Roman Rhapsody: Gucci's Stunning Resort Campaign

One thing Gucci have always been very good at, is creating stunning advertising campaigns. From the famous Tom Ford years through to Frida Gianinni and now Alessandro Michelle, Gucci's campaigns have caused outrage, controversy, hype and above all a lot of sales.

For Resort 2018, Michelle brought together some of Italy's most notable figures in a campaign entitled 'Roman Rhapsody.' There is one picture I love above the rest, and that is the beautiful portrayal of writer and journalist Barbara Alberti. Poised with her legs crossed, she is a figure of elegance and beauty, a role model for the older woman and is so stylish it makes me want to grow old as gracefully as her. Barbara is 73 if anyone is wondering. The rest of the campaign is sumptuous, decadent and very Gucci with all the colours and prints thrown together in perfect harmony. No doubt another sell out collection for this Italian heavy weight fashion empire.

See all the photos below as well as the official campaign video.

Ginevra Elkann for Gucci resort 2018

Barbara Alberti strikes a pose.

Happy and Glorious at Gucci Fall 2017

I'll admit, I really haven't been following the fall 2017 shows this season. From New York to London, I have literally just seen the odd photo from the Marc Jacobs show or the front row as seen at Burberry, but not a whole collection or show for that matter. As a fashion student I know this isn't great but I have had so much work going on for university that watching a bunch of shows every evening of clothes I can't afford is not high on my priority list. It's a shame because I love going through all the shows...

Anyway one show that I wasn't going to miss was the Gucci show, first becoming the hottest ticket at Milan Fashion Week. With Tom Hiddleston and Jared Leto on the front row, this season was inspired by nature, culture and Jane Austen, funnily enough. Models carried books by the famous author in their bags and under their arms while the English theme continued with rich floral embroidery and pretty ensembles that wouldn't look out of touch at a countryside tea party. Prints clashed, the classic red/white/green colours synonymous with Gucci and the Italian flag popped up on jackets and bags while layering was a key feature. Accessories were paid a lot of attention to with large floppy sun hat, decadent belts and huge earrings all adding to the more is more feel much loved by Alessandro Michele. And who could resist the bags? From luggage styles to mini clutches; there was something for everyone. There was also a touch of the orient with large parasols and kimono style tops and jackets featured with brightly coloured embroidery.

"If we become slaves of culture we can change the world," Alessandro said after the show, and why not? Culture what makes the world go round after all. Animal motifs ran throughout the collection which consisted of 120 male and female looks. Gender fluidity was pioneered by Gucci and 3 years on it's still going strong for the brand, with many other copying what Michele originally started.

See some of the best catwalk looks below from another stellar Gucci show. Bravo Alessandro!

A Very British Affair for Gucci Cruise 2017

In June, Gucci staged their Cruise 2017 collection at the historic Westminster Abbey in London. Held in the cloisters of the world famous abbey, Alessandro Michele presented 94 looks, mixing his love of punk, history and gender fluidity with patriotic British flags, animal prints and lots of colour. For the Cruise ad campaign, the quintessentially British-ness theme continued, with the photos shot at the majestic Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire in Oxford.

I have to say, I prefer this Cruise collection more than both the Gucci ready to wear shows put together this year. The clothes were so much fun, with all the accessories, hats and gloves really adding to the different looks presented on the catwalk. And of course, I was proud that Michele chose England to showcase his collection, when there are so many stunning stately homes and cathedrals in Italy. And then the photos for the Cruise 2017 ad campaign were released, featuring veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave and a handful of models in the beautiful, British countryside. Shot by Glen Luchford, the photos capture the gardens and interior of Chatsworth to great effect, with the clothes styled by Joe Mckenna, perfectly complimenting the surroundings and vice versa. In one photo, a model perches on a blue bench surrounded by chickens happily strolling around her while in another Vedgrave, who is 79, smiles away while pottering in Chatsworth's stunning gardens with her handbag perched on a shovel.

I absolutely love this campaign, and there are so many pieces in the collection I would wear and buy. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't stretch that far, but I can still admire from a distance! The luxurious white cardigan with the classic Gucci red and blue stripe is a favourite. The Mens Cruise 2017 campaign also sticks with a British theme. Actor Tom Hiddleston features in the photographs in immaculate tailoring and stylish suits, with two Afghan Hounds as companions. There is no doubt that Gucci is the hottest brand at the moment, and I can't wait to see what they do next season.

And a sneak peak at the Mens-wear campaign, featuring Tom Hiddleston:

 Photos courtesy of Gucci and Glen Luchford.

Gucci, MaxMara, Roberto Cavalli and more at MFW 16

 GUCCI

It's fair to say that this Milan fashion week, Gucci was the big show everyone didn't want to miss. Alessandro Michele didn't disappoint either. Following on from his last couple of seasons at Gucci, the geek chic revival continued in style. Chiffon multi-coloured dresses, cute little tweed suits with the Gucci colours, logo mania, bright colours colliding with prints and patterns... just another day in the life of Michele. I would have though that maybe he would have mixed things up a little bit, perhaps changing his theme slightly. But no, Gucci stuck with what has made them one of the hottest houses in fashion - the geeky, gender fluid look. I love it, I really do, but how long this can continue for without getting boring I don't know.

MAXMARA

I really enjoyed this MaxMara show which was tropical, sexy and quite fun. From the exotic, palm prints to the high waisted black trousers and skinny belts, this show was very different to the usual MaxMara we are used to seeing. First of all, there weren't many coats, and seeing as this is spring/summer it does make sense. Secondly, there was print, different silhouettes, black visors and a real sense of sportswear - something we're not used to seeing at Maxmara at all. Gigi Hadid stepped out in a soft grey sweater, Mica Arganaraz wore a billowing white tiger cape while Taylor Hill wore all black head to toe.

ROBERTO CAVALLI

This season, Peter Dundas revived the 1970s, but in classic Roberto Cavalli style. More was more on the catwalk yesterday, with sumptuous layers, patchwork denim, sheer maxi dresses, patterned neck ties and plenty of print; something that Dundas does very well. I loved the stripes on pretty Bardot tops and trousers, as well as the long sweeping lines of the dresses, decorated with embellished necklines. It was fun, fearless and exciting!

 PHILIP PLEIN

I don't usually pay much attention to Philip Plein even though he usually has a steller class of models and plenty of glamour. This season however, he caught my eye for the outlandish references to the 80s, the sexy mini skirts and frayed denim and his use of amazing accessories. The show opened with Isabel Goulart and continued with a lot of skin on show, a little trashy at times, but then this is Milan Fashion Week, in the nicest sense. At the end of the show, Plein drove down the catwalk in his very own car. Not bad I have to say.. 

ALBERTA FERRETI

Wow, what a beautiful show. So feminine and pretty, but then that is what Alberta Ferreti does best season after season. Bella Hadid looked ravishing in a flamenco style purple skirt, as did Isabelli Fontana in a draped black suit cinched in tightly at the waist with a big belt. I loved the Spanish references with all the layers of fabric on skirts and dresses, as well as the pops of blue and red against black. There was a lot of black, which was surprising for spring/summer, with some nice white pieces too. If anything, I would describe this show as dramatic and very Mediterranean in flavour and style. Again, necklines were embellished as seen at Roberto Cavalli too. But overall, a wonderful show and a favourite of mine so far.

Why Gucci is going for Gold with Alessandro Michele

If Gucci were competing at the Rio Olympics, they would win a gold medal - hand's down. I'm sure the likes of Chanel and Prada would finish in applaudable runner up positions, but Gucci would take the lead.

Since creative director Alessandro Michele took the helms of the Italian fashion house in 2015, Gucci has grown not only in popularity, sales and much needed kudos, but in a form of fashion inspiration which has captivated us right from the get go. In less than year, Michele has created numerous trends and a whole new identity for the once very safe and sedate Gucci. The embroidered bomber jacket has become one of the most lusted after items ever, with cheap copies and similar options available pretty much everywhere. His use of the Gucci logo on practically everything, whether that be a t-shirt or belt has firmly resurfaced the logo mania trend from the early 2000s while Michele has taken the 'geek sheek' look to a whole other level. Who knew it would be so fashionable to be a geek this season?

So just who is this little Italian guy who looks like he should be touring Europe as a guitarist in an indie band? Michele was born in Rome, 1972 and later studied at the Accademia di Costume e di Moda, a prestigious fashion school in Rome, hoping to become a costume designer. But it was fashion that got in first. Working at Fendi as a senior accessories designer, Michele built up his craft while bestowing Fendi, a brand famous for their leather goods, with beautiful accessory designs. 

In 2002, Gucci came calling in the form of Tom Ford, back in those famed Ford/Gucci days. "I was really excited to work with Tom Ford so I moved to London where he was working at the time, and changed my whole life," he revealed at the 2016 Vogue Festival. "That was 14 years ago...I thought of it as a beautiful, old Italian brand, with this amazing history and the idea of the jet-set. There is something very powerful, but I felt there was something not written about the brand." For 12 years, he held a variety of positions including leather goods design director and then to creative director when Frida Giannini was in charge. 

In 2013, he moved to branding, ensuring that Gucci was competing with the other big luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior, designing new stores worldwide. When Frida, along with her CEO husband, left the brand it was Michele who stepped in, with his expansive experience and eye for detail. From his first menswear show during the fall 2015 season, it was clear that Gucci was being led in a brand new direction. Gone was the slick, stylish polish of Giannini's collections which showed off refinement and elegance in every form. And in came a younger, cooler, gender fluid Gucci girl who liked to wear socks with her sandals and big 70's glasses with a tie. A hippie with expensive tastes and a fondness for men's-wear. "Sometimes I think it's a kind of creepy aesthetic - a beauty that is sweet but very deep, it's something you can recognise from the past but something you are dreaming about," he explained to British Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman. Sweet and sugary on top it may be, but there is plenty of depth and art embedded into his well though out designs.

With Michele at the helm, everyone waits with eager anticipation for Gucci at Milan Fashion Week each season. Street bloggers love him, the fashion elite adore him and shoppers can't get enough of his exciting, innovative pieces which fly off the rails even before they've arrived in stores. This summer he showed off Gucci's resort collection at the historic Westminster Abbey, in such beautiful fashion, complete with hand embroidered cushions for guests to sit on. One can't help but admire the craftsmanship and sense of romance which goes into all the little details surrounding his shows. 

He has previously said how inspired he is by the past, whether that be poetry, antiques or literature; all themes very prominent in his historically referenced fashion shows. Oriental styles are particularly played upon, with kimono dresses and decadent floral patterns worked onto dresses and shoes alike, all with that special Michele touch. "For me, fashion is something that makes you feel alive, that expresses something of you: if you are sad, if you feel happy," the designer has said. "Fashion is about clothes and colours - it's not serious; I'm not serious. I try to have fun always." While Michele has been having his 'fun' he has also managed to dramatically boost Gucci's sales by 11.5% from 2014, with sales peaking at almost 4 billion euros. Marco Bizzari, the CEO of Gucci has predicated that the brand will more than double their annual revenues in the long term. Not bad for a designer who dislikes overthinking his collections, preferring to 'play like a kid' with fashion.

For his autumn/winter 2016 womenswear collection, it was the eccentric 70's that inspired Michele. The 1970s mixed with the Italian renaissance, French couture, biker chic and sportswear - yes, it's a lot to get your head around. As varied as all these different styles are, Michele brought them together in a clever fuse of modern luxe and old school grunge. Soft chiffon skirts teamed with floral tops, metallic dresses with cute Mary-Janes, geometric suiting paired with shaggy fur coats and cute little birds of paradise embroidered on to sports sweaters all featured throughout his second womenswear rtw collection. Chinese inspired snakes were stitched onto silk blouses, tweed suits and jackets with fur cuffs were worn with a casual air while a bright yellow, top to toe look complete with turban, fur coat and tights stole the show. The thing is, all of these pieces don't go together at all. But with clever styling and artistic license, the clothes release an electric energy onto the catwalk which you can't help but let engulf you, trapping you in Michele's fantastical Gucci world.

Gucci's new role in fashion as a leader of trends and pioneer of global cool is well and truly cemented. For how long Alessandro Michele will hold gold position for is unknown. But for now, the new kid on the block sure knows how to bolt straight towards the finish line, with a trail of sweeping chiffon in his wake. 

Michele takes to the catwalk after another successful show

The Return of the Glamorous Gucci Geek

To think that last season I was so anti-Gucci I couldn't even bring myself to watch the whole show. How uneducated and tasteless I was back then. This season I found myself checking the time every 10 minutes in nervous trepidation for the show to start, such is my state of Gucci fandom. Despite running late and leaked backstage images of the collection appearing online before the show even started, this was another fantastic offering from kid on the block, Alessandro Michelle.

Where is Milan Fashion Week without Gucci? From the bold floral patterns which clashed against each other, Gucci logo colours splattered on bags, belts and socks and the funky heels to the pulsating soundtrack and party atmosphere - there were so many different aspects of this collection which excited me. The whole geek chic vibe of last season was still present, but this time Michele's girl had been taught a lesson or two in style, as she appeared wearing chunky necklaces, ruffled blouses, sheer chiffon maxi dresses and metallic tunic tops. There was so much to look at with the styling done particularly well. I loved the canary yellow coat paired with a matching bandana and tights, the amazing embroidered bomber jackets and beautiful double breasted coats.

Animal imagery featured heavily in this collection, with snakes, exotic birds and jaguars all stitched onto various garments. “I love ambiguity, and the snake is the most ambiguous animal,” Michelle explained, after the show. “It represents fear, but it is also so beautiful. When you look at a snake, your heart is pulsing.” My heart was pulsing with excitement throughout his collection. The pastel rainbow colours were to die for as were the use of accessories such as pillar box hats, dangling earrings and over-sized glasses.
 It was sheer opulence mixed with the suggestion of renaissance art and a Baroque feel. I can imagine Anna Dello Russo wearing every piece in this collection. Just look at the catwalk looks and you'll know what I mean.

My Lust List

Boxing Day sales have begun, 50% off signs are constantly popping up in every shop window and we are all spending more money than we would probably wish! I admit that this year I have taken things a little bit more easy in regard to going crazy bargain shopping. A few bits from Zara, a pair of jeans from J Brand, a dressing gown and that's about it really. But, if money was no object I would be splashing the cash in designer boutiques. Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Dior... the list is endless!  So here is my exclusive lust list, featuring my top 5 items I can only dream of sitting snugly in my wardrobe. 

A Fabulous Fendi coat

Okay, so let's not talk about the price just yet! Instead let's focus on the beautiful coat itself. If you're anti-fur then I suggest you skip straight onto the next item on my list, as this coat contains mink, shadow-fox, marble-fox, silver-fox, raccoon and goat fur. The patchwork detailing is so wonderfully put together and all the varying colours of the natural fur sit so well against each other. For me, this coat is the glam statement piece that lifts any outfit. Wearing it with boots and jeans is a great option or throwing it on in the evenings over a silk dress and sandals would look just as amazing. This particular coat has been fashion editors go to piece all season, featuring in numerous magazines worldwide, most recently in Vogue Japan under the watchful eyes of Anna Dello Russo. Fendi is famous for its fur, and this particular coat comes with a rather hefty price tag, £20,850 to be exact. Good news though, it has been reduced to only £12,510 on Matches.com! Somehow I can't justify spending all that money just yet.

A Givenchy leather jacket 

Ricardo Tisci is one of my favourite designers of all time. This year he celebrated 10 wonderful years at Givenchy under his creative direction, and the future looks increasingly bright for this visionary designer. But what I would really like from Givenchy is one of their iconic leather jackets, in a beautiful soft green colour. You really can't go wrong with Givenchy, and this jacket is a serious investment pieces. Imagine the soft nappa leather against your skin, paired with an amazing pair of blue jeans and black boots... just heaven! And of course, this being Givenchy the jacket doesn't come cheap, with Net-a-Porter selling it for £3450. Well, I'm down, what about you? 

The Philip Lim Ora boots 

It's fair to say that these boots are the shoe of the season. As soon as they appeared in the Autumn/winter 2015 catwalk show, Philip Lim's customers were literally queueing in line to purchase a pair of Oras. So what's the appeal? Well first of all, these boots aren't just your average winter riding boot. They are longer at the front and shorter at the back which is massive tick straight away, they come in a variety of amazing shades, they make your legs look longer and slimmer and they generally just look so sexy on. Kim Kardashian, Rita Ora and Chrissy Teigan can't get enough of them and neither can I! Unfortunately they are now all sold out in the UK, which is not surprising really, but I think it's pretty safe to say that after the popularity of this style Philip Lim will be sure to bring out something similar in his new collection. Well, he better! 

A Classic Celine handbag 

No serious wardrobe is complete without a Celine handbag. It's classic, sophisticated, timeless and oh so beautiful. It has long been one of the hottest and most practical designer handbags to own, with Sienna Miller, Olivia Palmero and Diane Kruger all fans of the style. It has been copied to death by the high street unfortunately, but this is bag that is Celine through and through. I would say go for classic black, but I like this bag in forest green and burgundy, and let's not get carried away with the two tone style. And the price is not too bad, bearing in mind this bag never goes on sale. £1461 is just a snip compared to the Fendi coat... 

  

A Geeky Gucci blouse 

I was a huge fan of Frida Giannini, the previous creative director of Gucci and was completely against their new head of womenswear Allesandro Michelle. However, I have warmed to the Autumn/winter 2015 collection so much that I would buy every single piece if I could! I love the lovely printed silk blouses in particular. 70s mixed with geek chic, cool but still stylish, these flouncy blouses looked amazing with knife pleated skirts and chunky loafers. Zara have really tried to capture the essence of Gucci with their current collection, mixing the rich greens, beiges and baby pinks together to create a sample of the brand. But for me, nothing beats the real thing and that Gucci blouse is high on my list of fashionable desires.