Gucci ArtLab

High tech machinery that test sneakers in a climate controlled chamber.

Artisans in lab coats printed on the back with the words ‘Maison de l’Amour’ crafting bags in crocodile leather using a decades-old technique with newspaper. Inaugurated by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering and Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, the Gucci ArtLab is a futuristic center of industrial craftsmanship and experimental laboratory. Located near the historical headquarters of the company outside of Florence in Casellina, the building is now the center for in-house prototyping and sampling all leather goods and shoes—combining the two activities for the first time in the luxury industry. The new 37,000 square meter industrial platform, which employs 800 people, creates the Gucci products of the future designed by Alessandro Michele. Outside, Gucci ArtLab’s walls are hand painted, featuring works by talents who have worked with the House, including Unskilled Worker, Jayde Fish, Ignasi Monreal, Phannapast, Angelica Hicks, Trouble Andrew and Coco Capitán.