LONDON.- Frieze announced Gucci as a new partner for Frieze Masters 2014. Gucci will be an Associate Sponsor of Frieze Masters and partner for Frieze Masters Talks at the third edition of the leading fair for art from ancient to modern.

The partnership brings together one of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses with Frieze Masters, in the first partnership of its kind for the fair. Frieze Masters Talks is programmed by curator Jasper Sharp and brings together major artists, critics and curators to draw out relationships between contemporary and historical art. Previous participants have included: Cecily Brown, Glenn Brown, Bice Curiger, John Currin, Michael Govan, Luc Tuy- mans and Nicholas Penny.

Gucci’s support of the Frieze Masters Talks extends to a special one-off conversation between Ed Ruscha and Ian Wardropper in the Director’s Dining Room of the Frick Collection, New York, on Monday, 5 May 2014.

Victoria Siddall, Director of Frieze Masters said: ‘The talks programme is one of the most exciting elements of the fair as it shows how contemporary artists are inspired by history. I am thrilled to have Gucci’s support in 2014 and I look forward to exploring more of the world’s most important museum collections with the most interesting of guides – today’s leading contemporary artists.’

Frieze Masters takes place from the 15 – 19 October 2014 in Regent’s Park London. In 2014 the fair will be supported by main sponsor Deutsche Bank for the third consecutive year.

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery. Eyewear and fragrances are manufactured and distributed under license by global industry leaders in these two sectors. Gucci products are sold exclusively through a network of directly operated boutiques (475 DOS as of March 2014) and through e-com- merce, as a valuable complementary business channel. Gucci products are also distributed through a small number of franchisees, and selected depart- ment and specialty stores. Gucci is part of the Kering Group, a world leader in apparel and accessories which develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands.