What it was really like at the Gucci Cruise show

All the gossip from the catwalk

After a Louis Vuitton show in Kyoto, a Chanel presentation in Paris and a Dior runway in California, we were whisked to romantic Florence for the Gucci 2018 Cruise Collection presentation.

Here’s how it all went down…

The venue

There was nothing demure about the venue, the Palazzo Pitti in florence, and that’s how we like it. Considering the opulence of the collection, it was quite fitting that it was shown in a beautiful palace surrounded by works of art by the Italian greats.

The collection

Showing the ‘heart and soul of Gucci’s origins’, the 2018 Cruise Collection was nothing if not flamboyant and fabulous. Renaissance-inspired gowns embellished with pearls and jewels clashed with colourful 70s paisley prints and modern graphic tees and sweatshirts for a show that was a veritable feast for the eyes.

The vibe

Our Editor-in-Chief Trish Halpin was in the middle of all the action, and here’s what happened: ‘What an incredible evening of fashion, art and music. As Gucci's guests, we arrived at the Uffizi Gallery for a private tour of rooms filled with Botticellis and Caravaggio masterpieces, then walked via the Medici's private corridor across the river above the Ponte Vecchio to the Boboli Gardens and the Palazzo Pitti for roof top cocktails before the show.’

‘Inside the palace we were seated in beautiful salons and among the Renaissance masterpieces, to the sound of harpists, Alessandro Michele's models walked the bright yellow carpet decked in his signature flamboyant mash up of colours, flowers, frills and flounce,’ she added.

The after-party

Trish says, ‘When the show ended we were chauffeured to Serre Tarrigani, a beautiful private garden for cocktails canapés and dancing under the stars to Beth Ditto, who played her live set, dressed of course in a Gucci turban.’

Also at the party were Dakota Johnson, Kirsten Dunst, Sir Elton John and Jared Leto to name but a few. It was a night to remember to say the least.