Stefano Ricci Brings Tanzanian Vision and Timeless Luxury to Rome

Rome — Against the backdrop of Caravaggio masterpieces and baroque splendour, Stefano Ricci transformed Rome’s Galleria Doria Pamphilj into the setting for an ambitious celebration of fashion, travel and Italian luxury, unveiling its Spring Summer 2027 collection while marking the opening of a new flagship boutique in the capital.

For the Florentine maison, the evening represented more than a runway presentation. It was the latest chapter of Explorer n°9 Mission Tanzania, the brand’s long running programme that blends cultural storytelling, travel and philanthropy, this time inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and spirit of Tanzania.

Yet Rome itself stood at the centre of the occasion.

The opening of Stefano Ricci’s new boutique in Via Bocca di Leone, steps from Piazza di Spagna, signals a significant moment in the company’s expansion strategy and confirms the Eternal City’s growing importance within the world of ultra luxury retail.

“Rome was a missing piece in our history and retail network,” said Niccolò Ricci, chief executive of Stefano Ricci and son of the founder. “We absolutely had to be here and are delighted to have found such an extraordinary location.”

Occupying 180 square metres within a prestigious historic palazzo protected by the Fine Arts Authority, the boutique reflects the maison’s characteristic vision of understated elegance and uncompromising craftsmanship. Furnished with dark Californian burl wood and hand chiselled pietra serena stone, the space has been conceived not simply as a shop but as an immersive environment where private consultation and personalised service define the customer experience.

For Stefano Ricci, whose identity is closely tied to 100 per cent Made in Italy craftsmanship and family leadership, the Roman opening carries symbolic as well as commercial significance.

“Rome, with its glorious history and timeless excellence, is the perfect setting for our philosophy,” Ricci said, describing the capital as an essential addition to the company’s international retail presence.

The boutique opening formed a natural counterpart to the presentation staged in Galleria Doria Pamphilj, where guests were welcomed among one of Rome’s most celebrated private art collections, including works by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Bernini.

There, Stefano Ricci unveiled a collection inspired by what the company describes as “the roots of the world”, Tanzania, the ninth destination of its Explorer mission programme.

“Tanzania is not merely a destination,” Filippo Ricci, the maison’s creative director, said in presenting the project. “It is a primal land, a place where the earth breathes and every sunrise feels like the first day of creation.”

The accompanying campaign film, shot over several months across Tanzania, follows a journey from the baobab landscapes of Tarangire National Park to the Serengeti, Gombe Stream and the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

“For this ninth chapter of Explorer we travelled from the south to the north of Tanzania with photographers, crews and models,” Filippo Ricci said. “We saw lions resting on sunlit kopjes in the Serengeti, filmed the Great Migration from a hot air balloon and crossed the emerald forests of Gombe Stream.”

The imagery and atmosphere of East Africa shaped the Spring Summer 2027 collection, continuing a creative dialogue between Stefano Ricci and a continent the family describes as a “second homeland”.

Africa has long inspired the Florentine house, including the silk creations once designed for Nelson Mandela, whom the family remembers as a “special friend”. That legacy returns in this latest collection through relaxed silhouettes, understated luxury and a chromatic palette reflecting Tanzanian landscapes.

Colours move from tanzanite blue and Kilimanjaro snow white to Serengeti tobacco, Gombe forest green and Tanganyika sapphire tones, while leather Bermuda shorts and softly structured separates lend the collection a spirit of movement and exploration. The aesthetic avoids overt logo display, placing craftsmanship and detail firmly at the centre.

The presentation also underscored the resilience of the Stefano Ricci business at a time of continuing geopolitical uncertainty.

The company closed 2025 with consolidated revenues of approximately €217 million, recording organic growth of around one per cent excluding extraordinary items, while the opening months of 2026 have shown stable performance despite volatility across several international markets.

“In an uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, 2025 marked a phase of natural normalisation,” Niccolò Ricci said. “The retail network confirmed the strength of our model and reinforced the value of the brand across strategic markets.”

Alongside Rome, Stefano Ricci plans further international openings in Batumi and Mexico City as part of a strategy aimed at reinforcing its presence within the ultra high end sector.

Beyond commercial growth, the Explorer project also remains tied to the company’s environmental and social commitments. For the Tanzanian chapter, Stefano Ricci has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania, supporting specialised chimpanzee research and biodiversity protection programmes.

“Our contribution seeks to provide tangible support to a project of scientific and environmental value,” Niccolò Ricci said. “Through Explorer we have always sought to work with partners able to communicate a meaningful message to the world.”

In Rome, surrounded by centuries of artistic heritage, Stefano Ricci presented more than a seasonal collection. The Florentine maison offered a broader vision of luxury, one rooted in family history, craftsmanship and cultural dialogue, while placing the Eternal City firmly at the heart of its future ambitions.

PS