Seasons may come and go, trends will fade with time but history will always remain. Like numerous other fashion houses that fill the gap between the seasons with Cruise collections unveiled in unique and far-flung locations around the world, Gucci settled on the Palatina Gallery at Pitti Palace, Florence. For the first time the gallery played host to a fashion show and with each brand competing to host their Cruise collections in unique locations, the venue could not have been more appropriate.

Surrounded by Botticellis and Uccellos that stand proudly in the Uffizi, guests were treated not only to a fashion show but also an exclusive tour through the Vasari Corridor. The show was also a part of the multi-faceted cultural project that will help to restore, preserve and improve the Boboli Gardens. Dating back to the 16^th century, the gardens are being preserved for future generations and house a “unique ecosystem” of flora and fauna that were brought to Tuscany from various corners of the globe, centuries ago. Over the next three years, Gucci — that traces its roots back to Florence — will contribute two million euros to the Uffizi Gallery.

Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, says: “This collaboration represents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and sustain Florence’s cultural splendour and I would like to thank all the institutions that are involved. Gucci is a global brand with strong roots in Florence. The success we have achieved in recent years through the vision of our Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, is reliant upon the skills, spirit of innovation, passion and abilities of the craftspeople and everyone else who works for the brand in Florence and the surrounding area.” Bizzarri continued, “following the presentation of the last two Cruise collections, in the art district of New York in 2015 and in the cloisters at London’s Westminster Abbey in 2016, staging the next Cruise collection show in the heart of Florence has special meaning, particularly as Alessandro is constantly inspired by the city’s Renaissance masterpieces.”