Photo by MATTEO BAZZI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (9434022m)
Can Alessandro Michele Be Any More Zany?
Eerie doesn’t even begin to cover the atmosphere of eclectic ensembles and strange accessories in designer Alessandro Michele’s latest collection for Gucci. Always at the forefront of a new trend, Gucci sent models down the runway (or should we say, operating room) carrying severed heads, dragons and snakes in lieu of handbags. Opening the show was a floral printed tunic layered over a plaid midi dress which floated atop a printed pant. What really caught our attention though, was the model who grasped a complete replica of her own head tucked coolly under her arm.
Despite such a bizarre opening, each following look still managed to keep us on our toes, as styling took an increasingly macabre approach throughout the presentation. There’s an undeniable overarching occult-esque mood which fuels the show, from subtle symbols tokens, carried all the way to the last look, which included an all too realistic third eye in the center of the model’s forehead. Alongside the disturbing accessories was fashion’s ubiquitous “ugly sneaker” trend. Gucci’s take on the shoe came in the form of a chunky hiking boots crisscrossed with removable jewel encrusted straps over the top. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of pared down high fashion – fit for virtually any outfit or occasion.
While the clothing itself was seemingly influenced by nearly every time period in every part of the world, the collection also makes a case for inclusivity and speaks to the formation of identity in the modern era. Fashion, as Michele explains after the show, is “a way to augment an idea of who you are or want to be”, which may shed some insight on the ever pervasive balaclavas shrouding the faces of 50 out of the 90 looks. There were of course, classic elements as well that no Gucci show could form an identity without: quilted bags, sensible loafers, metallic embroidery, and “geeky-chic” styling, amongst many others.
See All the Looks from the Collection
