Where tradition and innovation converge, London is a city that embraces and challenges creativity alike. For the fourth installment of_Gucci Prospettive_, the visionary series curated byGucciCreative DirectorSabato De Sarno, the British capital is again placed at the forefront as a dynamic space where diverse worlds converge and inspire.
Published byContrasto,Ancora Londra_is a vivid exploration of London's multifaceted spirit—a city of contrasts, transformation, and continuous creative energy. Curated byCharlene PrempehandLewis Dalton Gilbert, founders of the creative studio_A Vibe Called Tech, the volume captures the complexities of a city where opposites exist in harmony. "London is a city of dreamers. Inspiration springs from unexpected corners," Prempeh and Gilbert reflect. "Ideas whirl, coming to life in ways that can feel both accidental and startling."
London, with its ever-present contrasts and contradictions, was an instinctive choice for De Sarno, particularly as the city sets the stage for Gucci’s Cruise 2025 collection. "When it came time to select the destination for my first Cruise collection, London was the natural choice," says De Sarno. "This city has had a great impact on me, welcoming me at a time when feeling understood could make a difference in my path. The same goes forGuccio Gucci, whose story intertwines with The Savoy in an almost magical way, becoming the stuff of legend."
The journey from the early 20th-century glamour of The Savoy to the raw, modernist lines of theTate Modern—the venue for theCruise 2025 show—encapsulates the dialogue between past and present that Gucci continues to have with London. The Tate embodies both sides of London, connecting people and ideas across time and space. This modern institution, surrounded by green landscapes, provides the perfect setting for a show that bridges Gucci's rich heritage with its contemporary vision, underscoring the House’s ongoing bond with the English capital.
_Ancora Londra_is a visual and intellectual celebration of the city’s spirit, divided into four thematic chapters: DREAM BUILDINGS, PEOPLE WATCHING, WATCHING PEOPLE, and BUILDING DREAMS. Through each lens, PrempehandGilbert invite readers to experience London’s architecture and its cultural fabric in new and unexpected ways. From the brutalist geometry of the Barbican to the classic elegance of Mayfair, the city’s landscape tells a rich story of reinvention, resilience, and ongoing innovation—all while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. “The city, and the people we know who move within it, defy any real classification because the one thing both truly embody is the tension and beauty of opposition that we all hold within us,” say Prempeh and Gilbert.
The visual storytelling in_Ancora Londra_brings this narrative to life through striking imagery, blending architectural and human forms. The book’s photography—capturing everything from towering skyscrapers to intimate street scenes—brings the city to life as a living, breathing entity. Here, contrasts do not clash, but harmonize, much like the city itself. These images, paired with insightful commentary, immerse the reader in London’s evolving identity, deepening the connection to the city’s vibrant cultural dynamism.
Timed to coincide with the launch of Gucci’s Cruise 2025 collection in London, the book highlights the brand's deep, interconnected relationship with the city. The book was officially unveiled on November 14, 2024, at Gucci’sNew Bond Street store, marking the start of a significant cultural moment. The exclusive event, held on the third floor in the_Gucci Salon_, featured an intimate discussion with Prempeh and Gilbert, followed by a cocktail reception on the ground floor. Guests also had the opportunity to explore new installations within the store’s art collection, which now includes works by renowned artists such asRachel Whiteread,Cerith Wyn Evans,BobandRoberta Smith,Corbin Shaw,Remi Ajani,Sonia Boyce, andSunil Gupta, all of whom are also featured in_Prospettive 4: Ancora Londra_.
Ancora Londra, like the city it celebrates, is more than just a book—it's a meditation on identity, creativity, and how contrasts in architecture, art, and fashion shape our understanding of the world._Ancora Londra_serves as a powerful reminder that diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a source of strength and inspiration—where dreams are built, observed, and realized.