Frida Giannini’s quest to regain her figure post-baby – the designer gave birth to her daughter in March – was projected onto her runway in Milan. But the gym that her models were headed to was certainly no mass-market affair.
The first look, which Amanda Wellsh pulled off with her ungodly body, comprised a triangle bra and mesh sweatshirt that left pretty much nothing to imagination, and proved to be an indication of what Giannini ‘s definition of sportswear was. The Gucci gym, ladies and gentlemen, is an exclusive one you go to when you already have the abs to show off.
The same triangle bra appeared in almost every look in the show, although it would ironically not provide enough support if one were to actually wear it to work out. But that wasn’t the point, not with the said-bra’s strings tied above the belly button and revealed in every bare back and cleavage-baring look for a bit of nonchalance; and slightly naughty lingerie innuendo. Mesh and sheer fabrics helped show off this unsung hero of the show. The bottoms ranged from less-exaggerated harem pants, some with sporty stripes down the side, to billowing capri pants.
The Gucci girl is one who inherently has disco in her blood and heads straight to the club right after a “workout” with her hair wet. She slips on her kimono dresses and jackets right over her – you got it – triangle bra. Giannini sampled work from the illustrator Erte and Art Nouveau-era stained glass windows for the blown up Orientalism-inspired floral prints. While floral prints are normally cheery, Giannini’s florals were seductive and dark – much like the tone of the entire collection.
Bows were also featured but these were not your run of the mill, saccharine sweet bows – these slinky, almost undone, black bows held together some pieces, especially a particular shiny green lurex dress that Joan Small wore down the runway. The shoes were all impossibly strappy and high – you wouldn’t expect Giannini to show trainers though would you – while fringe dominated the bags.
The Spring Summer 2014 collection was breezy and dramatic with voluminous shapes but thanks to the extensive use of mesh, sheer material, plunging necklines and high slits, the body was very much on display too.
Gucci boutiques in Singapore are located at Paragon Shopping Centre, #01-38, Tel: 6734 2528; The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B1-109, Tel: 6688 7878 and Wisma Atria, Level 2.
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