The fashion house “hacks” Balenciaga’s silhouettes and logo for its ferocious 100th anniversary Aria collection – and it’s every bit as wild as we imagined.
Gucci has kicked off its 100th year by offering us a look at its highly anticipated Aria show – and it did not disappoint. In a dazzling virtual event, Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele unveiled the brand’s centennial display in which references to the brands past rooted in Florence fuse with the promise of regeneration. And, true to his word, we were offered a collection which saw – in an unprecedented move – Gucci cross-contaminating with behemoth Balenciaga, “hacking” the iconic silhouettes of Demna Gvasalia. Wild.
Razor-sharp Balenciaga-style suiting strode down the runway emblazoned with Gucci’s signature “more is more” crystal-encrusted razzle dazzle. Dual logos were splattered over sweeping riding capes and outerwear. And heart-stopping subculture-pointing accessories akin to the Balenciaga way bore the more muted Gucci motif.
When speaking on the meaning behind the show Alessandro stated, “Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses. An alchemical factory of contaminations where everything connects to anything. A place where thefts and explosive reactions happen: a permanent generator of sparkles and unpredictable desires. On this occasion, then, I want to honour my filial affection betraying the legacy that was handed down to me. Because the promise of a never-ending birth is only renewed through an evolving capacity.”
With this show kicking off a truly remarkable milestone for the brand, it is clear that 2021 will be offering Gucci the chance of reimagination as well as reflection. And, judging by its latest offering, it is set to be a truly celebratory affair.
