Wednesday saw the departure of Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele, with an un-named successor, creating a vacuum at the helm of the fashion house.
Michele has headed the creative direction of the brand since 2015, but has been at the fashion house since 2002. Prior to Gucci, he worked in accessories at Fendi, joining Tom Ford in Gucci, working in accessories from 2002.
He transformed Gucci into a modern front-runner, leading in luxury fashion’s discussions surrounding gender and race. Under his direction, Gucci adopted a gender-fluid approach, with Gucci men’s-and-women’s collections being presented together since 2017. His electric touch created colourful, creative collections which captivated loyal fanatics.
ICONIC PIECES
One of Michele’s iconic pieces, which will outlive his tenure, include the furry-lined Gucci loafers. Loved by bankers, you know you’ve completed a milestone when you buy your first “Deal Sleds”.
Michele also introduced the now ubiquitous double-GG logo which adorns belts and bags. I remember purchasing my Gucci belt back in 2018 after my internship as a little gift for myself, and wearing it to death since.
NEW LOAFERS TO BE FILLED
However, in recent years, Kerring has lagged rivals LVMH, Hermes and Richemont. This is despite efforts to revive its flagship brand Gucci, which accounts for 2/3 of the conglomerate’s profits.
Harry Styles was named Gucci ambassador in 2017, the brand has reduced fashion shows to portray a greater image of exclusivity, and the fashion house has had “unexpected” collaborations with brands like Adidas. It has expanded into the metaverse, and dabbled in cuisine, but despite this, Gucci has lost its magical touch.
Gucci has struggled to keep a chokehold of China’s market. Prior to Cvd, China was Gucci’s main market, but increasingly it seems that the brand is losing its appeal, whilst other competitors are growing in significance in the Far East. Gucci’s Golden Glitter is gathering dust.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Michele propelled the fashion house into a thought-provoking industry leader, and ignited artistic touches to traditional pieces, but to remain new and exciting, a new direction and touch is needed. Change is welcomed, without negating the innovative impact Michele has had.
What’s next for Kerring? What’s next for Gucci? What are your thoughts on this announcement?
Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
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PPS. This is not investment advice. This is the author’s independent opinion.
