Is All About Japanese Architecture

For the last two weeks, all eyes have been on Tokyo’s new Kengo Kuma–designed Olympic Stadium, in which a world wide symphony of lifestyle, athleticism, and community has united the earth. Like a lot of Kuma’s commanding nevertheless sustainable buildings, the wood-major location is in section an homage to standard Japanese style and design, which prizes harmony among humankind and mother nature. Nowhere is this extensive-standing aesthetic worth a lot more apparent than in Kyoto, an historical metropolis whose humble structures go on to draw tourists and tastemakers alike. And now, Gucci has develop into the most recent firm to embrace the city’s myriad charms and astounding architecture with its a short while ago opened “Gucci in Kyoto” job. 

Contacting Kyoto “Japan’s sister town to Florence”—the latter being where Gucci was founded—the Italian company chose to carry on its 100th anniversary celebration in the island nation with a number of occasions. Gucci to start with staged fashion, jewellery, and timepiece shows at two neighborhood temples (both equally UNESCO Entire world Heritage web pages): Kiyomizu-dera and Ninna-ji. And from now until eventually August 15, the public can also be part of in the festivities by checking out the Gucci Bamboo Property, a pop-up expertise flanking Gucci’s legendary Bamboo purses.

For the exhibition, Gucci renovated a machiya—a Japanese traditional wood townhouse commonly inhabited by merchants and craftsmen—formerly acknowledged as the Kawasaki Residence. Though these households have existed due to the fact the Heian interval, this developing was made all through the Taishō period of the 1920s (the exact interval as Gucci’s founding).

According to Japan House Central, the townhouse, found in central Kyoto, has trend in its bones: It was originally constructed for a wealthy cotton merchant, and following providing to the Kawasaki loved ones, it finally served as a kimono museum. Even with its existing designation as a Cultural Assets of Kyoto Town, the home risked demolition just two many years ago. However, Gucci has considering that been equipped to source extra funding.

The construction was known for its blend of Jap and Western architectural characteristics, a juxtaposition that Gucci innovative director Alessandro Michele has explored in the company’s products and solutions. The Gucci Bamboo Property follows the simple composition of a machiya: It is extended and narrow with an enclosed courtyard that in this instance abounds with pure bamboo. Minimalist style has been preserved in some spaces, these types of as the tatami-floored Tea Ceremony Space, rebuilt less than the supervision of tea master Sokyu Nara. Other spots have been presented the eclectic Gucci treatment—most notably the library, in which patterned chairs and a curated book choice are set versus Gucci floral wallpaper.

Other facts include a Sho artwork by calligraphy artist Shisyu and shoji-paper panels adorned with the Gucci monogram. Significant-scale sculptural artworks by modern bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV serve as a complementary backdrop for a spectrum of Bamboo handbags, which the manufacturer initially introduced in 1947. Also on see are up-to-date variations of the Diana handbag, a vintage design and style from the 1990s that Gucci just lately reissued with bamboo handles and detachable neon leather-based belts.

With several months remaining in its anniversary year, there is no telling which artful metropolis or historic landmark Gucci will pop up in upcoming. Specified Alessandro Michele’s infinite creativity and aptitude for reinvention, anything is attainable.