December 10, 2014: Gucci has opened a pop-up shop in Hong Kong, showcasing the collaboration between Creative Director Frida Giannini and Canadian artist Kris Knight. Located in the International Financial Centre mall (ifc mall), the three-month pop-up store will open on November 1 and will display Kris Knight’s interpretation of the most iconic Gucci print – Flora. A special design concept that reproduces the floral pattern, the shopping destination will showcase men’s and women’s ready-to-wear as well as exclusive accessories including shoes, handbags, luggage and small leather goods – all printed with the “Flora Knight” pattern.
Collaborating for the Cruise 2015 season, Flora takes on new meaning in Kris Knight’s reading of the floral bouquet – featuring nocturnal blossoms revolving around the moonflower. Symbolic blooms – each with a unique Roman story – reach their height at night, dawn or dusk.
The provocative pattern features plants and flowers, specifically Belladonna and Datura, which women in ancient Rome used for seduction and desire. Both produced fruits that were used toxically to command power over men but blossomed with gorgeous flowers nonetheless. Blooms with healing powers, such as the Poppy, Henbane, and Mandrake, appear and allude to a darker, hallucinogenic context from the ancient Romans, Greeks and Celts. Meanwhile, plants symbolic for protection, namely Clover, Dandelion and Nightshade, reference their own mystical histories.
Ms Giannini has applied the new pattern to a variety of her designs for the season – from men’s and women’s ready-to-wear to accessories including silks, handbags, luggage, and leather goods. She created chromatic contrasts that place the print against navy, black, and pastel bases. The design comes to life on both textiles, in the case of ready-to-wear, as well as canvas and leather for accessories.
