STYLE Edit: Gucci’s Ultrapace sneakers are so 1980s retro they could take Marty McFly back to the future
Gucci’s interpretation of old school American sneakers is a gratifying sight to behold filled with nostalgia. The spring/summer 2019 Screeners were designed to evoke the colour, contrast and silhouette of a classic 1970s sneaker, and for autumn, we were treated to the Ultrapace, which borrows its shape from the archetypal running shoe popularised in the 1980s.
The Ultrapace is playful, evocative and stylishly uninhibited, in a way that only Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele could conceive.
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Unveiled at the autumn/winter 2019 show, the unisex Ultrapace sneaker range features mix-and-match materials, such as Tejus printed leather, suede, metallic leather or Lavaredo fabric. The result is a “patchwork appearance” in colour and texture.
When one thinks of the 1980s, one may think of similarly bold colours and prints as seen on the Ultrapace.
Whereas the Screeners epitomised 1970s nostalgia, the Ultrapace takes us into Back to the Future territory, with 1980s-inspired styling and retro embellishments that would make even Marty McFly envious.
The appearance of individuality and personalisation is key in the Ultrapace offering. Interlocking GG motifs are printed, embroidered or in rubber to allow for something distinct and eclectic. The midsole of the tricolour outsole is hand-coloured. For the women’s series, the terry cloth lining is detailed with a printed rose floral pattern.
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Similar to the summer Screener, the autumn Ultrapace has a lightly distressed effect to add to its sense of nostalgia. A vintage style Gucci label also sits on the tongue.
For the Cruise 2020 collection, the Ultrapace line has been expanded with new materials, colours and a new mid/high-top silhouette. The new mid/high-top will feature an additional Velcro strap with “MiD” on the rubber panel.
There is also talk of a sparkling fabric version for a 1980s disco vibe.
Fans of the Gucci Ultrapace line can buy the autumn/winter range in boutiques and online, or sign up for the Gucci newsletter to learn more about the new Gucci Cruise 2020 collection.
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While Gucci’s uninhibited creative director Alessandro Michele took us back to the 1970s for his spring/summer Screeners, for autumn we are treated to the Ultrapace from the 1980s