History At a Glance — a Study of Gucci's Pre-Spring '20 Collection - Men's Folio
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History At a Glance — a Study of Gucci’s Pre-Spring ’20 Collection

  • By Bryan Goh


For one night in Rome, the ringing chorus of a heavenly choir, enchanting chimes, and a pulsating beat brought the historical Musei Capitolini to life during the Gucci Pre-Spring ‘20 show. Established in 1471 and opened to the public in 1734, Musei Capitolini is widely recognised as the world’s first museum, where art is archived and displayed for all to appreciate.

Archaeologist Paul Veyne’s quote, “because only pagan antiquity could arouse my desire. Because it was the world of the past, because it was a world that no longer exists”, come together with the monument’s legendary interiors to set the perfect stage for Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, to showcase the brand’s Pre-Spring ‘20 collection.



Inspired by pivotal cultural moments, the Gucci collection takes our roaming eyes on a journey through messages and inspirations within the Musei Capitolini halls, where both fashion and a time gone by are waiting to be discovered and desired by audiences armed with flashlights.

THE PAST REVIVED
The 1970s is often regarded by historians as a time of pivotal change, as the decade saw the rise of individualism, the liberty of women, and increased social awareness amongst the masses – much like the social climate of today.

In commemoration of this spirit of change, Gucci Pre-Spring ‘20 sees oversized nautical tracksuits in vivid hues – a mainstay of 1970s men’s fashion – being a prominent feature in the collection. Decorated with embroidered feminist slogans and romantic quotes on patches, the contemporary tracksuits, and their explicit messages grab one’s attention like news headlines in roving flashlights.


Visually arresting in equal measure, iconic Gucci motifs make defining appearances in Pre-Spring ‘20 including the all-over GG monogram reworked in technicolour. The 1930s GG rhombus logo likewise makes a noteworthy resurgence on soft-wool bohemian silhouettes peppered throughout the collection.

For the child-at-heart, pop culture legend Mickey Mouse enters Pre-Spring ‘20 in all manners of embellishments – as all-over prints to singular icons – as an homage to the upcoming Chinese New Year of the rat.


With the Gucci Pre-Spring ‘20 collection, Michele’s surreal vision of luxury makes for an undoubtedly powerful showing. However, it is his sensitivities for bringing light to important cultural moments that left the greatest mark, thereby establishing Gucci’s own historical moment.


GREAT EXAMPLES REVISITED
Sneakers and their cultural meaning is an ever-evolving dialogue between the designers and the people who wear them. For Pre-Spring ‘20, Michele digs into the Gucci archives to revive the Gucci Tennis 1977 sneakers.

Envisioned in the 1970s to be a symbol of privileged leisure on the tennis court, the sneaker in the present day is democratised for all, passing as appropriate footwear for everyday settings. Tapping into the neoclassical philosophy of “intentionally imitating great examples”, the latest Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker is an exercise at unifying a classic bestseller with contemporary, bold designs.

Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker.
Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker.
Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker.
Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker.

As with the original version, the sneakers all feature the distinctive Gucci Tennis 1977 green outlined white rubber sole, label on the insole and tongue, a textured GG motif on the bumper and outsole, and the option of green-red-green or blue-red-blue House Web colourway on the sides.

The current Pre-Spring ‘20 Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker is available in black or butter in plain distressed tweed. On the other hand, more adventurous sneakerheads may wish to opt for the light blue or ink cotton piquet renditions featuring whimsical prints of the GG motif.