Show Review: Gucci Pre-Fall 2017

If anyone can tell a story, it’s Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. Those he has told at the Creative helm of the iconic Italian fashion house have been remarkable, alluring, and unavoidable, with a touch of the absurd. Pineapples, bows, snarling cats, and modern-day takes on the fanny pack are all included in the latest installment of his tale for Pre-Fall 2017.

Those 70’s-inspired readers are here to stay, as Michele pairs them with everything from menswear-inspired suiting to chic turbans in the assortment.

Jewelry is undoubtedly my favorite category for the season, with statement-making earrings, chokers, and rings stealing the show. There’s no telling if the former are actually wearable—they look unbearably heavy—but I’d absolutely love to give them a try regardless.

Though most of the outerwear shown is much too cumbersome for the months before inclement weather actually sets in, you’d be crazy to not snap up a black panther-print cape or dragon-embroidered fur with shaggy sleeves from Gucci, if you can get your hands on one.

And remember all those high-fashion glossies that admonished you for ever thinking to wear leggings as pants? Well, Michele is fighting back against that cardinal rule by pairing mushroom-patterned leggings with everything from ladylike coats to chic, tweed skirt suits. And if he says so, it’s cool.

The print play here is literally out of control. Undulating lines juxtaposed against florals, leopard versus logos, dizzying checks placed side by side, fauna contrasting with pistols—nothing is off limits for the house. It’s one of the reasons why everyone loves the brand right now.

Let’s talk about track pants, shall we? They’re my go-to at least once a week and Michele has designed some of the coolest (and undoubtedly most expensive) spins around. When paired with bow-accented sandals, pearls, and cozy furs, the athleisure staples are completely transformed.

Shorts and cropped trousers actually presented the best options for real-time wear—in denim, plaid, and other eye-catching prints. They are layered to the hilt, of course.

The brand’s double-G embroidered tights and socks: will anyone actually wear them? Guess we’ll just have to see how they’re worn on the street before making the investment.

One of the biggest dilemmas of 2017: deciding which Pre-Fall 2017 bag to purchase from among all the wonders presented. Actually…the harder decision? Trying to actually snag one of the accoutrements before they sell out. Whether it’s a relatively paired down bowler with contrast navy stripes or a leather portfolio-style clutch with gold chain-link detailing, they’re all impossible to resist.

And let’s not forget about the red carpet-ready designs. First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Salma Hayek, and Margot Robbie are all huge fans of the brand for stylish events, movie premieres, galas, and high-fashion dinners. And we know the embellished, full-skirt gowns, rosette-accented chokers, elegant takes on the classic black and white combo, and planet-detailed tulle frocks will satisfy all their sartorial desires.