In London, where the streets whisper tales of history and fashion, the Gucci Cosmos Exhibition makes its grand entrance. It’s a story that begins not in the glittering halls of high fashion, but in the bustling corridors of The Savoy hotel, where a young Guccio Gucci, then a humble porter, first dreamt of luxury luggage. This dream, fueled by the grandeur of London, would eventually unfurl into the Gucci empire.

British artist Es Devlin, known for her flair for the dramatic, transforms 180 Studios on The Strand into a time-traveling spectacle. Visitors are greeted by a recreation of The Savoy's lobby, complete with its iconic black-and-white marble flooring. It’s here that the line between past and present blurs, as guests step into the famed red lift, whimsically dubbed 'The Ascending Room'. One can't help but feel a bit like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, emerging into the wonderland of Gucci's past.

The exhibition itself is a kaleidoscope of Gucci's most storied creations. The Bamboo bag, Jackie, and Horsebit – each a character in Gucci’s fashion narrative – are displayed with the kind of reverence usually reserved for crown jewels. Curator Maria Luisa Frisa plays the role of a fashion archaeologist, unearthing treasures from Gucci's archives that narrate the brand's century-long evolution.

In a cheeky nod to Gucci's blend of tradition and innovation, the ground floor hosts a café draped in vintage wallpaper, serving drinks and snacks with a dash of red – perhaps a sly wink to Gucci's bold and often unorthodox spirit.