The Style File

History in Italian: Gucci launches an appraisal site and museum

If you're like most discriminating fashionistas, you've been investing in your closet for years. (And no, I'm not talking about shelving systems.) But before now, to recoup that investment meant relying on the expertise of the consignment stores or the jungles of eBay.

For Gucci girls, at least, that's all about to change.

Gucci has partnered with auctioneer Christie's for Gucci Collector: Presented by Christie's, the first-ever Gucci-certified online destination to appraise vintage Gucci collectibles for free. Stylistas just have to log on to the special section and pony up pictures of an item, as well as information on its dimension, style details and provenance, and within two to four weeks Patricia Sharpe, Christie's director of fashion and textiles, along with her team of costume specialists and the Gucci archive department, will have an auction estimate.

The launch of the Gucci Collector coincides with the plans for a Gucci museum chronicling the history of the fashion house, set to open in Florence in 2011, marking both the birthplace of the Italian brand and its 90th anniversary. Gucci officials said they are interested in "historically significant products that are relatively uncommon but that have significance in Gucci’s history for their style, illustration of a trend or possible link with a personality or historical figure." Gucci President and CEO Patrizio di Marco even said the museum might be interested in appraised items meeting those criteria:

"Gucci has an extremely rich archive of vintage items that has never before been accessible to public viewing. Between now and the opening, through the new Gucci Collector Service, it is quite possible that Gucci's archivists, who are constantly on the lookout for additional pieces of note, will add to this archive."

Sending your vintage couture to live out its days on display in Florence? Now that's la dolce vita.

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RODEO ROYALTY

Bun B debuts exclusive Western streetwear collab at RodeoHouston

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

Houston's rodeo scene got a hefty dose of Western-meets-streetwear flair as Bun B took the RodeoHouston stage in style during his highly anticipated concert on March 7. Since 2022, the rap icon has been turning heads with custom outfits styled by Luke Cosby, co-founder of Purple Brand. But this year, some of Bun B's looks weren't just exclusive; they inspired his capsule collection with Purple Brand and Crown Royal, making his performance a combination of music, fashion, and culture.

"Performing at the Rodeo is an honor, and I love every aspect of creating that show. I look forward to my on-stage look every year, and trust Purple will create something that I love," Bun B shared in a statement. "Being able to bring two brands I respect together to form this unique look and create a collection inspired by those looks, made this Rodeo even more special."

The capsule collection, available at Purple Brand's Galleria boutique and online, consists of three pieces, including the Crown Royal x Purple Brand Jeff Hamilton Varsity Jacket, Crown Royal x Purple Brand Bun B Signature Poncho, and Crown Royal x Purple Brand Graphic Tee. According to Cosby, every detail was carefully curated for a one-of-a-kind look. Premium wool, leather accents, and bold embellishments blend rich texture with modern streetwear elements.

The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"The collection was heavily inspired by Crown Royal and Bun B himself, his dynamic stage presence, his legacy in Houston, and the Western aesthetic that defines the Rodeo," Cosby tells CultureMap. "We took cues from classic rodeo fashion, Crown Royal branding and colors. The poncho, for example, is a recreation of the standout piece Bun wore on stage last year, blending tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects Houston's culture while feeling fresh and elevated."

Net proceeds from the collection and other events in the Crown Royal Saloon & Showroom during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be donated to Soldiers' Angels' LA Wildfire Relief Fund, supporting fire relief efforts for veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"As a long-time sponsor of the RodeoHouston, it was important to elevate our presence by extending our partnership to leaders in the community. Bun B is a Houston legend. His presence at RodeoHouston and annual Birthday Bonanza is a highly anticipated moment that unites the city," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, tells CultureMap." In our second year partnering with Bun B, we are thrilled to evolve our partnership in a way that pays homage to rodeo tradition and the Houston community."

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

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