Gucci Goes Gaudy

Tag : beaded moccasins
Gucci Goes Gaudy Godfrey Deeny
June 24th, 2008 @ 00:34 AM - Milan
Gucci took off on a rock and roll tour Monday in Milan with a menscollection where the models looked like Flower Power guitarists orarty bassists checking into a faintly louche hotel after theirlatest gig.

Rarely have we seen a mens collection with so much embroidery, asGuccis creative director Frida Giannini sewed tropical flowers oneverything from torn striped jeans to white cricket boots orjacquard tuxedos.

Staged in the Florentine labels show space in central Milan on thethird day of the Italian mens spring 2009 season, the show alsoheralded the unveiling of Guccis latest perfume, whose face isactor James Franco.

But if Franco, star of "Spider Man 3," is the new face, theinspiration for the clothes was MGMT, the Brooklyn Indie band.However, what came out felt more like a self indulgent Sixties rockstar, evoking memories of the faded rock star role played by MickJagger in Nicholas Roegs obscure but nonetheless brilliant movie"Performance." Its a memory further heightened by the fact thatthe tousled haired models were very obviously made up, more likeageing rock gods conscious of their fading grandeur than lads inthe prime of their youth.

"I wanted a Gucci guy, but an optimistic and happier one," Gianninitold FWD backstage after the show.

Backed up by a soundtrack that included remakes Nik KershawsEighties hit "Wouldnt It Be Good," the show opened with a gang ofCarnaby Street hipsters, in snug suits of bright hued lime greenand pearly white cotton. These were followed by the Indie bandmembers attired in dipped dyed leather jackets; faux vintageT-shirts and, even Quadraphenia style parkas. Pants came withbeaded waistlines, or belts with agate buckles. Plus Frida conjuredup the loafer of the season; a great new moccasin in a three tonechoice.

The clothes trumpeted just how far Giannini has led the Gucci maninto the street, and, in a summer when the label plans to celebratethe anniversary of its first boutique in Rome, from where Fridahails, it seemed a long a world tour away from the foundingfamilys vision of patrician luxury for aristocrats and Hollywoodroyalty.