When Princess Grace of Monaco visited Gucci’s Via Monte Napolene store with Prince Rainer in 1966, Rodolfo Gucci commissioned artist Vittorio Accornero to create a special floral pattern on an original silk scarf just for her. And the rest you could say is history.
The result was a gorgeous illustration featuring 43 varieties of flowers, plants and insects that has since undergone multiple interpretations and has been featured on several accessories and ready-to-wear items. Today, it is one of Gucci’s most timeless and storied motifs.
The two-day only exhibition at the ArtScience Museum displayed a curated selection of archival pieces from Florence’s Gucci Museo, including original flora scarves, drawings from Accornero dating back to the late 1960s, women’s ready-to-wear pieces including dresses, blouses and gowns, handbags, and unique porcelain items, all carrying the iconic flora print.
To be frank, I only expected flora prints but what greeted us upon entry to the exhibition was a few couture gowns wore by celebrities on the red carpet. What a nice surprise! This is a very small exhibition compared to Valentino Retrospective which I attended a few years back but I’m really thankful that photos are allowed this time.
This champagne charmeause column gown with cut out sleeves is truly spectacular. It was wore by French actress Lea Seydoux at Cannes Film Festival premiere of “Il Gattopardo”.
Photo source (www.zimbio.com)
The gown’s bodice is encrusted with silver and gold metallic beading. 
From this photo, I believe the individual embellishments were hand stitched onto the completed outfit.
Next up, a simple and elegant navy blue gown which was wore by Argentinian/French actress Bérénice Bejo at Golden Globes 2012. This is a masterpiece and my favorite piece on display at the couture section.
Photo source (www.justjared.com)
Look at all that details at the waist! I am totally in awe at this point but wait…
just how magnificent are those pleats and godets?
Salma Hayek wore this embellished champagne gown at the opening of Cannes Film Festival two years ago.
The gown is breath-taking…
with the beaded section merging seamlessly with the pleats. My jaw dropped.
This sexy purple pleated gown is gorgeous! Aishwarya Rai walked down the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in this beauty in 2010. I adore the low back but unfortunately didn’t get to see the back of the gown at the exhibition.
Photo source (www.styleguru.com)
The iconic flora came in full bloom at the second section of the exhibition.
The colors of spring in full display on the white background of this fabric. Very pretty.
What a beautiful vintage housecoat this makes!
And I couldn’t take my eyes off this pleated cape blouse.
Here’s a dress in the black colorway. Very elegant.
I am so in love with this porcelain like combination of blue and white. I heart this flora trench!!!
I’ve always loved border print and this is no exception. The design is so 40s too. And where can I get a dress form wrapped in that beautiful fabric?
Oh my that Blue and white trench is to die for!!! So Gorgeous:)
Oh the inspiration!!!!!!! You’re a queen for sharing, thank you x
Beautiful dresses, but I would be a bit disappointed by the mannequin shapes, the dresses look much much nicer on real people that on the mannequin.
That floral print is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
WoW, Millefiori!
Thank you for sharing your time at this wonderful exhibit with us. The gowns on display are a nice ‘extra’ I would say!
Oh, I read this post with great interest. I really love flora prints (and art, as well). I would love that blue and white trench. I sometimes watch the fashion review shows and they comment a lot how badly a dress photographed when it was so wonderful in person. I can see how that might be true through your photographs. That first champagne colored gown is a fine gown on the red carpet, but your up close photos reveal its a real stunner!
Thank you ladies, glad you all enjoyed the “show” 🙂
@ Rebecca: Drool! I hope to someday find a similar fabric, hopefully waterproof and sew one up. Another sewing aspiration:)
@EvaDress: Yes, indeed….icing to the cake!
@crystalpleats: You are definitely right about the photos. When I first found the red carpet photo, I had to do a double take just to make it it was the same dress. All the intricate details are lost on a full body shot which is a real pity cos it is indeed a stunning gown.
Great impressions! I really like your blog!
I will return to your site!
I hope you had great easter days
My name is Lara, from http://fromhearttoheel.wordpress.com
Just beautiful (and makes me dream of flowers, gardens, butterflies…)! Wasn’t able to make it to the exhibition but your post makes me feel like I was there too.
Thanks Jali! So glad to hear from you:) The exhibition was only on for 2 days so I nearly missed it too. Happy that you enjoyed the post.
I love them all