Gucci Aoyama, Frida Giannini's new flagship store, reopened on May 30th. A lavish reception was held the day before, inviting celebrities such as Yusuke Iseya, Emi Takei, and Hidetoshi Nakata. One standout presence at the reception was Lapo Elkann, a key figure in the store's renovation. On the second floor of Gucci Aoyama, a corner was set up for "Lapo's Wardrobe," a "made-to-measure" capsule collection created in collaboration between Frida and Lapo. The collection features 23 pieces for men and four for women, with a variety of colors and materials in over 80 fabrics, creating approximately 180 styles. The program also allows for customization of linings, buttons, and finishings. The system allows customers to receive their glasses in approximately eight weeks after ordering. The collection began rolling out in six major cities around the world during the 2014 Spring/Summer Men's Milan Fashion Week, and was unveiled in Japan to coincide with the Gucci Aoyama store's reopening. Lapo Elkann is the grandson of the former chairman of Italy's Fiat, and a stylish man often featured in men's magazines around the world as a best-dressed man. "My relationship with Gucci began in 2011 when we collaborated on a special Fiat 500. This collaboration brought new value to the Fiat 500," says Lapo. He currently works on numerous collaborations, including with home appliance manufacturer SMEG and Vertu, a mobile phone with a concierge service. He also heads Italia Independent, a brand of original eyewear packed with unique ideas. "Our velvet-like frames and temperature-sensitive frames recently won an award from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology," says Lapo. This eyewear is known to be a favorite of Lady Gaga.
■A dandy who never forgets his ladies
When asked about his collaboration with Frida, he said, "Frida is a dear friend. What's more, she is very professional, and I am proud that my collaboration with her and her team has brought innovation to the world of Italian luxury!"
In starting Lapo's Wardrobe, Lapo spent 11 months visiting Gucci's factories and the Gucci Museum in Florence, unraveling the brand's heritage. Having come into contact with Gucci's wonderful DNA, Lapo was convinced that by layering his own story on top of it, a chemical reaction would occur and a collection that would set a new standard would be born.
When asked why he added women's to the collection and the image of the woman he imagines, he said, "I want women to always be elegant, and they need to have a refined strength as well. Someone who combines beauty and sexiness. This is something that is common to the image of men's clothing. Charlotte Casiraghi, a Gucci icon, Princess of Monaco and famous granddaughter of Grace Kelly, is the perfect woman to image Lapo's Wardrobe. Well, it's not just Charlotte, to me all women are princesses (laughs)."
Although Signore was born in America, as he is of Fiat blood, he never forgets to respect women.
