American magazine WWD: prepared the spirits by conveying the news of the departure of Alessandro Michele from the artistic direction of Gucci this November 23rd. Florence House, which is in Kering’s lap, the official announcement a few hours later.
“There are times when paths diverge due to the different perspectives each of us have. Michele said in a statement. Today marks the end of an extraordinary journey of over twenty years at a company to which I have tirelessly devoted my love and creative passion. For this long period, Gucci has been my home, my adopted family. To this big family, to all the people who cared and supported it, I express my most sincere thanks and embrace them from the bottom of my heart. Next to them I wished, dreamed, imagined. None of what I’ve built would be possible without them. To them, therefore, I address my most sincere wishes; may you continue to feed on your dreams, that subtle and intangible thing that makes life worth living. May you continue to feed on poetic and inclusive imaginations, staying true to your values. May you always live by your passions, driven by the wind of freedom. »
New points
Released from the shadows in December 2014 by Gucci president Marco Bizzarri (he was appointed by Francois-Henri Pinot a few weeks ago), Alessandro Michele began his career in accessories at Fendi in the early 1990s, then became his right-hand man. of the house’s previous artistic director, Frida Giannini. From his first show in January 2015, he imposed his style, initiated the movement gender fluid he was followed by the entire industry and brought the brand back to red carpets, especially thanks to his friendship with actor Jared Leto and singer Harry Styles.
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Eight years have passed. And fashion is looking for new outlets, with the brand, which has experienced brazen growth recently, weakened since the pandemic, with rivals such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Before last summer, Kering’s leadership would ask its brands to develop more timeless products, realizing that a form of streetwear, logos, and extravagance that Michelle embodied was logically coming to an end. Due to the fashion cycle, the threat of a global recession and some sobriety in all areas. The 49-year-old designer may have passed the age of compromise, delaying (or even refusing) to make the required turnaround, such as launching more “commercial” menswear. But an artistic director must serve the house that employs him to be part of his legacy and ensure that financial goals are met.
Strained relationship
WWD: Also sparked a relationship that had recently soured with Marco Bizzarri. However, he recalled in a press release what a huge role Michelle played in this revival. I had the opportunity to meet Alessandro at the end of 2014. Since then, we have had the pleasure of working closely together as Gucci has charted its path to success over the past eight years. I would like to thank him for twenty years of dedication to Gucci, as well as for his vision, commitment and his unconditional love for this exceptional house as Creative Director. »
As Francois-Henri Pinot, Chairman and CEO of Kering; The journey that Gucci and Alessandro have taken together in recent years is unique and will remain an extraordinary moment in the house’s history. I am grateful to Alessandro for such a personal investment in this adventure. His passion, imagination, fantasy and culture helped put Gucci back in the spotlight where it belongs. I wish him the best in the rest of his creative journey.»
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Disagreements
The vision of the brand and Alessandro Michele differed. But the stylist’s universe is so powerful, so personal, that we can only hope to find it in fashion or elsewhere (she’s also a great jewelry collector and all-around esthete). Meanwhile, Gucci has announced that the design studio will now take over creative responsibility until a new entity is announced.
Source: Le Figaro
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