On Tuesday, Gucci gave a preview of one of New York’s most-anticipated new restaurants to a crowd of logo-adorned friends to celebrate the brand’s latest campaign.
Officially opening next week, Prince Street restaurant Manuela, from the Hauser & Wirth team, opened its doors early in honor of Gucci’s “We Will Always Have London” campaign, which features Debbie Harry and Kelsey Lu. The campaign, shot by Nan Goldin, features the Gucci Blondie bag, which has been reimagined by Sabato De Sarno for the cruise 2025 collection.
Darling new nepo couple Iris Apatow and Sam Nivola arrived together and kissed for the camera before coupling up in a corner booth. Jemima Kirke, Beverly Nguyen, Quil Lemons, Kimberly Drew, Dara Allen, June Ambrose, Tina Leung, Zanna Roberts Rassi and Leandra Medine mingled about as highballs of a ginger and peach drink passed by.
Lu and Harry posed together before Harry sat down to chat prior to dinner.
“I was surprised at first that they would consider me and it’s been remarkably easy,” Harry said. “I loved working with Nan. We’ve known each other in passing, and I’ve always been a fan. I’ve always known her work and admired her. Considering the intensity and importance of what they were framing for me, she made me feel so relaxed,” she added of the shoot. “There aren’t a lot of photographers that can do that. She’s so well within herself. I don’t know if I know the right words, exactly. She’s self-contained or rooted or in touch. It was painless. And then when I saw the results, I, wow. I’m through Nan Goldin’s eyes. Believe me. I don’t think I ever looked quite like what she made me look like.”
Surprisingly, the legendary musician said they didn’t listen to any music while on set for the campaign.
“I don’t like listening to music because after standing in front of a band for all these years, I’m a little bit hard of hearing. And also mentally, I tune into the music so much that it’s not good for the work,” Harry explained. “There are certain times though when you’re performing to music and taking pictures, then it really works. But also I wanted to hear what Nan had to say. And we were in a small space. We were just in the back of a black cab. It was an actual real cab.”
As to what she’s been listening to outside of Gucci work? “Well, today I was listening to a singer, a fabulous vocalist, Raye,” Harry said. “And I love the whole sensibility of the styles of music that she’s combining. In Blondie we always tried to do that, make little fresh combinations. And I think what she does is amazing.”
Lu was brief with her sentiments. “It’s been incredible to release the campaign to the world and celebrate in NYC with Debbie tonight,” she said.
