Gucci's ‘The Art of Silk' unfurls a tapestry of craft and culture in Florence
It all began with Tolda di Nave, a nautical-themed silk scarf created in 1958 through a collaboration with a Como-based silk producer. What followed was a visual and material archive that grew increasingly intricate—most notably with the arrival of illustrator Vittorio Accornero de Testa, whose baroque, botanical imaginings defined the House's scarf designs for decades.
Among them, the most enduring remains the Flora scarf, created in 1966 for Princess Grace of Monaco. With its 43 species of flora and fauna rendered in 37 hand-applied colours, the design has become a quiet symbol of Gucci's dedication to detail and Italian artistry. Today, it adorns the slipcase of the exhibition's companion book—an homage to a motif that has spanned from the necks of royals to the runways of Alessandro Michele.
The Art of Silk is not just a retrospective—it is also an act of renewal. A highlight of the exhibition is 90×90, a project featuring nine limited-edition scarves reinterpreted by contemporary artists. The works offer a fresh lens on Gucci's design language, blurring the lines between wearable object and visual art.
While the fashion world continues to spin toward the digital and ephemeral, Gucci's silk showcase is a reminder of what remains rooted: craftsmanship, history, and the art of making something slowly. In its best moments, The Art of Silk reads like a love letter to the analogue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
18 hours ago
- What's On
Restaurant Review: La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
La Petite Maison at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, is a love letter to French flair. From buttery snails to dreamy desserts, this fine dining favourite delivers on flavour, charm and style. Here's our review of this Abu Dhabi fine dining favourite. The Spot La Petite Maison sits inside The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The Michelin-starred restaurant began as a charming restaurant in the old town of Nice in the 1980s. It was founded by Nicole Rubi, a French woman of Italian descent who believed in simple, honest food made exceptionally well. Her philosophy travelled and now there are restaurants in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Doha, Miami, Limassol, and Abu Dhabi. The Vibe Crisp white tablecloths glow against the bright coloured art on the walls. Every fork, every glass, every fold of napkin is precise. In the middle of the room, the staff gather like they're backstage at a play. Sleeves are rolled, aprons are tied. There's a hum in the air, not from guests but from the team getting into position. French music plays in the background as the barman mixes pink mocktails with the care of someone mixing perfume. Then, without warning, the staff let out a shout. It's part war cry, part theatre. A signal. And with that, the doors open and service begins. Food and Drinks LPM's food is French Mediterranean with a whisper of Italian. It's what happens when comfort food gets dressed up for a night out. Think simple ingredients, treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for royalty. It's the kind of food you'd expect from the South of France if your grandmother and a French chef teamed up in the kitchen. It's elegant without being stuffy and rich without being heavy. Everything feels considered yet effortless. The Burrata with black truffle is the kind of starter that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. Creamy, earthy and too good to share. The showstopper is the beef tartare with smoked bone marrow mayonnaise – a dish so decadent, it should come with a warning label. You could fall in love over that dish. You haven't been to LPM if you haven't had the Burgundy snails with garlic butter and parsley. It's the real hero of the starters, they are a rite of passage. Sides like the dauphinois gratin and broccolini keep things balanced and satisfying. The grilled Wagyu sirloin was rich and indulgent, a dish for when you're feeling celebratory. The Vivienne lamb cutlets were sublime and packed with flavour and finished with just enough finesse to make you fall in love. Perfectly pink, dressed with olive, eggplant caviar and pine nuts, they'll haunt your dreams for a long time. But not everything landed perfectly. The lobster linguine, looked the part but fell short on the flavour. The pasta was tasty, but the lobster itself should have stayed in Canada. It wasn't bad, but it didn't sing. Blame the snails for stealing the spotlight. The homemade rigatoni arrabbiata is a safe, solid choice for the meat-free crowd. Dessert is where the magic returns. The vanilla cheesecake lives up to its reputation as the best in the UAE. Light, creamy, perfectly paired with a berry compote. The hot chocolate mousse is smooth and indulgent, like something written straight from the heart of the kitchen. Both desserts tasted like they were made for the king of France. Drinks are thoughtful and beautifully made. Whether you're going alcohol-free or diving into cocktails, the flavours are clean, bright and refreshing. The Service There's a quiet choreography to the way the staff move. They glide, rather than walk, anticipating what you need before you realise you need it. Waiters know the menu intimately. Their recommendations are honest, thoughtful and spot on. The sommelier, with a palate as sharp as his suit, made pairings that elevated each bite. What's On the Bill Expect to spend around Dhs500 per person. If you're adding Wagyu, caviar or multiple courses, the total climbs fast. But the experience, from food to service, makes it worth it. The Final Say La Petite Maison is an experience that's about more than just exquisite food. You're transported from Abu Dhabi's desert heat to the breezy coastline of the French Riviera. It does this through flavours and feeling. The entire night feels like something to remember. Come hungry, leave smitten. What's On Verdict Sublime service, dreamy desserts and enough French flair to make you forget you're in a mall. Go for the snails, stay for the dessert, and leave planning your next visit. Location: La Petite Maison, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Times: Mon to Sun, noon to 3:30pm, 6pm to 11:30pm Contact: (02) 692 9600 Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends Images: supplied
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
4 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend: August 1 to 3
If your weekend plans are all about good food and trying something a little different, we've got you. Maybe a vibrant Indian kitchen or an Italian summer lunch, whatever your vibe, these restaurants in Dubai are worth checking out this weekend, especially if you're on the lookout for the best restaurants in Dubai doing something new. Mott 32 Mott 32 has launched a new early evening set menu that feels more refined than your typical pre-dinner deal. Available daily from 6pm to 8pm, A Taste of Mott is a curated three-course offering. The atmosphere? Intimate, slow-paced, and perfect for easing into the night without committing to a full tasting menu. Expect signatures like the 42-day Peking duck salad with crispy taro and citrus truffle, delicate king prawn har gow, wok-fried Angus beef, and sweet & sour chicken with a twist thats served with dragon fruit and aged black vinegar. It ends on a strong note: a refined Oolong tea almond and chocolate xiao long bao. Drinks aren't included, but that just means you get to choose your own rhythm. Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR Times: Daily from 6pm to 8pm Cost: Dhs250 per person for a three-course menu (min. 2 guests) Contact: (0)4 278 4832. @mott32dubai Bussola Bussola at Jumeirah Golf Estates has launched a new two-course Summer Business Lunch menu, perfect for a midday reset. Choose from light starters like insalata caprese or tartar di tonno, followed by mains including gnocchi sorrentino, tagliata di manzo, or tagliolini ai gamberi. Dessert upgrades include tiramisu, profiterole, and fruit sorbets. Location: Bussola, Jumeirah Golf Estates Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm Cost: Dhs125 for a two-course lunch including bottled water Contact: (0)4 586 7760. @ Bar des Prés The sky-high Dubai outpost of chef Cyril Lignac, Bar des Prés sits 51 floors above DIFC and brings with it the Paris-meets-Tokyo energy it's known for. With modern interiors, moody lighting, and views that stretch across the city, it's the perfect lunch spot. They currently offer a weekly-changing three-course business lunch and highlights include tuna crunchy galette, grilled chicken satay, miso caramelised salmon, and coconut tapioca with mango. Location: Bar des Prés, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC Times: Monday to Sunday, Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Cost: Dhs155 for a weekly-changing three-course business lunch. Contact: (0)4 498 1616. @ Armani/Amal This is a new take on Southern India's coastal classics, right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Set inside the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal is offering a three-course menu that honours authentic South Indian flavours with modern finesse and its perfect for an intimate dinner or a special gathering. Starters include crisp baby corn bezule, pan-seared chemmeen pollichathu prawns, chargrilled meen karivepillai sea bream, and spiced chicken 65 with malabar paratha. For mains, dive into regional favourites like kori gassi chicken curry, lamb pepper fry paired with dosa, tangy andhra fish curry, and vegetable sides like broccolini & asparagus poriyal and classic sambhar lentil stew. The menu wraps up with adapradam, a traditional rice pudding sweetened with jaggery and finished with coconut and cashews – a simple, comforting finish. Location: Armani/Amal, Third Floor, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa Times: 6:30pm – 11pm daily Cost: Three-course set menu priced at Dhs400 per person Contact: (0)4 888 3666 . @armanihoteldubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Web Release
4 days ago
- Web Release
Flavors of Friendship: An Unforgettable Evening at 'The Saffron Society'
'The Saffron Society' (TSS) announces its upcoming edition of the supper club, set to take place on Sunday 24thof August 2025. This event highlights a vibrant theme of friendship and summer, creating a memorable evening for all attendees. Taking place at La Maisonaire from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, guests can look forward to an evening of delicious food, lively conversations and a welcoming ambiance. This gathering offers the perfect chance to build new friendships and rekindle old ones while indulging in a carefully crafted culinary experience. The menu will feature a carefully curated selection of offerings developed by Chef Varun Menghani from the Dubai vibrant culinary scene. Featuring diverse dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients which aim to reflect the warmth and joy associated with the essence of summer gatherings. On this day, he will introduce a new menu featuring seven exclusive dishes that embrace the beauty of third culture cuisine. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he draws inspiration from his diverse background and culinary experiences, merging flavors and traditions from around the world. Chef Varun started his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen, where her cooking inspired his culinary style. Growing up in Dubai, he studied Culinary Arts in Switzerland, training in prestigious European kitchens alongside Michelin-starred chefs and focusing on French and Italian cuisines. After graduating, he worked in New York City. He then moved back to Dubai and opened an Indian inspired burger outlet which led to him discovering his real passion for private diners and supper clubs. This passion aligns perfectly with 'The Saffron Society', a platform designed to bring together a diverse group of individuals, including culinary enthusiasts, influencers and notable personalities. TSS recognizes the importance of food as a medium for connection and community, and this edition will further emphasize the significance of friendship. 'Cooking is an art, it's about creativity and the desire to invoke memories from something as simple as a dish. Every plate I prepare tells a story, and through food, we can connect cultures and build lasting friendships. I will be presenting seven exclusive dishes that showcase a delightful range of flavors and culinary artistry, each dish will be crafted with care and creativity to ensure a memorable dining experience,' said Chef Varun Menghani.' Shraddha Barot Amariei, founder of The Saffron Society and White Label Media, said: 'We are thrilled to have Chef Varun cooking for us this evening. The kitchen is a place where hearts meet and flavors unite. We believe that food not only nourishes the body but also nurtures relationships. This evening is a tribute to the bonds we create around the dinner table.' 'The Saffron Society' invites brands to share narratives related to the themes of friendship and summer, allowing for meaningful interactions that resonate with the attendees. The platform continues to redefine culinary experiences in Dubai, fostering an atmosphere where unique connections can be cultivated over exceptional food.
