Gucci Spring/Summer 2018

A glam rock extravaganza, with clear references to pop superstar, Elton John. 
This eclectic and funky collection would certainly fit in with the Studio 54 era due to its clashing colours and exquisite embroidery. 

Gucci transported the audience to Ancient Rome, with Greek and Roman statues, effigies of Egyptian gods, all set beside a cobalt blue runway. This created a dark and ominous set which excited fashion bigwigs and certainly captivated social media.

Alessandro Michele enthused his vintage love affair and pop culture pizzazz, to create an original and diverse show for fashion lovers. 

The collection was a clear standout at Milan. A colour pallet so vivid it denoted the revolution of the seventies music. Popping purples, daring reds and the hottest pinks were splashed onto Gucci's latest collection, with clashing patterns used in abundance; a trend perpetuated by Michele. 

Glitter, sparkles and lots of stars were rampant throughout the collection - adorned on exquisite power blazers, dresses and sparkle tights. All these party outfits were a nod to Elton Johns earlier stage wear. Michele is a designer with a clear love of seventies nostalgia, it was only a matter of time he would reference Elton John, a pop star synonymous of this era. 

With signature stripes and the Gucci logo implemented onto the whole collection in cute and ironic ways, this created an excellent ready-to-wear collection.

Since his appointment as creative director of Gucci, he has been proactive in creating gender fluid and diverse collections for men and women.

"I am trying to push the idea of fashion, and to destroy the old codes of fashion,” said Michele.

Disney favourite Snow White and Warner Brothers, Bugs Bunny, also made an appearance. Placed carefully on men's waistcoats and sweaters, adding a hint of adolescence. Pop culture references appeal to Gucci's younger target audience and play an iconic twist on the Ancient Rome themed runway. 

With a wealth of experience in creating fabulous, fashion statement garments for Gucci, this collection did not disappoint. Michele's vision has added youth and fun to the Italian fashion brand and really changed its direction. 

Mysterious girl: Fashion Week's enigmatic woman

Something kind of ominous yet wonderful happened at last month’s Fashion Week. Every now and then, a mysterious figure would emerge onto the runway, her face, carefully hidden behind enlarged, decorative accessories. Although it was apparent that each collection was visibly different, each of these hidden girls had one specific thing in common: they carried an air of mystery.

Mystique is somewhat unusual in the industry. International fashion shows happily dwell on and perpetuate the obvious in regards to the female physique. Sex sells, or so the adage goes, and the more skin visible, the better – think Tom Ford for Gucci or Stella McCartney for Chloe.

So naturally the unspeakable sense of mystery around the women on the catwalk raised questions. Who were these women? Why were they so enigmatic? Why hide their faces? And what were the designers representing by adding these ‘unidentifiable’ women to their newest collections?


We were first introduced to the ‘mystery woman’ in London at the A.W.A.K.E show. Natalia Alaverdian, the creative director, implemented the trend. Models wore eccentric designs, all adorned by quirky, ‘hand-shaped’ belts and the tallest of hats that completely covered the models’ eyes. The models were certainly not there to be recognised.
Versace inserted obvious opulence into their ‘mysterious woman’ at Milan Fashion Week. The girls all dressed in vintage pieces from the Versace archives, some garnished with black eye-wear and patterned scarfs, wrapped around the their heads and necks – showing just a smidgen of their faces.

The trend continued in Milan. Gucci dressed its models in eclectic designs, topped off with gigantic, glittered eye-wear, oversized hats and leather chokers. All these embellishments made it near-impossible to see the models’ faces.

Gucci is famed for its models’ enigmatic presence on the runway and its vintage yet playful flair that exudes pure sartorial poetry. Just think back to Alessandro Michele’s last Ready-to-Wear show for Gucci. One model was completely covered in a glitter bodysuit. Even though she was unrecognisable, she was certainly the girl on everyone’s perfectly plump lips.

Versace inserted obvious opulence into their ‘mysterious woman’ at Milan Fashion Week. The girls all dressed in vintage pieces from the Versace archives, some garnished with black eyewear and patterned scarfs, wrapped around the their heads and necks – showing just a smidgen of their faces.

Kendall Jenner, the Hadid sisters, and mother and daughter duo, Cindy and Kaia, were all present at the Versace show. But the spotlight was firmly on the strange presence.

The mystery continued with dramatic amplification at Maison Margiela in Paris. A collection catered for the ‘woman on the go’, models were sent down the runway in deconstructed raincoats, carrying a bulk of bags, their face hidden by dramatic eye-wear, an eye-mask worn as a head-piece, dishevelled hair and a travellers pillow, placed around her neck, used as a quirky alternative to a chunky necklace. The mystery of the hidden woman continued, but this time, where was she going?

It may not be spring for us just yet, but the fashion compass has been firmly set and has given us a glimpse into what the fashion woman should be wearing next year. Regardless of whatever subdued message the designers are evoking with their ominous looks, one thing is for certain: next year’s fashion trends look to be a strange one.