When the audience took their seats in Gucci’s operating theatre catwalk this afternoon - which was decorated in “scrubs” turquoise and came complete with an operating table and the soundtrack of a heart monitor- they weren’t sure what to expect.
This was quite a departure, stage set wise, from the embroidered carpeted runways and museum discos which Alessandro Michele has presented his recent collections in.
And while the clothes themselves were Michele Gucci down to a t (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it - this stuff really sells), there were a few surprises in store, too.
Amongst the signature eclectic tile print dresses, androgynous trouser suits, and statement slogan sweatshirts, models were carrying some curious items.
A few cradled reptiles, including a chameleon, the red and white “Gucci” coral snake now synonymous with the brand, and a baby dragon. All were so lifelike that it was only the latter mythical creature which gave them away as being fake.
Some carried severed heads of their own likeness; others, perhaps unsurprisingly given that the name of the collection was ‘Cyclops’, had an extra prosthetic eye on their foreheads.
In true Gucci form, every look was completely different, but the mood of the models was very much the same.
Perhaps in acknowledgement of his own success with the brand, a reluctance to change an incredibly popular aesthetic, and in turn our own willingness to buy into the Gucci look each season, they felt a little like fashion zombies as they walked (the severed heads really helped in that regard).
But even with the quirkiness, make no mistake that this was a commercial collection. As well as the accessories - big news next season will be chunky embellished trainers - there were plenty of red carpet-worthy sequin gowns.
Coming to a Hollywood starlet near you soon.
