Images courtesy of Vogue Magazine
The much-anticipated Gucci Resort Collection of 2018, stomping the runway of Florence, emulates the Renaissance, as it firmly roots itself in new beginnings while simultaneously appreciating the past. Gucci Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, revives the essence of centuries past with a fresh and current approach, in a city that is not only the homeland of Gucci, but also proved itself to be a haven of creativity long before the Renaissance. Since his appointment in 2015, Michele has revamped the aesthetic of this world renowned fashion house, with new luxury designs that have proven more than popular with prospective buyers.
Having chosen the Palazzo Pitti – a fifteenth century palace built by the infamous Medici family – as the setting for the show, Michele makes a bold statement about himself as an artist, while models parade beneath paintings by artistic greats, such as Rubens, Titian and Caravaggio. The antique inspiration central to the building’s architecture was carried over into the collection’s accessories, featuring tiaras embedded with silver lyres and gilded laurel wreath crowns. Classical influences have been no stranger to the resort runways this season, with Ancient Greece dictating the style of Chanel’s show earlier in May.
With a total of 115 looks however, an eclectic mix of eras were channeled into the garments themselves, transforming the collection into a road-trip through time, with many exhibiting a particular flare for the ‘60s and ‘70s. The unique embellished and embroidered eccentricity of Michele’s style was apparent as check patterns, floral prints and knitwear featured alongside pearls, sequins and bows. One model boasted pearl-adorned eyebrows, whilst another wore a striking pearl skull cap.
The Gucci runway was strongly individual in its use of more structured forms, which contrasts to the usual lighter cuts of resort wear. Models donned high-necked ruffles, as well as architecturally-cut suit jackets and coats with fur-encircled sleeves. An ark-worthy host of animals were also on display, with snakes, tigers, dragons, and most prominent of all, the wolf, ornamented onto the fabrics. Meanwhile, slogans threaded onto tees, such as ‘Guccy’, ‘Guccification’ and ‘Guccify Yourself’, added a strong branding element to the show. Theories have emerged as to the meaning behind the new slogans, with some suggesting that the misspelling of ‘Gucci’ is a comment on modern-day bootlegging. ‘Guccification’ has also long since been used to describe making a product more high-end or overloading it with bling, giving a playful perception on Michele’s style of design.
To close the event, a private cocktail party was hosted on the outskirts of Florence for guests of the show, with notable names including Elton John, Dakota Johnson and our own Saoirse Ronan. With resort collections continuing release in June, there’s no doubt there’ll be more exciting highlights to come.
Check out more of the collection with Vogue Magazines comprehensive gallery
