Despite his departure, the architect of Gucci’s resurgence was a champion of breaking conventionality, especially for the male demographic
With his exit, the Alessandro Michele era for Gucci has officially come to a close. Despite it potentially being because of brand fatigue and underperformance, it’s hard not to bat an eye toward what the Italian has done for the brand and contemporary fashion.
“There are times when paths part ways because of the different perspectives each one of us may have. Today an extraordinary journey ends for me, lasting more than twenty years, within a company to which I have tirelessly dedicated all my love and creative passion,” he said.
Hired by Gucci in 2002, it wasn’t until 2015 that Alessandro got his big break. Immediately after succeeding former boss Frida Gianini, he began his work for the renowned fashion house. From the beginning of his time until now, flamboyancy and modernity have defined the House of Gucci. Eccentric and quirky pieces have become the norm for them in recent years, all thanks to Alessandro.
No barriers
Along with his tendency to lean towards a bolder direction, Alessandro Michele also had a progressive view of men’s fashion. In 2016, only a year in as Gucci’s Creative Director, the brand saw itself unifying its men’s and women’s wear simultaneously—a move described as tradition rather than practicality.
Out with him were the known stereotypes that masculinity equals black and white, suits, and a strong, macho image. Masculinity for Michele meant that one was in touch with his feminine side and didn’t let established norms dictate himself.
These can be seen in how his peers have been dressed with feminine or otherwise unconventional male pieces. Past examples of these included doppelganger Jared Leto’s all-red dress at the 2019 MET Gala or Harry Styles’ black blouse with high-waisted trousers at the same event.
Outside of the MET Gala, one could recall A$AP Rocky’s babushka at the 2018 LACMA Film Gala, or the 2018 Gucci collab with Elton John on his final tour. In more recent years, there was Harry Styles again at the 2021 Grammys with a plaid yellow suit and purple Gucci boa scarf, one of his two outfits for the night.
To last night’s @lacma #artandfilm Gala presented by #Gucci, ASAP Rocky wore a #GucciDIY two button satin peak lapel New Signoria tuxedo, white evening shirt, leather slippers with faux fur trim and silk scarf with Flora Gothic print and black rectangular sunglasses #GucciEyewear pic.twitter.com/SSKMaL43aR
— gucci (@gucci) November 4, 2018
Most recently, Alessandro launched the Gucci HA HA HA collection with Styles. It featured items such as print pajamas and bright-colored pieces. On top of that, it was described as a herald for new visions of beauty and an exhibition of authentic male vanity.
Hate it or love it though, male society has its ways to go before catching up to Alessandro Michele’s vision. But when the time does come, it’s hard not to credit what Gucci’s now-former Creative Director has done during his time—all the more that his vision was shared on such a huge platform, with equally huge names backing up his cause.
