WHAT?  Gucci Cosmos 

WHERE? 180 Studios, 180 The Strand, London WC2R 1EA

WHEN?  Now until 31st December 

WHY GO? For full-on fashion drama. That distinctive double-G signature, those iconic red/green stripes can only mean THAT famous Italian name, Gucci. The name will forever be etched in fashion history and this exhibition is for anyone who wants to revel in eye candy for the super rich.

Though it doesn’t trace the brand’s heritage as precisely as the current Chanel exhibition, the Gucci Cosmos exhibition does a dazzling theatrical take on inviting visitors to participate in its journey.  Designed by none other than feted stage designer Es Devlin, it’s an immersive dizzying experience which is pure theatre.

It all starts with a recreation of London’s Savoy Hotel lobby in 1897 where founder Guccio Gucci worked as a bellboy observing the elite, and meanders through a labyrinth of doors revealing revolving displays of archival bags, accessories and clothes along with videos that evoke the brand, namely wild galloping horses that signify Gucci’s equestrian heritage.

It glows and shimmers with beautifully crafted bags to ogle stashed away behind gleaming cabinets with drawers that open to reveal the numerous stunning ad campaigns since Gucci was founded in 1921. Fashionista or not, it all provides for instant Instagram traction.

IN THE KNOW 

Stranger than fiction! The 2021 Ridley Scott film,’House of Gucci’ caused ripples because it’s loosely based on truth. 

Whether accurate or not is controversially debatable, but it has given the Gucci name an aura of fashionable mystery.

With Lady Gaga heading the cast as Patrizia Reggiani, wife of Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), this dynastic blockbuster makes Succession look like The Waltons!