Hc2 5637 1
Gucci made a late decision to take additional space at Baselworld and created a stylish orangery to showcase its Grip watch collection.

Baselworld suffers another blow as Gucci pulls out

Two more holes open up at the heart of Hall 1 as Kering-owned watchmaker withdraws.

Gucci was something of a saviour at last year’s Baselworld, taking a second stand that plugged part of the gap left by Swatch Group’s mass exodus from the exhibition.

It also brought a sprinkle of star quality by building an attractive orangery-style booth that reminded visitors that the watch industry is capable of turning on the style.

And it held its major watch launch of the year, with the Grip collection taking centre stage.

Neither of Gucci’s stands will appear at Baselworld this year, creating two more gaps to fill in Hall 1.0. Breitling has also withdrawn from its prime position in the heart of the show.

Beyond confirming the decision, Gucci is not commenting on why it has pulled out of the show, but shifting Baselworld to run from April 30 to May 5 is likely to have been a major factor.

The fashion house might now choose to show at least some of its 2020 watch collections during Milan Fashion Week, which begins on February 18.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *