Gucci is pleased to announce that it is extending its relationship with the equestrian world through a new multi-year partnership with Charlotte Casiraghi and her show jumping team as she debuts as a promising rider in The Global Champions Tour in 2010 and 2011. This initiative follows Gucci’s decision to return to the world of equestrian sponsorship last December, after a 20-year hiatus, when the fashion house assumed the Title Sponsorship for the Gucci Paris Masters.
The Global Champions Tour, which features the world's top riders, starts on May 7th in Valencia and then travels to Hamburg, Turin, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Estoril, Chantilly and Valkenswaard before coming to a close in Rio de Janeiro on August 29th. Ms. Casiraghi will participate in these show jumping events wearing an exclusive equestrian wardrobe, including clothing and accessories, especially designed for her by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.
Frida Giannini said, “There was not a moment of doubt in my mind when the project of this collaboration was defined. I have been an avid rider myself since I was a child, so I share Charlotte’s passion and joy for horses.”
Giannini continued, “As I sat down with Charlotte to design her show jumping wardrobe there was a natural connection and understanding between us which made working together absolutely seamless. Charlotte displays a commitment and determination to take on the world of professional show jumping that is inspiring. Watching her compete, one immediately sees in her a maturity and poise. She has an ability to combine her family traditions with a uniquely modern air. It feels natural for Gucci to be supporting both a person and a sport that are so connected to the rich history of this House.”
Founded in 1921, Gucci has long been associated with and inspired by the sporting glamour of the equestrian world. Various symbols - from the horsebit to the web striped girth strap - have become iconic symbols since Guccio Gucci first appropriated them in his designs.
Charlotte Casiraghi’s grandmother Princess Grace of Monaco also holds a special place in Gucci’s storied past, having been the inspiration for the Flora pattern. One of Gucci's most memorable designs, this captivating print was first created specifically for a Gucci scarf that Aldo Gucci gifted the Princess in 1966. This one of a kind gift went on to inspire countless other Gucci products, including Giannini's first major accessories collection in 2004.
Today, that legacy continues with Frida Giannini's special equestrian designs for Charlotte Casiraghi. The riding wardrobe Giannini has created for Casiraghi is highly technical but luxurious and features distinctive bearings of the House's own heritage, including the green red green web as well as the Gucci Crest and the finest of materials.
Charlotte Casiraghi said, "I am thrilled to be working with Gucci and especially happy to be playing a part in their timely return to the equestrian world. It is a very exciting time for show jumping and I am honoured to have Gucci by my side as I continue to progress on the Global Champion Tour. I would like to make a special thank you to Frida and her team for embracing this project whole heartedly and transcending their energy into their truly beautiful designs."
