Lap of Luxury » Gucci

Gucci’s New CEO Plans Brand’s Future

Raine Devries — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:21:37 +0000

Gucci’s new chief executive officer, Patrizio di Marco has unveiled his strategy for the Italian brand’s future. His strategy includes cutting production and multiple variations of the same style and solidifying the mid-range of the brand. Di Marco, who comes to Gucci from another PPR-owned company luxury leather brand Bottega Veneta, wants to balance contemporary fashion with the Gucci traditions, emphasizing craftsmanship and quality. Di Marco is also behind the lawsuit filed against Guess? Inc. last month.

Driving Gucci sales currently is the revival of the Jackie bag by creative director Frida Giannini. The bag which was named for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, sells for around $3,000 has received fashion acclaim this season. Di Marco has nothing but praise for Giannini he is quoted by Bloomberg as saying that she “knows how to balance the fashion elements with Gucci’s heritage,” Di Marco and Giannini, shown above, represent the continuation of the Gucci aesthetic fine-tuned by Tom Ford in the 1990s, chic and soigné with a dash of lethal sexy.

The Perfect Summer Shades

Raine Devries — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:35:31 +0000

Every stylish man and woman runs around sporting the latest shades by the likes of Gucci, Ray-Ban or Chanel. But the reality, is that there is one brand of shades that separates the wannabe’s from the true players — and those shades are Oliver Goldsmith.

Never heard of Oliver Goldsmith? Well, now you have and here’s why you need to familiarize yourself with this brand: They are handmade.

Working with the last original British eyewear factory, Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses offer bespoke handmade frames, individually cut, shaped and polished by craftsmen with over 70 years of collective experience.

This means you can have them made for you in any colour or size you like. If you find that you can never get glasses to fit you, or perhaps you know exactly what you want but can’t find it anywhere, then our bespoke service is the answer.

OG are one of the few eyewear companies in the world offering a fully tailored service made to your specifications and wishes.

So if you are anything like me and have been graced with very long natural eyelashes, you know what a bothersome chore it is to try to find shades that properly fit without your lashes brushing against the lenses. With bespoke frames from Oliver Goldsmith, you’ll have a timeless classic that is perfect for you.

Men Putting Their Best Foot Forward

Raine Devries — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:59:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, exquisite footware does not soley belong in the realm of women. Men also enjoy fine shoes – they like having an outline of their foot done, choosing the types of soles, leather and lacings and wait with baited anticipation for that call a few weeks later from the cobbler to let them know the day has finally arrived.

It’s an amusing yet touching sight to see a man sitting and looking with love at his handmade shoes much with the same look of love he bestowed upon his first million dollar$.

In today’s world, it doesn’t get much better than Stefano Bemer shoes.

Bemer, who once worked for Gucci, is an Italian master cobbler who hand-makes truly unique shoes. Using materials such as toad and camel, his bespoke shoes take about three months to produce and start at around $2,000. Considering these shoes will last a couple decades with good care, they are an absolute bargain.