For Gucci’s Cruise 2015 season, Creative Director Frida Giannini partnered up with artist Kris Knight to rework the house’s iconic floral print. The rework, which features symbolic blooms from nocturnal blossoms revolving around the moonflower, treasures a unique Roman story.

 

Kris Knight said, “For my Flora reinterpretation, I wanted to create a painting that paid homage to Accornero’s delicate original by utilizing his symmetrical composition but to create a strong, magical and quietly dangerous Flora of my own. I went beyond the flower box and picked botanicals that either blossomed at night, dawn or dusk but also chose plants that have strong roots for adaptability, persistence and resistance in harsh environments. My paintings often tip-toe between dichotomies, so I wanted to create a Flora design that had elements of beauty, strength and desire, but also infuses a subtext of darkness and enchantment.”

Frida 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. Printed 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.

At Gucci, it was Frida Giannini who first rediscovered the Flora print in 2005 when she boldly applied the print to handbags. The original dates back to 1966, when Princess Grace visited Gucci’s Via Monte Napoleone store with her husband Prince Rainieri. On that occasion, Rodolfo Gucci wanted to present her with a special gift and commissioned artist Vittorio Accornero to create a floral pattern for an original silk scarf. The result was a silk scarf printed with nine bouquets of flowers from all four seasons, with berries, butterflies, dragonflies and insects in a richly colorful and truly enchanting illustration. Among the classics, Flora is a symbol of continuity from the Gucci archive, a design that revives every season with its evocative and timeless graphic power.