Every fashion month, a designer's unofficial goal is to surprise an audience full of jaded fashionistas. In the past, we've witnessed rockets taking flight and life-sized replications of waterfalls; so of course, every show must constantly upping the ante when it comes to presenting a new collection. And speaking of upping the ante, that is precisely what Alessandro Michele did at Gucci Fall/Winter 2018.
Last season, Michele created a mythological land of whimsy on the runway inspired by Ancient Rome. This season, he opted for a clinical, operating room.
Below, our show notes on the collection.
Memorable piece
Look 28: a piece that shimmered and shine. A dazzling array of sequins covered the delicate, cream lace cutouts and Victorian sleeves. The look was made complete with a pair of ornate Carnivale-style sunglasses worn over a black ski mask, gaudy chandelier earrings and a pair of classic Gucci trainers in mustard.
Best accessories
Look 6's silk scarf with horse print designed specifically to be worn on the head. The fantastic reptiles (and human heads) produced by Makinarium, a special visual effects factory in Rome.
Collection inspiration
Creative Director Alessandro Michele took inspiration from many sources. For one, Americana: several logos emblazoned on to coats, t-shirts, and jackets were taken from classic American institutions like Paramount Pictures and The New York Yankees.
Potential trend
Headwraps in the form of scarves, ski masks, and beanies. It was Russian babushka meets Armenian bride. Crystal headgear and silk turbans, too.
Location
The show was held at the Gucci Hub in Milan, which was transformed into a turquoise operating room complete with PVC on the walls and floors, and emergency exits. LED lighting came in the form of surgical examination lamps and from the ceiling, while the audience sat in typical hospital waiting room chairs. According to Gucci, "The concept reflects the work of a designer — the act of cutting, splicing and reconstructing materials and fabrics to create a new personality and identity with them."
See the collection in all of its off-the-wall eccentricity for yourself in the slideshow below.
