One of the most anticipated debuts at Milan Fashion Week this month was undoubtedly Demna's collection for Gucci. When the Georgian fashion designer took the reins from Sabato de Sarno last year, he began immersing himself in Italian culture. Visits to museums and galleries ensued, with Demna finding himself particularly captivated by Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
His debut collection was a celebration of Gucci's heritage. "Above the product, Gucci is culture, it is a way of thinking and a way of being," Demna said in a press release before the show. And the pieces certainly created a mood. Walking in a set that resembled a museum, a star-studded cast of models – including Gabbriette, Alex Consani, Kate Moss, Karlie Kloss, Amelia Gray and Emily Ratajkowski – wore silhouettes that heralded a new era for Gucci, while fully comprehending its enormous legacy.
It was sexy – skin-tight mini dresses, gothic lace and fur coats were accentuated by sequins, slits and cut-outs. The hues were dark and metallic, the makeup moody. Nods were paid to Tom Ford's revolutionary reign at the house back in the 90s – but this was no throwback. Demna just ushered in a new era of Gucci girl.
