Gucci’s ‘Design Ancora’ reimagines furniture classics in rich red

In partnership with Gucci

Gucci creative director Sabato De Sarno has unveiled a new exhibition, ‘Design Ancora’, for Milan Design Week 2024 at the house’s Via Montenapoleone flagship this week.

Co-curated by Michela Pelizzari, founder of the Milanese creative agency P:S, the exhibition is an opportunity for the brand to showcase a series of objects that, it says, define a golden age of Italian design, craftsmanship, and ‘cultured professionalism’.

In a bespoke space at the Gucci store, created for the project by Barcelona-based architect Guillermo Santomà, special editions of five designs from previous decades have been chosen by De Sarno and Pelizzari as symbols of ‘Italianity’ and specifically Milanese style. The new editions – all in Gucci’s deep red, ‘Rosso Ancora’, which was introduced by De Sarno at his debut show in September 2023 – interpret past icons through a contemporary lens.

The line-up features ‘Le Mura’ modular sofa by Mario Bellini for Tacchini (1972; re-edition 2022), its form a nod to the boulders in Roman walls; the geometric ‘Clessidra’ rug by CC-tapis (2024), part of the Portaluppi Pattern Project and based on a design by the late Italian architect Piero Portaluppi; and the sensually rounded ‘Storet’ chest of drawers by Nanda Vigo for Acerbis (1994; re-edition 2020).

Meanwhile, the minimal and elegant hand-blown glass ‘Opachi’ vase by Tobia Scarpa for Venini (1960; re-edition 2021) and the functional and fun ‘Parola’ table lamp by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni for FontanaArte (1980), featuring three types of glass-making, complete the collection.

Each object is representative of Gucci’s commitment to redefining luxury while celebrating creativity, Italian craftsmanship and innovation.

Following the presentation in Milan, the products will be available for purchase on Gucci's website, from 21 April 2024 at gucci.com