Sometimes I forget how much I love fashion. Part of this can be blamed on the pandemic, the other part is my stage in life; busy mom with two young kids who dresses for comfort and spills more than for herself. But yesterday I experienced Alessandro Michele’s latest collection for Gucci, named Gucci Aria, and that spark that started in me in high school especially, when I’d buy Vogue and tear out and pin up photos, was reignited. I felt this sense of joy and excitement, and that is precisely what fashion should deliver to all of us. The complaint that designer fashion isn’t everyday wearable is up to each person, as one day you can surely be in sweats (as I am now) and the next you are dressed in a runway look. You should dress for yourself and wear items that make you feel good and happy.
Speaking of which, the entire Gucci Aria collection brought me such excitement. In fact, it astounded me so much that I rewatched it a few times, delved through the detail shots, and have been really anticipating your thoughts so we can all discuss. Is this collection for the majority of us when it comes to everyday wear? No. But it probably wasn’t intended to be. There are key pieces that will continue to be talked about for years to come. A lot of talk revolves around Alessadro Michele’s vision of a “hacking lab” in which Michele experimented with Balenciaga designs for the Aria collection that will be sure to bring many different thoughts. There’s also novelty bags that we haven’t seen from the House of Gucci but I greatly enjoy. There’s so much to unpack, and in this case, you must watch the show and then take a look at the detail shots as well.
Gucci Aria isn’t just a collection, it’s also a collection that celebrates 100 years of Gucci. Though Gucci Aria celebrates the centenary year of Gucci, Michele remarked that “Gucci’s long history can’t be contained within a single inaugural act. As any other existence, its destiny is marked by a long series of “endless births” (M. Zambrano) and constant regenerations.”
There is quite the element of celebration throughout the collection, with glittering clothes and attention-grabbing materials. There’s a sense of the party about the start, as the film for the collection shows the first model opening the doors to the initial runway (reminiscent of the Savoy doors which pays homage to the history of Gucci). The corridor is filled with cameras and lights, both flashing and neon. And while this seems to be the party, with photographers snapping every moment, the actual party is beyond the next set of doors: outside amongst nature, an ethereal view into the “feast of air, a jubliee of breath.”
In this sense, Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses. An alchemical factory of contaminations where everything connects to anything. A place where thefts and explosive reactions happen: a permanent generator of sparkles and unpredictable desires. On this occasion, then, I want to honour my filial affection betraying the legacy that was handed down to me. Because the promise of a never-ending birth is only renewed through an evolving capacity.
As for the clothing and accessories, there is everything, and I mean everything. Alessandro Michele unpacked nods to the House’s codes over the last 100 years, with a heavy emphasis on equestrian details that can be seen throughout, along with other designs including bamboo, the monogram, and classic Gucci tailoring. A coveted Balenciaga bag shape with Gucci detailing, a Jackie with the Balenciaga name across it which is also part of Michele’s hacking. Full length GG monogram coats. Nose rings with the GG emblem as well. The other bags were mostly House classics with sometimes quite daring twists. Another standout is the all-over-crystal Heart Clutches, novelty bags not expected from Gucci, but somehow perfectly fitting for the collection. The playlist of songs all featured the word Gucci, which speaks to the staying power and importance of the brand in pop culture and vocabulary.
This is a show you need to watch, without a distraction around you. The creativity, playfulness, and youthfulness while still paying homage to a brand that is celebrating it’s 100th birthday happened in 15 minutes. Let’s talk Gucci Aria together!
Discover more from Gucci Aria at Gucci.com
The Aria collection is beautiful! The bags, with the exception of the Balenciaga and heart minaudière’s, are stunning! The RTW is fabulous and elegant! I feel that Gucci redeemed itself from past collections and I’m excited to see these in person!
I am so obsessed. This will be talked about for decades to come! So incredible, sensual and emotional. Congratulations GUCCI!!
I love the whimsy of this collection! Especially the coats where both Gucci and Balenciaga logos are printed (like that sequined one) which sort of looks “deliberately fake!”
I can’t stop laughing since I watched the show yesterday.
Why? That’s a rather nebulous statement.
Because so much of it is terrible.
Because so much of it is terrible.
What exactly do you like? I notice your comments and they are so negative in regard to just about everything. Maybe more positive thinking will brighten your outlook. I loved the show. I thought there was something for just about everyone. You do not have to put items together like they are on the runway, it’s part entertainment. I wonder, if AM offered you your choice of items in the show, you would say no, it’s terrible,
Well said Sandy. ?
Thanks for the lecture. Lol
I’m confused – why is there the Balenciaga logo at the Gucci show?
The collaboration with Balenciaga seems like a huge mistake.
From what I understand, this was not a collaboration as much as it was Michele’s vision to deconstruct / hack fashion. Balenciaga is also a brand under the Kering Group, which is why I assume it was chosen.
But Michele could not deconstruct/hack fashion in this way without collaboration with those at Balenciaga.
They repeatedly say they don’t want to use the word “collaboration,” but at the end of the day… it’s still a collaboration… ????? Just some semantic gymnastics to hype the marketing strategy.
It appeals to the kind of clients I never want to be associated with. Haha
LOL I’m sure the feeling would be mutual.
Perfect.
word
The combo of the black riding cap and long nose ring make it look like the model is wearing orthodontia head gear. I had to look closely. But I love the campaign (with the exception of Balenciaga) and some of those bags are fabulous!
I love an over-the-top bag. Some of these, however, go a step too far even for me. I like the brown saddle bag with the huge Gucci branded on the flap, but I don’t like it with the colored strap. The logo is plenty.
The death throes of two brands that realizing their time in the spotlight is fading.
The bags are really beautiful. I can see them being classics in time.
I guess that Gucci Bamboo is on my wish list. I want to use it when I turn 50.
First: Megs and Vlad, is there a reason these photos aren’t numbered, esp considering how many there are? It makes it hard to comment on individual photos — could you please consider numbering them?
Second: Shame on Gucci for including that live rabbit in their show. The poor thing looks terrified. People may not know this, but rabbits can actually have fatal heart attacks just from fear.
My favorite bag is the black one with the bamboo handles. In any leather or even the traditional beige logo canvas, it has a classic look and one I’d still carry years from now. The big tan leather tote bag is quite nice, although I’d probably carry it with the other side facing out (assuming that side doesn’t also have a giant GUCCI emblazoned on it — the interlocking Gs are more than enough).
Ditto the rabbit comment. Plus the person is forced to hold it with one hand. They can squirm and be dropped. ?
(That black bag is in the fourth photo)
These photos made the 5th rainy day in a row a bit sunnier. Love the overall look and most of the bags. Esp the bamboo accented ones.
Love the whips! And the holster from which you can hang two bags — a refreshing concept!
The whole show was absolutely breathtaking, whilst I’d never wear any of these outfits in real life I really enjoyed watching the show. The tailoring on some of the suiting was really magnificent.
Let’s talk about the rabbit and dismiss the exotics used for bags and fur for coats.
Since 2017, Gucci no longer uses real furs.
Gucci only uses fake fur.
I meant in general. Not just Gucci. What about their exotics? I just feel like people pick and choose and it’s weird.
oh here we go with the tiresome whatabout whatabout whatabout whatabout whatabout…. if you can’t fix everything, don’t do anything, is that your view? There was no need for the rabbit to be part of the show. They don’t make products from rabbits. Rabbits aren’t part of the brand image. There were no images of rabbits in the products. There was NO valid point to carrying a terrified rabbit down a runway. Now if they want their models to sashay down the catwalk with full grown crocodiles on their arms, no complaints from me.
No. I just think it should be one way or not at all. All animals have feelings and experience pain. Not just the rabbit. So let’s steer away from exotics too. I think the rabbit being there is the least of Gucci’s problems tbh.
So in your view, should Gucci also stop making leather products all together?
Nope. I think there are bigger fish to fry. My view is that there is a lot more going on than just the rabbit. It’s a drop in the hat compared to everything else they do or have done. Gucci is problematic.
Your message about rabbits was stated 5x. You seem pretty passionate about this subject; I understand your concerns & feel the same.
It’s more of a film than a show. Just BEAUTIFUL (the show, not the fashion).
Looooove it! Fashion is about enjoying & playing with outfits, that’s exactly what this show/collection is for me.
But let’s be honest, is not classy or elegant.
I like it. collab also the brown leather bags too
I miss pre-2013 Balenciaga & Nicholas Ghesquière. This show gives me hope that the brand will shift back towards that vibe.
Is that a cat of nine tales pictured with the black bag?