As a celebration of its 90th anniversary, legendary design house Gucci has teamed up with Riva in a collaboration with Officina Italiana Design to create the Aquariva by Gucci, a custom designed Aquariva yacht. Gucci and Riva each have similar stories in their respective realms, with a shared tradition of excellence in design and unparalleled craftsmanship that has created in each an international notoriety.
Gucci has captured the world’s acclaim for their classic designs, dedication to elegance, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. Now under the creative direction of Frida Giannini, Gucci continues to blur the lines between past and present with its enduring fashions. Of Gucci’s partnership with Riva, Giannini explains, “Over the decades the iconic Riva boat has become without doubt one of the most evocative images of Italian style, sophistication, and elegance. It is a symbol of a glamorous lifestyle that sparks fond memories of La Dolce Vita – a golden age when both Gucci and Riva attracted an enthusiastic following among the international jet set. It is therefore especially meaningful in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year to be able to recognize and celebrate the great traditions and values of both Gucci and Riva through the Aquariva by Gucci.”
For Riva, their elegant fusion of innovation and tradition began 170 years ago on Lake Iseo in northern Italy. As Gucci does with their fashion, Riva’s maritime masterpieces drip with classic Italian elegance. The house has expressed a ceaseless dedication to artisan craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the use of only the finest materials. As the creators of original Aquariva, Officina Italiana Design has fueled Riva’s creative inspiration under the direction of chief designer Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta for the past 20 years, and they continue to further define the elegant Riva style.
The Aquariva by Gucci has true to the original Aquariva’s design while lending the classic Gucci characteristics the world has come to lust after. The fiberglass hull bears detailed painting in the classic Gucci glossy white and Riva’s signature use of mahogany and characteristic varnish finish of 20 coats – 10 by brushing and 10 by spraying – used also as the signature material for the cockpit, walking decks, and awning cover hatch. Covering the seats and sundeck is waterproof fabric featuring the emblematic Guccisima paint, while the bed’s upholstery is in the luxurious Gucci white cotton. Complementing all of this is Gucci’s iconic green-red-green detailing, which edges the floating line and harmoniously matches the unique green crystal windshield and series of exclusive Riva by Gucci accessories.
The performance of the yacht continues to uphold the reputation Riva’s sterling reputation. An innovative two-speed electronic gear allows for a no-holds-barred utilization of the two 380-horsepower Yanmar engines. With a maximum speed of 42 knots and a 150-mile range at cruising speed, the iconic Italian boatmakers once again ensure an unforgettable and unparalleled boating experience.
This distinctive collaboration between the two renowned design houses celebrates and continues to define La Dolca Vita even today. An homage to the defining era, the Aquariva by Gucci luxuriously illustrates the time’s opulence, joie de vivre, elegance, and timeless glamour – everything we would come to expect from a union of such eminent proportions.
The Aquariva by Gucci is exclusively available on a made-to-order basis through Riva’s dealer network. For more information contact www.riva-yacht.com.
