By Mari Sato
Back in 1921, a tiny, fine leather goods shop opened in Florence, Italy. The distinctive craftsmanship and design of these products launched the brand to extreme popularity, and that brand is none other than Gucci. Thanks to former Creative Director Alessandro Michele, Gucci has gained a reputation for its eccentric and vibrant looks featured within its editorial spreads. The essence of Gucci’s unique aesthetic is due to their use of layering. Gucci has mastered the art of blending colors, patterns, and textures that defy conventional fashion and form. Layering has been vital in the brand’s ability to deliver unexpected, innovative looks that convey a narrative in its advertisements. While you may not have a closet full of Gucci ready-to-wear, mastering Gucci’s signature layering is key to staying stylish and warm this winter. Here are a few tips to help you emulate this signature look:
- Mixing Colors, Patterns, and Textures.
Achieving Gucci’s iconic maximalist aesthetic requires a wide diversity of patterns and textures. The brand is known to combine florals with stripes, checks, and other bold prints. This fusion defies what is conventionally thought of as “going together,” but that is precisely the point. This mixing and matching is not solely exclusive to patterns, as the brand is not afraid to mix textures, from silk to velvet to leather, within a single outfit. While it may feel counterintuitive, don’t be afriad to incorporate a range of textures and colors to increase the depth and complexity of your looks.
- Accessorize Accessorize Accessorize!
Eclectic style wouldn’t be complete without accessories, and Gucci is a relentless force in the accessory game. Incorporating items such as belts, scarves, hats and jewelry instantly elevate an outfit, laying the foundation for a complex look.
- Silhouette Variety
Utilizing a range of silhouettes from baggy to fitted is crucial in achieving the iconic Gucci look. The brand is known for its use of significantly on oversized silhouettes that create a sense of grandeur. Emulating this look can be as simple as layering an oversized-jacket on top of a bodysuit or as complex as you wish to make it.
- Mixing High and Street Fashion With Vintage with Modern
Gucci often pairs its high-fashion pieces with more casual or streetwear style items. This combination creates contrast by blending the aesthetics of these two types of clothing. With the popularity of colorful shoes such as the Adidas Sambas and Gazelles, you can easily recreate this look in your everyday life. So, next time you wear a monotone outfit, consider adding colorful sneakers to effortlessly elevate your fit.
While Gucci’s retro pieces aren’t technically vintage, they still effectively evoke the spirit of different eras to capture the essence of vintage fashion. However, in my opinion, genuine vintage will always be superior. Nevertheless, whether it’s authentic vintage or simply vintage-inspired, creating a look that is rich in individuality is what truly makes one stylish.
Cover artwork by Mari Sato
