As with many Gen Zers, Alessandro Michele believes in the power of clothes to convey and transform identity. Enter Exquisite Gucci, a collection that bridges extremes – masculinity and femininity, high fashion and fitness wear (cue the tie-up with adidas), power dressing and punk style – for maximum self-expression. Together with the Italian label, FEMALE casts its spell in a home-grown creatives’ refuge equally synonymous with contradiction and play: the artisanal cocktail dive that’s Enclave Bar at Golden Mile.
Inspired by mirrors on 17th-century cabinets of curiosities that present a warped reflection of reality and offer fantasy and escapism, Alessandro Michele puts his subversive streak as a designer on overdrive. Case in point: The ladylike Gucci Bamboo 1947 top-handle gets an extreme, punkish makeover with bristling spikes and studs, making it one of the season’s boldest statement bags.
Tulle blouse, lace bra and suede skirt, with Gucci Bamboo 1947 leather top-handle bag with metal studs. All clothes and accessories throughout, Gucci
Tailoring is a major trend in Fall/Winter 2022 and Exquisite Gucci is not only big on it, but also offers some of the most glamorous options, such as ’80s-influenced suits (think padded power shoulders, and Bowie-esque patterns and embellishments) that can be worn by both men and women.
Wool blazer and matching pants, cotton shirt, silk tie and leather pumps
Meanwhile, dresses from the collection offer an unexpected twist on evening wear with floor-sweeping hemlines, Edwardian collars and sleeves, as well as sensuous, silky finishes.
Satin gown, with leather and canvas duffle bag
The adidas X Gucci tie-up, which was revealed as part of the Gucci Exquisite show in Milan in February, shows off the label’s deftness at bridging runway fashion and sportswear.
Denim jacket and matching skirt, lace bra and leather boots, with Gucci Diana leather tote
Equally practical yet elegant: a new duffle bag that looks right out of the label’s influential jet set era in the ’70s with its structured yet roomy silhouette, and that unmistakable red-and-green striped webbing.
Cashmere blazer, cotton shirt, cashmere twill pants and leather tie, with leather and canvas duffle bag
Photography Stefan Khoo Photography Assistant Alif Styling Damian Huang Styling Assistant Annalisa Espino Lim Hair Tan Eng Chong/Kizuki+Lim Makeup Keith Bryant Lee Model Zhang Lei/Now Model Management Location Enclave Bar @ Golden Mile
This article is adapted from a story in the Sep 2022 The Kids Are Alright! edition of FEMALE