This year the Bling brand decided not to showcases in Milan but in Paris for Fashion Week. A bit of a surprise! A change of location but the same looks applied. Creative Director Michele is not about the understated. Get Noticed! Flaunt it if you got it! Who cares about restraint. Instagram is about a fantasy life and Gucci is the stylist, sparkling accents, dazzling embroidery with Jewels fit for a Sun King.
GUCCI FAB
Paris based photographer and Black and Paper creative contributor Brice Hardelin attended a private tour of the Spring 2019 collection at the atelier in Paris.
Has Gucci gone too far? A recent the New York Times article asked the question, “Is Gucci stylish or tacky?” The answer could go in both ways according the perspective. Gucci embraced the modern. In many ways the looks reflect the “Selfie Times”. See me! This is what I got! Instagram posting moment! Because life is not about being subtle. Because these designs are made with social media in mind, it is all about the post. During Fashion Week Milan in February I got an up close and personal go see of the entire collection at the Gucci Campus in Milan. Creative Director Alessandro Michele has taken the brand into new areas unashamed personal expression. For those who like the subdued, buy a British Heritage Brand.
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This Fall Collection mixed with pop references and styles. There is no one silhouette. It is about being photographed in the here and now, no matter what is worn. The aesthetic is classic meets frivolity, everyday items charged with bling. The pieces can be mixed and match with streetwear for a standout effect, casual jeans with a baseball cap emblazoned with a “G” on top. For bag fanatics in all of us with the urge to show off, the exotic skins and shapes with shining details are there. You cannot help but get noticed with this accessory hanging on your arm. The details are many, such as embroidery, logos, and prints.
What I liked the most was the overcoat with a twist of three visual styles. One half was traditional gentlemen’s gray while the other mixed tartan with an animation print on the bottom. The gender look is menswear but in reality it could be effortlessly worn by anyone. Honestly, I would not wear an entire Gucci look. It would overwhelm me. One piece would be enough for an entrance.
I did not know anything about Colorado based sportswear label, Spyder. During Milan Fashion Week Men presentations I was impressed by the looks. Now owned by a Korean firm, the brand has some intriguing looks that are both assertive and eye catching. Getting into a clothing field dominated by Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, is ambitious.
Munich Press Days was more about luxury and international brands. Given the cities proximity to Paris and Milan, many labels present their collections and pieces to the international press and media based in Germany.
