GUCCI | GUCCY

Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele is responsible for some of Gucci's best (In my opinion) catwalk shows, collections and collaborations. Last year we were introduced to Gucci Ghost, the NY based graffiti artist who made his fame by painting the famous double G logo around the streets of New York. The painted double G logo ended up on walls, bins and plastic carrier bags. However, rather than sue to artist, Alessandro asked him to collaborate on his next collection. Clothes became his new canvas and the F/W 16 range is a nod to customising fashion and the thriving streetwear scene.

The Italian house took to home turf to unveil its Cruise* 2018 catwalk, hosting a spectacle in Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. Rather than give out regular-old invites, the mastermind behind the fashion house decided to gift custom caps to the select group of industry insiders who were invited to the show. Guests were flown to the show and were giving an access-all-areas tour of Vasari Corridor, which is normally closed to visitors. 

Michele took inspiration from Harlem legend tailor, Dapper Dan for his 2018 Cruise collection. The model wore oversized, puff ball, logo sleeves. A true nod to the tailer. Dan was known for making suits from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Gucci. But unfortunately, he was eventually shut down an anti-counterfeiting squad. 

 The collection is filled with the famous double G logo, lots of pearls and lots of slogans. There's references to the 1970's. There's gorgeous outwear coats and heavy embroidered, plush fabrics.

"It was fashion fantasy of the very best kind – and is that not what Cruise is about? The ability to transport to somewhere else entirely. Here, Mr Michele took us all the way into his world, and back again."

*The wares peddled in pre-collections is probably what you’re most likely to see from a brand on the sales floor of more mainstream luxury fashion outlets, rather than the “show pieces” from Spring/Summer of Fall/Winter shows.While Pre-Fall and Pre-Spring is an extra opportunity for more brands to make more. Resort has become an incredibly important season for vendors, beyond the promise of clothes with mainstream appeal - Unlike Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections, Resort remains on sales floors longest without ever going on sale.