The 1970s were a huge inspiration to Frida Giannini last season, and for Autumn Winter 2011, Gucci’s creative director continues to explore that fascination with the use of bold colours, furs and masculine elements. The show opened with a series of silk dresses and wool pea coats worn over preppy polo necks and flared trousers. Colourful fur jackets and shrugs were also in abundance – this time, dramatically draped over the shoulders of silk evening gowns or structured jackets.

There were strong nods to the 1940s in the mid calf length skirts paired with trilbies and fitted cardigans, while the 1970s influence echoed in the collection’s tweed pantsuits and draped dresses. But while the silhouettes might have hinted at many styles from the past, the colours were far from nostalgic, with shades of peacock blue, emerald green and purple emerging as key notes in Giannini’s fashion-forward palette.

Dazed Digital: What was the collection's inspiration?
Frida Giannini: The Gucci woman for A/W11 is a lady of mystery and irony who dresses with a cinematic allure and a strong seductive power. She's a polished woman with a decisive personality, seen in images of Angelica Huston as photographed by Bob Richardson.   

DD: Can you tell us a bit more about the masculine elements in the collection?
Frida Giannini: The masculine tailoring, in exclusive British Melange fabrics, such as the coats, jackets and wide-legged pants contrasted with details of patent leather are provocative with a strong power, whilst conveying a contemporary female dandy to complement the mix of seduction and tradition shown in the Gucci Men's A/W11 collection...  

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