The fashion congregation gathered at London’s Westminster Abbey this afternoon to worship at the alter of Gucci...
The fashion congregation gathered at London’s Westminster Abbey this afternoon to worship at the alter of Gucci. In just three seasons at the helm of the iconic Italian fashion house, designer Alessandro Michele has achieved a god-like status, reawakening the label for the Snapchat-generation and creating some of the most talked about, kooky-cool collections the industry has seen in years.
That said, there was some controversy over the choice of venue for this afternoon’s resort 2017 presentation – a fashion show has never been held at Westminster Abbey and there was plenty of opposition from some religious figureheads. Michele dismissed the furore because, he says, history and culture are ‘what is really cool.’ And he’s right, obviously.
The designer of the moment tapped everything that’s rich about Brit culture for inspiration – think punks, Victoriana and posh school systems – but of course gave it his signature Gucci geek spin.
Here’s what everyone is talking about post-show…
The venue was iconic The show took over three 13th-century cloisters at the Abbey, lining the walkways with pews and benches, and seating each guest on an emerald velvet cushion embroidered with key Gucci emblems like snakes, insects, or, well, cross-stitched kittens. The Schola Cantorum Oxford choir sang Scarborough Fair, echoing through the venue.
Two iconic Brit models returned to the runway Erin O’Connor and Jacquetta Wheeler returned to the catwalk for what was, let’s face it, a once in a lifetime strut through the London venue.
Heritage Brit fash trends inspired the collection Gucci’s signature sugar-hit colour palettes put a punchy spin on heritage checks and punky tartans. Michele borrowed ruffles from the Victorians, blooms from country gardens and straw boaters from our public school boys in the ultimate mash up of our eccentric dress traditions. Stand-out looks? The draped tartan gown with a full-on leopard embroidered across the bust and the Union Jack flag sweatshirt, teamed with a so Queen Liz headscarf.”
Soko took over Gucci’s Snapchat As the actress and singer Soko snapped selfies across the brand’s social channels, stars from Belle Powley to Alexa Chung took to the front row.
See all the images in the gallery above, as they land.