Gucci went dark for its 2019 Cruise show, focusing heavily on motifs of death. Alessandro Michele designed a jaw-dropping 114 looks for the show that rounded out this season’s circuit in the South of France. Much in the same vein as the fashion house’s FW18 show, which featured severed heads and baby dragons, this year’s Cruise was a spectacle to behold. The show went down at the Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis in Arles and a setting that transported guests to another realm. Instead of the typical DJ set, models walked to the haunting soundtrack of Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespers of the Blessed Virgin.” A$AP Rocky and Salma Hayek were some of the A-listers in attendance. Death was everywhere you looked, from “death masks” worn by models to pieces marked with symbolism lifted from ancient graves. Scroll through some of the most noteworthy moments below. The venue
Roman site Alyscamps is one of the ancient world’s most famous necropolises. The UNESCO World Heritage graveyard was host to artists Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin when they painted their own visions of Alyscamps side by side in October 1888. The collection
Even though Gucci's runway shows always include its signature botanical patterns, intricate embroideries and plenty of logos, this Cruise '19 collection showcased a little less of each but remained equally as daring. With 114 looks designed for women and men, the ensembles perfectly mixed some of the brand signature elements including plaid skirts, floral silk prints and tiger prints. Inspired by death and the afterlife, as well as fantasy characters, Michele sent a lineup of models down the runway dressed in clashing patterns, colours, prints and hand-painted details, too. The collection also referenced old Hollywood's The Chateau Marmont and traditional Japanese dresses via a series of velvet capes, black veils, faux fur coats, embroidered gowns and pants that nodded to an '80s-era Billy Idol. The accessories
Whilst there were no freakishly real-looking dragons, chameleons and replicas of model's heads on the runway, Gucci's accessories still continued to make a statement. Some of the models were sent down with oversized square sunglasses that included the double G logo on the side, as well as chunky necklaces, embroidered headpieces and gloves. The handbags, however, were on a whole other level. The maison introduced a new tote bag that features roaring tiger hardware (which was inspired by a vintage Hattie Carnegie jewellery design), and it comes complete with pockets to store the now-iconic Gucci Princetown slippers. The fashion house also debuted their newest it-bag, the Marmont style, in a new finishing and an ultra-streamlined silhouette. The runway also saw the introduction of the transparent Gucci Ophidia bag. Many of the models were dressed in dark outfits, some even wearing black veils while carrying wilted bouquets as if they were carrying the flowers to a grave. There were also death masks: One look featured a glittering mask that appeared to be made of pantyhose material. This was allegedly a reference to ancient death masks — albeit with a distinct Gucci twist.