Alessandro Michele called his show The Alchemist’s Garden: an anti-modern laboratory. “What are we going to do with all this future?” said a handwritten note on guests invitations by artist Coco Capitan. Michele’s answer to that was a heady collection of his signature styles of wild blossoms, rich tapestry fabrics and opulent jewels. Every look told its own story. From the influences of the Far East on a pared back 1920’s silhouette silk print robe draped over matching ¾ length trousers to the wild mix of vibrant florals in floor sweeping gowns with full sleeves that felt like something out of a Wes Anderson film. There was a nod to punk-chic with ripped denim shorts styled over a crystal embellished catsuit and last season’s platforms have made way for a Marie Antoinette style pearl encrusted satin kitten heel in vivid hues. Michele has steered the Gucci girl in an exciting grown-up direction.
Natalie théo