Gucci started Milan Fashion Week with a bang, showing a collection that reveals designer Alessandro Michele’s growing comfort with how he wants to represent the label. Described by Michele just prior to the show as “renaissance street style,” his edgy slant reflects an understanding of the street’s connection with and love of the brand, one he is riffing off of and referencing while at the same time creating something new and fresh. And you can’t have one without the other. Too much heritage would be viewed as laurel resting and too much fashion would be the reason why Gucci struggled until Michele took the helm.
All those nice things said, Michele has to be careful with how he expresses his appreciation. The leaping panther featured on one of his tops is the exact same graphic featured on Maharishi’s now-in-stores spring 2016 collection. Maybe it’s just a coincidence but way back with his very first collection for spring 2016, he showed nail rings that were exact replica’s of Bijules’ copyrighted versions. There’s a lot of folks rooting for Michele and it would be smart if he kept his and Gucci’s bank balance of good will in the black.
