When Frida Giannini resigned as creative director at Gucci (a month before she was supposed to) she left behind big shoes to fill. But if anyone can do it, it’s Alessandro Michele. And you don’t have to just take our word for it. After turning the whole collection on its head and with just over a week to pull it together, his performance in Milan for the Men’s Fall/Winter 2015 – 16 show brought Gucci, Kering’s biggest brand, back to its basics. Flying in pieces as late as the night before the show, Michele’s fresh (think lithe boys with gorgeous long hair, berets and floating blouses, high-waist man-slacks and leather loafers – like someone put hipsters in handsome little nerd suits) designs shut down any rumours of other fashion-world favourites like Riccardo Tisci (creative director for Givenchy), Hedi Slimane (creative director for Saint Laurent Paris) and Tom Ford who might have been in the running for the job.
In the company’s own words, Michele is going to be the messiah to guide them into unchartered territory. Marco Bizzarri, president and CEO of Gucci said, “The Gucci Men’s Fall/Winter 2015-16 collection presented on 19 January, is a clear indication that the brand is ready to take a new direction.”
Known to promote internal talent, rather than setting off a round of musical chairs in the fashion industry Michele who has been a part of the infrastructure since 2002 was promoted in May 2011 as associate (and head of accessories) to then creative director Giannini. So we know he’s had training wheels on for a while to take on the role.
The Women’s Fall/Winter 2015-16 will be his first official show and going forward, we’re hoping for a younger, hipper version of Gucci.
Photograph: Ronan Gallagher for Gucci
