Gucci Rome party

Marie Claire gets the inside scoop on Gucci's anniversary celebrations

Gucci celebrated the 70th anniversary of its iconic Rome store this week, with an event tipped as the fashion-world's hottest invite.

marie claire's senior fashion editor, Arabella Greenhill, was the only member of the UK press in attendance at the prestigious event, which took place on Rome's Janiculum Hill, at the Villa Aurelia.

She was joined by the toast of the Italian glitterati, plus a smattering of Hollywood faces, including Patricia Arquette, Rosetta Getty, Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy.

SEE ALL THE GUCCI PARTY PHOTOS HERE

The evening started with the first European showing of Gucci's resort collection. Described by Arabella as 'Seventies inspired and very sexy', key pieces included vertiginous wedges, printed maxidresses and beautiful leather jackets.

When quizzed on her favourite look, Arabella opted for the fitted stripe jacket, teamed with voluminous white, wide-leg trousers.

Once the show was over, guests moved on to a lavish dinner for 300, where the menu included a risotto starter, fish main and refreshing sorbet desert.

A decadent party for 1,000 followed, where Goldfrapp provided the entertainment. On her favourite moment of the night, Arabella described standing beside (model) Mariacarla Boscono as she 'jumped up and down to Goldfrapp, wolf whistling and dancing'.

'It was such a scene; this was the party everyone in Italy wanted to be invited to,' Arabella raved.

The event celebrated the reopening and renovation of Gucci's historic Rome store, which Arabella explained appeared more 'soft and feminine' than the previous design.