Gucci’s train travel-inspired shop offers a complete range of travel essentials, from trunks to hat boxes and everything in between
Gucci’s latest store makes having extra baggage look like a good thing.
Located at 229 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, the Italian luxury label’s first stand-alone luggage store began welcoming shoppers just before Christmas. The shop spans 269 square metres and offers a complete range of Gucci Valigeria travel and weekend bags. This includes one-of-a-kind steamers and the brand’s newly launched Off the Grid trunks made from regenerated Econyl nylon. An aluminium trolley suitcase, created in collaboration with Italian luxury luggage specialist FPM Milano, also debuted at the store, alongside a host of stylish travel essentials.
“The opening of our first Gucci Valigeria boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré represents the next stage in our ongoing strategy to reinforce our leadership in the travel category,” Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President and CEO, told WWD in an email. He went on to explain that the concept for the travel line’s new and forthcoming locations is inspired by the label’s original Florentine store and a three-month pop-up in London that saw the launch of Gucci’s Savoy luggage line.
Inspired by rail travel during the Belle-Epoque, Gucci’s new Parisian shop spans two floors. The sophisticated space is filled with vintage light fixtures, window displays that mirror luggage carts and canvas surfaces in neutral hues that make its dark walnut furnishings pop. The ground floor resembles a tony train station with a cash register disguised as a welcome desk. Here you’ll find on-the-go essentials such as eye masks, pyjamas, beauty products as well as pet accessories for Fido. Exotic-skin versions of Gucci’s weekender duffle and one-of-a-kind trunks can also be found on the ground floor.
On the floor above, design elements such as brass shelving nod to the racks found in old-fashioned trains. The ceiling, meanwhile, is modelled after the arched roofs of vintage carriages. Loom-woven carpeting in a tartan motif and plush seating add to its cozy vibe. Gucci’s full travel range including totes, backpacks, garment bags, hat cases and suitcases is spread out over both floors.
Standout styles from its Savoy line—which reimagines the label’s signature logo, distinctive stripe detail and GG hardware—will be available to shop in the store. You’ll even be able to buy Gucci’s top-handle Bauletto handbag here.
While the storefront is the first by Gucci to be dedicated to luggage, its travel range has had significant appeal for decades. When the house’s founder Guccio Gucci opened his original store in Florence in 1921, the first items it sold were trunks, suitcases and hatboxes. Gucci was acquired by Kering in 1999 and sits alongside top fashion brands like Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta in the corporation’s portfolio.
More Gucci Valigeria stores are in the works and expected to open in “other iconic city destinations,” Bizzari confirms. Neither a timeline nor locations have been shared, so stay tuned.
This article was first published on Robb Report USA
