Alessandro Michele's Historical Frenzy: Gucci Cruise 2018

This time, Alessandro Michele brings us 115 looks. To us, that means 115 additional characters to the Gucci super saga. Its shows have become somewhat of a fashion fable, what with the elaborate show invites, amazing sets, eccentric crowd, curious stories and not to mention spectacular clothes — ultimately, that's what we're here for, right?

This season, Michele brought us the Classics (as in Ancient Greece and Rome) and described the collection as Renaissance rock 'n' roll. He originally intended to show at the Parthenon, Greece, but instead brought it to Florence. And that's fine! If anything, the Palatina Gallery of Pitti Palace gives us a glimpse into the wonder of the Guccio Gucci's (founder of the company) birthplace. And by no means should that significance be undermined.

Michele's approach to fashion mixes a wealth of fashion history, blurring out its origin to make way for a new look. Not one or two or three sources — he builds layers and layers of references to form his recognisable eccentricism. In this collection's case, a satin dress was accessorised with a medieval caul, sunglasses that borrowed Alain Mikli's iconic 1960s designs, and a royal corrolla. Michele even borrows from Dapper Dan, the famous Harlem tailor who utilised fake luxury brand prints, including Gucci. His designs were worn by hip-hop royalty.

And this is key to our hypothesis: Michele seems to have proposed a new royalty. Crowns, or rather chaplets, were practically used for every look. We saw some empresses wearing caped dresses and graphic tunics with lyre in their hair. And the standout pearl helmet! Paired with a zipped tracksuit, quickly proving to be a favorite for the Cruise season, it screams now.

As for materials, pearls were obviously key: after all, they were a clear indication of aristocracy in Ancient Rome. It served as the trims of headdresses, accessories and clothing, and were even the focal point of the show's beauty look. You can see pearls in hair and in the corners of the models' eyes.

Crystals were also sprinkled everywhere, perhaps as a continuation of Fall/Winter 2017. It adorned socks and tights, forming monograms. Sweaters and embroidery were also bedazzled by such shiny things. Safe to say, they're not going away any time soon.

View all 115 looks in the gallery below.