Gucci Osteria in Florence Was Just Awarded Its First Michelin Star
Gucci Osteria, a 50-seat restaurant that opened its doors last year as part of Gucci Garden, a museum-style concept store in Florence, has just been awarded a Michelin Star. The all-day restaurant, helmed by by chef Massimo Bottura—who is internationally famed for his three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana in Modena—serves iconic Italian dishes such Parmigiano Reggiano tortellini and mushroom risotto as well as items with a contemporary twist, like pork belly buns.
“This is an incredible achievement that fills us with joy,” Bottura said in a statement. “I have been friends with Marco [Bizzarri, Gucci CEO] for over 40 years and this is a wonderful recognition for the vision that we have created together with the Gucci family. Alessandro Michele has created an incredible space, and his support and inspiration have fuelled us both over the past few years. When ideas are born of friendships, they harness a different strength and this is just the beginning of an exciting adventure.”
Located on the ground floor alongside the bazaar-like retail space where guests can indulge in both fashion and food, the Gucci Garden was designed by creative director Alessandro Michele, whose modern take on a museum includes clothing, art, video installations and a boutique. The concept store doesn’t actually have a garden but it carries metaphorical meaning inspired by Michele’s fondness for incorporating nature into his designs.
“The garden is real, but it belongs above all to the mind, populated with plants and animals: like the snake, which slips in everywhere, and in a sense, symbolizes a perpetual beginning and a perpetual return,” said Michele in a press statement at the time of the restaurant’s opening.
While pasta hardly comes to mind when you think of the eccentric fashion brand, it’s become a growing trend for luxury fashion labels such as Armani, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren to dive into the world of food and break the barrier in between.
Offering more than just fashion can attract even more consumers in an age where everyone is searching for Instagram-worthy places to dine. Expanding their signature styles into a whole new market is something no one does better than these international luxury brands.
Some of the best known luxury fashion restaurants include Bar Luce by Prada in Milan, Armani Cafe in Dubai, Ralph Lauren’s restaurant Ralph’s in Paris, and Beige in the Chanel Ginza building in Tokyo. As the list keeps growing and expanding we’re curious to see which luxury brand will dive into the food industry next and what their take on haute cuisine will be.
The post Gucci Osteria in Florence Was Just Awarded Its First Michelin Star appeared first on FASHION Magazine.