Gucci Bids Maximalism Adieu in First Collection Post-Alessandro Michele

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci/Collage by Brooke Frischer

Nearly two months after Alessandro Michele‘s (seemingly non-amicable) departure from the brand, Gucci presented its Fall 2023 men’s collection in Milan, designed by the label’s in-house team.

The show took place Friday in a dimly-lit roundabout theatre where the trio Ceramic Dog sat center stage playing rock music that got progressively louder and edgier as the show neared its close. In the show notes, Gucci said, “[the] circular formation [of the stage is] symbolic of the collaborative spinning wheel of the creative community at the heart of Gucci.”

Photo: Courtesy of Gucci

As the first model appeared on the runway, the overall message of the collection was clear: Gucci is going back to basics. With a simple white, cotton T-shirt and a pair of mossy-hued slacks, the age of Michele and his unmistakable maximalist aesthetic came to an end. (Though his best-selling fur-lined slipper was featured in the show.) In fact, the collection drew from multiple pre-Michele eras of Gucci, highlighting archival staples such as the Piston Lock (originally created by Tom Ford), the Horsebit and the Cross.

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

The casual-ization of formalwear is the common thread throughout the looks. Boxy suit ensembles made their way down the runway in a variety of iterations. Double-breasted blazers and long suit jackets were laid atop more basic white tee shirts with raw, stretched-out hems — described as “improvisational styling” in the show notes.

Photo: Courtesy of Gucci

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Suits with detachable elements followed, enabling them to go from long-sleeve to short, or pants to cut-offs. Furthering the idea that masculinity can be malleable, specifically through dressing, the notes read, “The free and boundless facets of contemporary masculinities are observed in garments cross-pollinated – either in construction or styling.”

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Perhaps most surprising was the incorporation of fashion’s favorite niche aesthetic of the moment: balletcore. Muscle tank tops were layered under loose, off-the-shoulder knits and leggings were tucked into none other than leg warmers — not to mention the oversized bags big enough to fit all your dance-class necessities.

Photos: Imaxtree

Though the collection includes a few confusing additions (see: the oddly slouched boot that looked very uncomfortable to walk in), any goal of drawing a harsh line between Michele’s Gucci and what comes next was certainly achieved.