Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. This slogan, wielded by the father of a well-known Italian fashion designer, has for years glued Gucci and Habanos together.

Excellences: The Gucci family has over a hundred years of experience in the world of fashion design and its creations are as exclusive as Habanos. How did that relationship ever come to pass? Giorgio Gucci: In the late 1960s, my father Aldo Gucci bought an old-timed building on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. He opened an exclusive boutique on the bottom floor and saved the fourth floor to set up a gallery where he could show valuable pieces of modern and contemporary art. That used to be the company’s VIP lounge, where we used to cater to the best customers and where they could walk in by turning a Gucci golden key. In this atmosphere, the first gift any customer used to get was one of the finest Habanos of the times. I must say I’ve been since then head over heels in love with that aroma.

Excellences: What are the main differences that single out the Gucci line’s designs and how do you tie up your own luxury with that of the Habanos? Giorgio Gucci: The longstanding success of the Gucci line is owed to a top-notch product that respects the guidelines of fashion and refinement, and rules out extremism and exhibitionism. We’ve always tried to highlight women’s beauty and femininity. It goes without saying that those virtues have certainly made Gucci one of the best-known deluxe brands in the world market. My father used to say, quality is remembered long after price is forgotten, and it’s exactly that quality what actually binds Gucci and Habanos together.

Excellences: What kind of relationship exists today between Habanos S.A. and Giorgio Gucci? How important is the world of Habanos for you? Giorgio Gucci: For quite a few years I’ve been the proud sponsor of all ladies at the Habanos S.A.’s Marketing Division. I feel great respect for the world of Habanos since those who turn to them are usually people of great sensitivity and exquisite taste. My first experience as a smoker came to pass during the unveiling of a new cigar ring by Montecristo Edmundo in Milan and Barcelona. From that moment on, I got suddenly reeled in by this Habano’s kindness and delicacy, not to mention that its aroma rings a family bell in my head.

Giorgio Gucci: “I’ve Got so Much to Thank Cuba for”

Its most outstanding natural beauties, but above all, the warmth and friendliness he’s found in the Cuban people, have been sources of inspiration for the work of this renowned fashion designer, the only one around the world who launches three summertime collections every year.

“It’s been more than six years since I started working in Cuba, opening the first high-end boutique in Havana in an effort to make my own contribution to the prestige of the market. That was in a shopping mall store at the Comodoro Hotel. I had my mind made up to start this adventure as a way of paying for everything Cuba has given me for over a decade, during the vacations I spent here.

“Its most outstanding natural beauties, its splendid beaches and breathtaking sea bottoms, let alone the exceptional tropical wildlife used to drive my strength, rekindle my spirit and eventually helped me find new sources of inspiration in my creative work. But above all, I found the greatest source of all in the warmth and friendliness of the Cuban people.

“I’ve had the honor and the privilege of making close friends with several artists when some of them were just cutting their teeth in the fine arts. Among them I should mention Mendive, Choco, Nelson Dominguez and many others. I’ve also made a few acquaintances among Cuban musicians and concert performers, like maestro Frank Fernandez.

“Following the grand opening of the first Boutique, I was immensely rewarded by the way my collections for women brought down the house. Perhaps this success has a lot to do with the fact that I’m the world’s only fashion designer who comes up with three different summertime collections every year. These collections, I must say, embrace both fancy night gowns and casual sportswear for youngsters.

“Today, I own a baker’s dozen boutiques in Havana under the GIORGIO G brand name, like the ones at the Comodoro, Neptuno-Triton, Habana Libre and Palco hotels, and those in most major shopping malls like Carlos III, La Puntilla, Club Habana, La Ciudad, Fornos, Novator, 5ta. y 42, Casa Verano and L´Select.

“In Varadero, our boutiques are in Plaza America and en Todo en Uno. In addition to that, there are a few duty-free outlets at the Havana and Varadero international airports. In 2007, the plan is to hang up the shingle in such locations as the corner of 7th Avenue and 20th Street in Miramar, and at the Malecon Real Estate.

“Finally, I’d like to avail myself of this opportunity granted by Excellences magazine to thank our customers for their preference and extend my appreciation for their support. As far I’m concerned, I’m deeply grateful to all leaders and executives, as well as workers from all Cuban institutions for their cooperation and the confidence they’ve pinned on me. They have helped me achieve this much.”