Gucci promises a colorful Mediterranean summer ’13
Jun 25, 2012, 4:25 PM
AP Fashion Writer
MILAN (AP) – What creative director Frida Giannini has brought to Gucci is a whole lot of Mediterranean pizzazz.
It was no easy task following in the footsteps of American superstar Tom Ford, who turned the once-staid company into one of the sexiest labels in fashion before leaving in 2004.
But the Rome-born Giannini decided to see fashion her own way, and that was somewhere between “La Dolce Vita” and the Mediterranean seaside, with a bit of Anglo-American rock thrown in for foreign flare.
The result has been highly successful. And her latest menswear collection for the Summer 2013 presented Monday is no exception.
In the show notes, Giannini speaks of her desire to use strong color to evoke next summer, adding that the new collection allows the Gucci man “to rediscover his chic Mediterranean side.”
Next summer’s Gucci palette is a burst of Mediterranean energy from sea blue and green to turquoise, terracotta, raspberry, orange, lemon and pistachio. These bright colors can be used for a suit, a pair of pants or a sweater. When mixed together, they create cheerful prints for silk shirts and slacks.
The new Gucci blazer in cotton jersey is double breasted and fitted around the waist to create the slim effect favored by 1960s “Dolce Vita” playboys. Trousers are classic but on the skinny side. Loosely knit pullovers, net-stitched polo shirts and printed foulard shirts add casual chic. Summer raincoats, a popular look on the current Milan runway, also come in bright shades.
The latest Gucci bag is roomy and colorful. Styles range from the canvas shoulder bag to the crocodile weekend bag.
The leitmotif of the warm weather collection is the classic Gucci loafer. In white, black or bright color, strictly worn without socks, it accessorized every outfit in the show.
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