In a remarkable celebration of Gucci‘s 60 years in Japan, the iconic Italian fashion house will unveil an extraordinary exhibition entitled “Bamboo 1947: Then and Now Celebrating 60 Years of Gucci in Japan“. Opening on August 2nd at the Gucci Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, the show will pay homage to the brand’s legendary Bamboo 1947 bag.
The exhibition will feature a stunning collection of 60 vintage Bamboo 1947 bags, each meticulously revived by a group of esteemed Japanese artisans and artists. These talented individuals, including goldsmiths Morihito Katsura and Naoko Ai, ceramist Nakazato Hirotsune, lacquerer Ai Tokeshi, photographer Daido Moriyama, and painters Nami Yokoyama and Yui Yaegashi, have infused their unique artistic visions into the bags, transforming them into true works of art.
Gucci’s history in Japan dates back to 1964, when the first Gucci store opened in Ginza to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics. The brand’s first boutique in Asia followed in 1972, solidifying Gucci’s presence in the Land of the Rising Sun. Today, there are 72 company-owned Gucci stores in Japan.
A testament to Gucci’s innovative spirit, the Bamboo 1947 bag was born in the aftermath of World War II when traditional materials were in short supply. Guccio Gucci, the brand’s visionary founder, turned to lightweight and durable bamboo as an alternative for the bag’s handle. Working with skilled Florentine artisans, the iconic curved bamboo handle was created through a highly technical and meticulous process that involved softening, shaping, lacquering and baking the bamboo canes. The result is a one-of-a-kind accessory that embodies the perfect blend of craftsmanship and innovation.
Following the exhibition, which runs through September 23rd, each of the 60 revitalized Bamboo 1947 bags will be available for purchase as a unique work of art, offering collectors and fashion enthusiasts the opportunity to own a piece of Gucci‘s rich heritage.
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