November 17, 2011, PARIS – The world’s greatest show-jumpers will be back this year for the Gucci Paris Masters. First established in December 2009 when Gucci returned to equestrian sponsorship after an absence of 20 years, the Gucci Paris Masters immediately established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious indoor equestrian competitions.

In the year that sees the House celebrate its 90th anniversary, Gucci continues to deepen its relationship with the equestrian world and a heritage long characterized by the glamour of horse riding. When Guccio Gucci first opened his company in 1921 in Florence, horseriding often inspired the motifs and symbols of his designs.  Over the years, Gucci’s green-red-green webbing, appropriated from a horse’s girth strap, as well as the Gucci horsebit have become iconic design components ingrained in the House’s history. 

“Today, Guccio Gucci’s original fascination with the noble spirit and infectious allure of the equestrian world continues with the Paris Masters,” said Creative Director Frida Giannini. “Following a year of celebrations for the House’s 90^th anniversary, we are proud to carry on this legacy with this prestigious event.”

The third Gucci Paris Masters will take place from December 2^nd to 4^th, 2011, once again at the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre during the Paris Horse Show. The Gucci Paris Masters will bring together the world’s best riders, including Australia’s Gucci-sponsored Edwina Alexander, the world’s current number one female professional show jumper, Canada’s Eric Lamaze, current world n°1 and reigning Olympic champion, France’s Kevin Staut, world n°2 and vice-world team champion, Belgium’s Philippe Le Jeune, reigning world champion.

Gucci-sponsored Charlotte Casiraghi has orchestrated The Style and Competition for AMADE, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 3^rd.  The event will involve 12 teams, each consisting of a professional rider and a talented amateur. All profits from the challenge will be donated to the World Association of Children’s Friends, founded in 1962 by Princess Grace of Monaco, for the promotion and protection of children’s rights on an international level.

Also on Saturday, December 3^rd, the Gucci by GUCCI Challenge, first established at last year’s edition, will see the top 10 male riders take on the top 10 female riders in the world rankings.

The three days will feature eight CSI 5* rated events and will culminate on Sunday, December 4 with the Gucci Grand Prix, which will put the 35 best rider and mount pairs against one another with a prize of €300,000. Some 50,000 spectators are expected to come along to see the riders and their mounts.

During the course of its three day sponsorship, Gucci will once again open a temporary retail store on site for visitors to enjoy shopping between the shows, including a limited edition scarf, made to order boots, and exclusive luggage from the 1921 collection in celebration of the House’s 90^th anniversary.