Gucci’s Alessandro Michele shows off his eccentric side at Paris Fashion Week
The Paris show – a one-off for the label which normally presents its collections in Milan – was an exercise in the weird and wonderful
Italy’s Gucci brought a dose of eccentricity to Paris Fashion Week on Monday, with a runway show featuring a parrot, eery videos, frilly sequined looks and a surprise performance by British singer and actress Jane Birkin.
The brand has become one of the luxury world’s fastest-growing in recent years – propelling an earnings bounce at parent group Kering – thanks to its flamboyant reinvention under designer Alessandro Michele, showcased at elaborate catwalk displays.
The Paris show – a one-off for the label which normally presents its collections in Milan – was also an exercise in the weird and wonderful, set within Le Palace, a famed former nightclub and 1970s celebrity haunt turned theatre.
A video projection of almost macabre, anxiety-inducing scenes evoking the confines of an asylum set the tone before models strutted up to a stage in an array of frilly, glitzy gowns or fringed jackets and tiny shorts for the men.
Bold colours and feathers galore gave way to dresses decked in mirrors, and jean jackets featuring country singer Dolly Parton, and a model carrying a live bird.