When the first three lines — in black, gold and metallic brown — appeared last year in Milan, it felt like Gucci caught on to a growing trend: no more bland boring shoes, that’s for sure.
The vintage-inspired
city-lovers outfits and accessories that fill them are inspired by luxury labels as much as British rock bands. Hence, a ’70s nod in some denim waistcoats and a 1950s interest in stylish accessories like yellow PVC.
Behind the scenes, the designer Francesco Risso oversees dozens of unsentimental Yeti bags and silk scarves, including lace-up leather shoulder bags with elaborate detail and a bejeweled crossbody. The overall look is cleanly styled and, if such merch is possible on the gentrified West 4th Street street, it’s flawless.
On the mezzanine, the upper floors house the “House of Gucci,” a very trendy “brand college” incubator where graduates learn how to repurpose and build a brand around attractive accessories. In August, young bloggers and influencers will get a behind-the-scenes look.
Adriano Goldschmied, the designer, tells WWD, “What’s the difference between the back of the Coach handbag and the Gucci bag? You love Gucci.”