THE NEW GUCCI ARTLAB FACTORY

Gucci has cut the ribbon to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant called ArtLab, based in Scandicci, near Florence. The sprawling futuristic and experimentational platform, spanning over 37,000 square metreswith 800 employees, will produce shoes and leather goods, Gucci’s two hottest categories that account for over 70 percent of sales. In the first quarter of 2018, Gucci confirmed its stellar momentum with revenues up a whopping 48.7 percent to 1.87 billion euros. As the demand for accessories has nearly doubled in the last three years, ArtLab will speed up and rationalize the production with full control over the various steps. “The unveiling of Gucci ArtLab definitely represents one of the most remarkable achievements of Gucci’s unprecedented journey of the last three years, and one of the most significant industrial investments today in our country,” says Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci. “It is a testament to our belief in creativity, artisanal craftsmanship, innovation and technology, and sustainability, and our bond with our territory. I couldn’t be more grateful to all those who have made this dream come true, from the local and national authorities, to Kering, to all of our colleagues who have been so visionary in absorbing new ideas from best-practice all around the world, to further strengthen our leadership.” Michele’ssignature aesthetic defines the eye-catching design of ArtLab with vintage and colorful furniture, staple motifs of flowers, plants, birds and butterflies plus murals by some of the designer’s favorite artists — Coco Capitàn, Ignasi Monreal, Angelica Hicks, Gucci Ghost, Jayde Fish, Unskilled Worker and Phannapast Taychamaythakool — livening-up the facades of the building.