Alessandro Michele’s collections for Gucci are the fashion equivalent of Michelangelo frescos: the more you look, the more you’ll discover. And his accessories, which total over 100 this Fall, make for some of the most playful surprises. We head to Taipei for a close-up.
We’ve featured these hand-motif earrings before, but still can’t get over how they’re friggin’ 18cm long. As if these plain aged gold metal ones aren’t dramatic enough, they also come in aquamarine, greige, or multi-coloured crystals.
You know Michele the ringmaster. Now meet his Mad Hatter side with six irreverent millinery styles, including this veiled “bowler”, and boho baseball cap with wool ear flaps and pom-poms. Expect them to steal the street style show next Fashion Week.
There’s now a mid-sized version of the Dionysus bamboo top-handle with the same web-inspired stripes, web shoulder strap and hand-painted edges. We think it’s chicer and friendlier than the original in “L”.
These. Platform. Sandals. Are. 18. Centimetres. High. That’s almost four Harry Potter books stacked together.
One of the most innovative pieces: a metal chain bracelet/fingerless glove hybrid with an aged gold finish, resin beads and studs that has “Rihanna” written all over it.
Michele ups the vintage glamour of the signature Marmont shoulder bag with softer lines and plush chevron-quilted velvet.
The Sylvie top-handle, recognisable by its web inlay and metal chain detail, gets its most electric update in aquamarine croco, bright yellow debossed Gucci Signature leather or – for some Harley-Davidson chic – bold flame motifs on the black and orange versions.
No info on the oversized, crystal-encrusted eyewear at press time, but imagine Elton John x Willy Wonka x Iris Apfel and you get the drift.
There are 10 shoe styles this season, the most ornate of which is the Ofelia – T-bar Mary Jane pumps in suede and snakeskin, decorated with a scalloped upper cuff, hand-applied crystals, pearls, a tiny tiger’s head motif on the centre pearl, and (takes a deep breath) a snake motif on the insoles.
Dig the retro preppy socks? They come in five colour combos: pearl/dark green, pearl/blue, grass green/dark green, red/blue, and lemon/blue.
To create the whimsical, zebra-inspired Lesley Mary Jane pumps, 42 strips of white leather are individually placed over a black leather base, then finished with a “mane” of Dhaka goat fur.
Lace fingerless gloves add a romantic gothic edge. Contrast with the studded, resin beaded knuckleduster rings and you’ll ace granny rock better than Madonna.
An adapted version first appeared in Female’s October 2016 issue.
Like this? Find out why the Gucci Cruise 2017 show was romantic, quriky and 100% on point, watch Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2017 show and see why Alessandro Michele is the perfect man for the top job at Gucci.
- TAGS:
- alessandro michele
- fall
- fashion
- gucci
- taipei