Gucci, the renowned luxury fashion brand, has recently announced its plans to hold its next runway show in Los Angeles, marking a significant return to the United States after a six-year hiatus. The highly anticipated show is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 3, and will coincide with the prestigious 10th LACMA Art+Film Gala on November 6, where Gucci holds the distinction of being the founding and presenting sponsor. This decision by creative director Alessandro Michele is a testament to the brand’s centennial year and aims to celebrate the profound influence that the vibrant city of Los Angeles has had on both Michele’s creative vision and the overall essence of Gucci.
Gucci’s choice to move its runway show to the West Coast builds upon the significance of Los Angeles, which has always played a pivotal role in Michele’s creative process and Gucci’s illustrious hundred-year history. The upcoming show at LACMA is part of a series of captivating events and unveilings in Gucci’s centenary year, which commenced with the highly acclaimed show video titled “Aria.” This visually stunning video paid homage to the brand’s founder, Gucci Gucci, while also featuring a noteworthy collaboration with Balenciaga, another esteemed brand within the Kering luxury group.
It is worth noting that Gucci had originally planned to showcase its cruise collection in San Francisco in May 2020. However, due to the unforeseen impact of the global pandemic, the event had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, Alessandro Michele has consistently chosen iconic and culturally significant locations for Gucci’s runway shows, including Westminster Abbey, the Palatine Gallery in Florence, the Capitoline Museums of Rome, and the Promenade Des Alyscamps in Arles. In April 2020, Michele announced a departure from the traditional fashion calendar, embracing a new and irregular schedule, which allows for more artistic freedom and creativity.
This deliberate departure from the established norms and decision to break away from the seasonalities and shows in Milan aligns with Gucci’s larger ambition to explore new creative avenues. The global pandemic served as a catalyst in reinforcing this strategic shift, prompting Gucci to join forces with Saint Laurent in stepping away from the international runway season in both Milan and Paris. These two brands have chosen to adopt a more independent approach, prioritizing their unique narratives through irregular and liberated chapters. Gucci’s bold decision to stage its upcoming show in Los Angeles is yet another example of the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing novel experiences in its centennial year.
Useful links:
1. Gucci Aria: The Breath of Life
2. LACMA Annual Art+Film Gala
