We Say a Colorful Goodbye to Alessandro Michele
By Iris Stigell
After seven astounding years with Gucci, Alessandro Michele is making his exit, and did so with an electrifying final collection.
Gucci’s Fall 2023 collection oozed all that the Gucci house stands for; from Tom Ford’s era of tailoring, to Michele’s eccentric use of color, Michele never ceases to bring the house down with his theatrical approach to high fashion.
moving on
I am not alone when expressing my melancholy for the close of such an iconic time for fashion, but feel comforted by the emotion Michele successfully conveyed in his departing collection. From feathers, to bright pink faux fur, to metal spike heels, to the location itself, Gucci transported us into a world of blended eras, seasons and personalities. Its kooky, yet elegant shapes made its audience re-understand their initial love for Michele, and what he manages to do so seamlessly with the brand. There was a piece for everybody walking down that runway, whether you're the girl in the electric blue fur, or the boss woman in the clean cut double breasted suit, all eyes would be on you. The airy sequins flying from side to side seen on both the head, and body of the the models, was a delicious reference to the 20’s, and all the fun that came with gatsby couture. The high necks and short hairstyles blended perfectly with age of glamor and breakage of boundaries. These details of the past, in conjunction with the modern adaptations of the heeled sneaker, the side clutch, and the reemergence of 90’s mesh left us feeling as though we had entered a new, provocative dimension.
Designer of passion
When entering this world of Alessandro Michele, you will instantly feel movement, emotion, and above all, passion. Michele designs with such love and admiration for not just the clothes, but for the women and men walking down in them, that us as the audience feel that love, and somehow feel as though we are receiving part of it too. The genuine joy that comes from his design is something so rare, and so special, that it feels almost frightening to have to say our goodbyes. But taken from the designer’s words himself, “The only urgency I feel is to keep on, at a slow pace, with my journey.” I have no doubt, this will not be the last we see of him.