Gucci might well be the most influential fashion brand on the planet right now. The old, โOh well Iโm not a designer fashion person, so it doesnโt matter,โ wonโt wash, Iโm afraid. Nor, โI donโt have 3 grand to spend on a handbag so whatevs.โ
This is why you need to careโฆ
We fashion folk are smitten with Gucci because itโs fabulous (and so shiny! Shiny makes us want things). But even if youโre not particularly fussed about the, erm, fuss around this recently revamped powerhouse of an Italian brand, the fact is, the Gucci effect is strong. And itโs coming to a high street near you.
In fact itโs already there.
That pleated skirt you just bought? Inspired by Gucci. Geek Glasses. Gucci. Gold mules? Youโve guessed it. Embroidered flowers and bees? Yep. Chinoiserie. โOh stop it now Clare. We get it.โ Okies, good. So.
The big Spring/Summer โ17 show just opened Milan fashion week. Security was major. Guests had to bring their passports along to prove they hadnโt killed their bosses to steal a ticket.
The set was pink velvet boudoir chic bathed in red light, presumably to make it difficult for attendees to take good Instagram pics, thereby backing up the message: SECURITY WAS HIGH. Add in the extreme level of craftsmanship involved in making these clothes and accessories, and itโs virtually impossible to knock this stuff of on the cheap.
But donโt think people wonโt try. Believe me, as you read this, armies of evil fast fashion geniuses are sharing their show cribbings and getting to work on your next big Gucci-inspired thing. Which will beโฆDRUM ROLL PLEASEโฆ
1. Big platforms. Theyโre everywhere this show season. Gucciโs are the best obvs.
2. Ultra ruffles. A metallic pink ruffle-fronted shirt with ruffled sleeves worn with metallic pink pants, with ruffles down the side. Ruffly!
3. Pattern (and texture) clash. Go on. Wear it all together.
4. Intarsia words. Thatโs when theyโre woven into the fabric. Gucciโs read: โFutureโ, and, um, โCemeteryโ. (Because thatโs where weโre all headed? Crikey.)
5. Zebra. Gucciโs orange coat with two giant frolicking zebras on the front is one thing. Zebra print is another โ it was on the Topshop runway. Itโs the new leopard. Now donโt say I never give you anything.
6. Punk denim: Thereโs a version of this jacket in Gucciโs Cruise โ16 collection, so you can buy that soon. Or rob one off an actual punk. Thatโs quite a punk think to do, no? Wear with a red bikini top. Simple.
7. Shiny things. Sequins. Metallics. Shimmery fringes. See point 3. More please, sir.
8. Gothic script. This is actually a Vetements thing, not a Gucci thing, but now Gucci is doing it, itโs an everybody thing. Goodbye Helvetica.