One of fashion's greatest secrets is the fact that runway shows aren't mean to be looked at with a two-dimensional lens. It is never only about the clothes. From the music playing to the pre-show presentation that unfolds to the patterned backdrop, they're all meant to spark a reaction, a thought or a conversation.
Gucci's Fall 2018 show at the ongoing Milan Fashion Week was proof of that. Like their larger-than-like branding, Gucci has never been known for a subdued show. And rightly so, their latest presentation got the industry buzzing.
The presentation began with the audience seated in a dimly-lit green space, meant to resemble a hospital. In the centre of it, an operating bed. We can imagine being baffled at the sight but as mentioned by the brand on Instagram, "the concept reflects the work of a designer-the act of cutting, splicing and reconstructing materials and fabrics to create a new personality and identity with them."
A model with glasses and a blazer at the Gucci show
The show began with models sashaying around the hospital beds in Gucci's trademark attention-grabbing garments. Key styles were slogan sweatshirts, sequined jackets, flowing silhouettes and floral prints. There were also fully-dressed models completely covered in Gucci labeled garment bags. But it wasn't the clothes that grabbed the attention of the audience, and at the fashion world at large. It was the accessories.
Decked in designer wear, runway models had their hands filled with the most absurd accessories that we're still wrapping our heads around. One entered with a baby dragon, yes - a baby dragon with closed eyes, sharp claws and folded wings. Another turned up cradling a severed head that resembled her own, right down to the lips.
A model with a severed head at the show
A model with a baby dragon on the runway
There was also a model who sported a thick pair of horns, rather cavalierly. Just when you thought the fantasy had come to an end, emerged another seemingly-regular model but on closer inspection, with a third eye on her forehead. Yet another walked down the runway, red kingsnake in hand - the kind made popular when adorned over Gucci's sweatshirts and sneakers. Before you jump in your seat, the life-like props weren't real. Phew. Creative director Alessandro Michele is a film buff, and according to Elle, they're just incredibly realistic-looking props.
A model with horns at the show
A model with a snake at the show
Compared to that list of accessories, the next set definitely seemed tamer. It consisted of bejeweled body chains, patterned scarves, printed ski masks and crossbody bags with turban and pagoda-inspired headgear. Wrapping up the show was jersey-style clothing, wrist candy, chunky riveted sneakers and thinly framed glasses.
Images Courtesy: AFP
Comments
Finding yourself shocked, in awe or just speechless? Maybe that's exactly what Gucci intended for their latest showcase. We know the Internet won't stop talking about this one anytime soon.
