A Fusion of Italian Design and Hungarian Artisanship: Patrizia Gucci in Budapest
Anantara New York Palace hosted a special event, which opened a new chapter in the continuing saga of Hungarian artisanship and Italian design. Not only an exclusive afternoon tea party, but a real festive event, whereby Patricia Gucci, great-granddaughter of world-famous fashion house founder made her visit to Hungary and celebrated her birthday.
Where past meets present
It is no accident that Anantara New York Palace has become one of the hottest spots in Budapest. Its historic past, grand spaces and intricately elegant details create a unique atmosphere. Sweeping colonnades, gilded decoration and refined interiors are an experience in themselves. Add that to a special event like the Zsolnay-Gucci collaboration, and we’re talking a whole new level of luxury.
The July event brought a more personal and festive element into this iconic interior.
Patrizia Yvonne Gucci – the name ahead of the fashion brand
When we say “Gucci”, most people will think of luxury items, iconic initials and Italian elegance. However, for Patrizia Yvonne Gucci the name is more than a brand, it is destiny and heritage.
Patrizia is daughter to Paolo Gucci, which makes her the fashion brand founder Guccio Gucci’s great-granddaughter. Her Florentine upbringing and family ties integrate her to the Gucci dynasty’s history, yet she never settled for the limelight that came with the name. She spent a long time with professional backend PR work developing the Gucci brand (with over a decade of work put in for the company, and coordinating the opening of 13 new stores), and all along she had her eye on another path forward.
She left the family business in the '90s to pursue her own artistic identity. She made a debut as a painter, in the Middle East and then in Florence, Vienna and Budapest too.
Besides painting, she was also using writing as a means of expressing herself and her past. She’s published several books, including Gucci: La vera storia di una dinastia di successo which is her perspective on the Gucci family saga. It is a kind of debunking of all that is often misrepresented or simplified in the press and in movies.
Patrizia also had her say about the film House of Gucci. In a critical voice, she objected to its “appropriating a family’s identity for profit”. This tells us a lot of how important integrity and accurate reportage are for her, even when this seems all but impossible under the shadow of a fashion empire that bears her name.
As an active participant in the arts scene, she has stood up for peace as part of the Non-Violence Art Project. She won the 2019 Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone Art Prize, a major honor for civil engagement in Italy.
She currently lives, creates and writes in Florence, Italy.
Two worldwide brands meet up for a party
It’s July 14th and Anantara New York Palace hosted the latest
Several guests of honor were present at this illustrious event.
First New York Palace Hotel president Tamás Fazekas greeted the assembled guests, then Zsolnay chief Bachar Najari took the floor. He explained about building the Zsolnay company’s international presence, and that’s one of the reasons they work with artists like Patrizia Gucci.
Pécs vice-mayor Gábor Zag highlighted how Zsolnay has been the city’s iconic brand for over 150 years, calling the collection a prime example of preserving a city’s traditions while keeping up with the times. Swiss Embassy envoy Thomas Widmer also spoke at the event, and was proud to point out that Zsolnay Porcelains was partly Swiss-owned, and exports its products worldwide, with a collection conforming to the highest standards of quality which Switzerland has always stood for.
Luxury tea service at the Hotel
The latest Zsolnay x Gucci collection can be enjoyed at Anantara as part of a special afternoon tea service.
The culinary experience was dreamed up by master chef Krisztián Kiss, inspired by the porcelain set’s summer bird and flower motives. The idea was to recreate the delicacy of porcelain in the food as well.
The first round of savory bites included duck terrine and fig, classic beefsteak tartare, cheese polenta and truffle. This was followed up with assorted mini sandwiches, then dessert including buttered scones, mini cakes and assorted bonbons. Each dish is matched with an appropriate tea.
Service is fine-tuned and discrete throughout, but maintains a personal manner. Staff will assist your choosing the best tea, with attention to every detail.
Afternoon Anantara Tea Services are available Monday through Sunday, between 12:00 and 18:00, at 16 800 HUF/person. It is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in luxury, and participate in a unique cultural and culinary experience fusing the best of Hungarian and Italian arts.
