Once again, Alessandro Michele illustrated that there is nothing quite comparable to the extravagant presentations that he conjures up each season for Gucci. On the heels of last season’s collection which featured life-like baby dragons, snakes, and models carrying hyper-realistic replicas of their own heads , his spring 2019 follows suit as one of the most indulgent, curious shows to date. Aptly set in “ Le Palace” an old Parisian night club, the presentation began with a short film by Leo de Berardinis and Perla Peragallo from the 1970s, which many described as similar to a bad acid trip. Immediately following the film, models began their journey towards the stage dressed to the teeth in the type of eclecticism one can only expect from the revered fashion house.
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Gender roles becomes virtually indistinguishable as both the men’s and women’s looks are mixed freely and juxtaposed against one another. Androgyny and gender fluidity was a major theme throughout the collection, as women dressed in menswear inspired suiting and evening wear. While male models traipsed down the runway in floral print silk dresses with puffed sleeves, or donned high-waisted, thigh baring leather hot pants with knee-high socks and oxfords. Expanding on a riff from last season’s western trend, Alessandro Michele paid tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton as his muse for spring. Her signature cowboy hat was reimagined in various color ways, and a portrait of the country music star was airbrushed on the back of an oversized denim jacket and tracksuit. Another pop culture icon, Mickey Mouse also made an appearance with his head transformed into playful handbags.
Not one to shy away from maximalism, Michele did not hold back with heavy doses of glitter, flamboyant ostrich feathers, and voluminous ruffles, embellishing everything from show-stopping gowns to traditional office wear. The metallic rainbow fringed blazers and trousers are but one example. Even the many different leather jockstraps worn over 70s style trousers were embellished with studs and crystals. Aside from the clothes themselves, the show was jam packed with unexpected elements including a surprise performance by French chanteuse Jane Birkin, who performed midway through through the show and sang “Baby Alone in Babylone.” Another scene stealer, was model Mae Mei Lapres who was accompanied on the runway by her pet cockatoo who sat perched on her shoulder. The extravagant presentation elevated Gucci as truly in a league of their own.