“When I’m working on the collection, I’m already thinking about the space, and the music and the light. I think it’s no longer time to just talk about the clothes.”
Details, details and more details – that has been the epitome of Alessandro Michele’s creations for Gucci since taking up the role of creative director in 2015, and that is what we can continue to expect for his latest collection.
But for Gucci’s Spring Summer 2018 show in Milan, there was no single emphasis, as the Italian designer pointed out.
“When you see the show, you will see what I’m trying to do: I want to stay in my aesthetic,” he said. “When I’m working on the collection, I’m already thinking about the space, and the music and the light. I think it’s no longer time to just talk about the clothes.”
From the moment guests entered Gucci’s headquarters, they found themselves transported into Michele’s personal playground. The set’s backdrop featured Roman, Egyptian and Aztec elements in the shape of statues, effigies and medieval structures, juxtaposed with a striking blue runway alluding to the Tiber river.
“In the beginning, it was something that allowed me to reflect my idea of beauty. Now it’s more than beauty. It’s a state of mind. It’s an idea of community and a really deep expression,” Michele lets in on his evolving sensibilities.
The collection itself reflected his “idea of community” with references to past and present eras, different cultures, as well as animated characters like Snow White and Bugs Bunny.
Disco jumpsuits and track jackets showed influences of the ‘70s and ‘80s respectively, while kimonos, tropical prints and conical hats portrayed Asian orientations.
Other pieces transpired from personal ties to names like Elton John, evidenced by the purple suit adorned with sequinned green snakes; and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, given by the black sweater emblazoned with the phrase “Never Marry a Mitford”.
Check out the collection below (swipe left for more).
Images: Courtesy of Gucci