Gucci Cruise 2024 made fashion history with its unprecedented showcase at the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, standing in stark contrast to the futuristic city skyline. This momentous event brilliantly narrated the interplay between different generations and their influence on traditions. Notably, the collection featured a remarkable musical composition by Seoul-based composer Jung Jae-il and showcased a diverse cast of models hailing from Korea and around the world. With a meticulous study of contemporary urban styles and inspiration drawn from streetwear and Korean traditional garments, the collection reverberated across global fashion scenes.
The Intersection of Generations and Styles
Within the Gucci Cruise 2024 collection, some ensembles drew inspiration from the brand’s archival silhouettes from the late 1990s but were reinterpreted with a vibrant color palette reminiscent of the 2010s. This reinterpretation exemplified the passing of the fashion baton through generations, much like how materials and techniques traditionally used in formalwear found new life in casual attire. The collection became a tangible representation of cultural fusion, where luxurious street style flourished. Wool skirt suits, silk shirts, kitten heels intertwined with everyday sportswear seen on the streets of Seoul, such as wetsuit-inspired outfits donned by windsurfers and jet-skiers on the Han River. The juxtaposition of form-fitting diving suits with the loose-fitting fashion influenced by the street skateboarding culture created a captivating contrast.
Image credit : GUCCI
Deconstructive Designs and Inspired Accents
The amalgamation of cultures also sparked deconstructive design elements in the collection. Detachable sleeves transformed into accessories, zippers added versatility to trousers, and flight jackets metamorphosed into evening gown skirts. Traditional garments provided inspiration for select pieces, while the iconic green-red-green webbing, representing the brand, was magnified and utilized as decorative accents. Surreal biomorphic creations by Korean artist Ram Han became captivating prints, injecting a distinct artistic flair into the collection.
The collection’s diverse range of accessories showcased various interpretations. The Horsebit shoulder bag’s iconic horsebit hardware appeared distorted or minimized, evoking memories of classic horsebits on men’s bags. Minimalist archival bags from the late 1990s received a vibrant makeover with colorful utilitarian materials and printed patterns. The horseshoe-shaped horsebit bags debuted in luxurious crocodile leather and vibrant colored leather, adding a fresh twist to the iconic design. The collection’s ankle boots captured the essence of cyber-goth subculture, reimagining late 1990s diving boots into low-heeled pumps. The Ace sneaker line embraced rounded lines and incorporated signature webbing details, a perfect fusion of classic and contemporary.
