Harrods invites Gucci to design a month-long takeover of the London department store, offering exclusive looks, DIY customization services, and Alessandro Michele for Gucci’s first fragrance.
Following his Gucci Resort 2018 show, creative director Alessandro Michele hosted guests including actors Dakota Johnson and Jared Leto at a dolce vita-esque party in an outdoor garden in the heart of Florence. Looking around at the multitude of fragrant blooms, one couldn’t help but wish that such raw beauty could be transported through time and space to last just a little longer. Now, London’s iconic Harrods intends to do just that by hosting a veritable Gucci takeover.
Gucci Resort 2018. Indigital
The Décor 101
The House’s serpenti motifs will snake up window displays and flowers will bloom amid display areas. It’s a move that will accent the late-Victorian style of the landmark department store with eccentric gusto. Among the flora and fauna, Gucci will offer a garden of earthly delights: limited-edition bags, shoes, and sneakers, along with ready-to-wear pieces for women and men.
Guccify Your Key Pieces
Michele invites Harrods customers to engage in an exclusive design conversation via a unique Gucci DIY service. Consider imprinting your own personal stamp on a Gucci piece, making yours unique in the world. Decorative patches, including bees and kingsnakes and Harrods-exclusive butterfly motifs in a range of colors, can be embroidered and initials appliquéd onto ready-to-wear and accessories.
Backstage at Gucci Spring 2017. Indigital
The Gucci DIY project will represent the first time that it is offered in the UK. “This is a true world-first exclusive with one of the hottest brands of the moment,” states Helen David, chief merchant at Harrods, of the floral-festooned experience.
An Ode to Gucci Bloom
Michele’s first fragrance for maison Gucci, Gucci Bloom. Courtesy of Gucci
A Gucci takeover would not be complete without a fragrant aroma. Fittingly, Michele will debut his first perfume, Gucci Bloom, exclusively in the UK at Harrods in The Perfumery Hall and at special retail spaces, available from July 31 to August 15. The region’s beloved jasmine flower is combined with tuberose and Rangoon creeper – a changing color honeysuckle flower sourced from India – to offer an audacious bouquet. Expect Gucci aficionados to flock to the garden, while curious onlookers will certainly be tempted to stop and explore.
Step Inside the Harrods Perfume Boutique
Harrods opens the doors to seven new perfume houses within its spectacular Salon De Parfums
Honoring Arabia’s long-lasting love affair with fragrances, Harrods also announces the expansion of its renowned Salon De Parfums, which will feature seven new boutiques. Penhaligon’s, Armani Privé, Burberry, Sospiro, Frédéric Malle, Bond No.9, and Floraïku will join those of Chanel, Clive Christian, Dior, Ex Nihilo, Guerlain, Henry Jacques, Kilian, Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Tom Ford, and Xerjoff.
Inside the Penhaligon’s Boutique at Harrods
To fete the fragrant expansion, from July 27 and all through August, Harrods will offer masterclasses and events, such as an evening with luxury British perfume house Clive Christian to learn about the absolute extraction method of enfleurage. Meanwhile, Penhaligon’s – the British perfume house established in 1870 – will offer an exclusive and very à propos scent, The Remarkable Success of Mr. Harrod, to debut in August.
The Armani Prive boutique at Harrods’ Salon De Parfums
Niche perfume house Frédéric Malle, renowned for its potent oud concoction The Night, will present a range of home and bath and body products, along with monogramming and an exclusive limited-edition travel case with which to pack all your aromatic treasures. The sturdy boîte is the result of a collaboration with French high jewelry house Goossens.
Inside the Frédéric Malle Boutique at Harrods
Burberry will debut its Burberry Bespoke collection, dreamed up by Francis Kurkdjian under Christopher Bailey. Inspired by the British countryside, the scent can have its rectangular bottles monogrammed and even the perfume can be selected based on various levels of potency – a first in the fragrance world. As Christian Dior once said, “A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.”
Inside the Burberry Boutique at Harrods
The Salon will crown the expansion with the worldwide launch of Japanese fragrance brand Floraïku. Offering a millennial spin on their bottles, guests can personalize fragrances such as I See the Clouds Go By and One Umbrella for Two with a cheeky emoji or kamon – a Japanese heraldic crest used by samurai and nobility.
And One More Thing to Watch
Harrods also celebrated remarkable design in horology with a curated shoppable exhibition of the world’s finest grand complications.
For one month, Harrods revealed rare re-editions of men and women’s timepieces. These pieces marked the heart of the greatest names in watchmaking to become integral to their heritage. The timeless style and grace of Panerai’s Luminor Marina, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One Duetto Jewellery, and Harry Winston’s Premier Precious Lace Automatic, among others, delighted even the most seasoned collectors of limited-edition luxury watches.
The Gucci for Harrods takeover commences on August 1st at its flagship London store.
