What went down when Gucci took over Westminster Abbey

Ever since Alessandro Michele was appointed as Gucci’s new creative director 18 months ago, press and public alike have fallen in love with his bohemian vision. The cloisters of Westminster Abbey set the tone for the house’s new Cruise collection, one which was appropriately rooted in British history. The iconic Union Jack popped up on everything from Gucci loafers to knitwear, whereas traditional Scottish tartan made appearances in a canary yellow. Backstage, Michele spoke of being inspired by his first visit to London and seeing the style tribes who resided there – something that was reflected in the collection.

Of course, there was more to the show that just the clothing – here’s everything you need to know.

THERE WAS NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE BEHIND THE VENUE CHOICE

There’s always controversy when the worlds of religion and high fashion intermingle, so it’s unsurprising that Reverend Peter Owen-Jones implied that Michele’s venue choice was an attempt to commercialise Christianity. Michele, however, rebuked the accusations in a statement issued to the Evening Standard, arguing Westminster Abbey as a cultural relic that “the contemporary world has forgotten” and that “history is what’s really cool.”

THERE WAS A RETURN TO THE #GUCCIGARDEN

Michele’s fascination with wildlife has become evident during his time at Gucci, to the extent that the Pre-Fall campaign featured a cameo appearance from a flock of flamingos. The #GucciGarden theme continued today, with the kaleidoscopic Cruise invitations emblazoned with the image of coiled serpent. 

SOKO WAS THE SHOW’S OFFICIAL SNAPCHATTER

It was just a few months ago that Hari Nef became the unofficial muse of Gucci’s AW16 menswear collection, taking over the brand’s Snapchat and making her debut on one of the world’s most anticipated runways. This season Michele has given the privilege to French creative polymath SoKo, enlisting her to present Gucci’s Snapchat followers with snippets of today’s action.

GUESTS WERE TREATED TO CUSTOM GUCCI CUSHIONS

It’s not unusual for designers to provide gifts for those lucky enough to sit front row, but Michele this season added a personal touch with a series of custom embroidered cushions for every guest. Again, animals were a common theme, with designs including cats, tigers, dogs and snakes, many of which had popped up in past collections.

MICHELE SHOWED ANIMAL PRINT EVERYTHING

Continuing the Gucci Garden theme, peacock, cheetah and snake prints popped up on myriad designs. The embroidered animals emblazoned on the gift cushions were the collection’s mascots, adorning tartan skirts, patchwork jumpers and one brilliant slogan T-shirt marked “Blind for Love”.

THE ACCESSORIES WERE BETTER THAN EVER

Gucci is as known for its standout accessories as it is its clothing – remember that fur-lined footwear that the Internet went wild for? This season’s accompaniments were equally interesting; standout pieces ranged from clunky Union Jack loafers to structured snakeskin bags offset with flashes of crimson.

THE GUCCI MUSE WENT PUNK ROCK

Considering the fact that Michele is known for his emphasis on pure romanticism, it was somewhat surprising to see sartorial nods to British subculture. Bleached, distressed, drawn-on denim was a definitive reference to the DIY techniques favoured by punks whereas supersize knuckledusters and stacked sneakers demonstrated a harder edge to Michele’s aesthetic.

THEY TEAMED UP WITH WILL.I.AM ON SOME HEADPHONES

One of the more surprising collection details came in the form of metallic gold headphones which bore the iconic interlocking G’s. Designed in partnership with will.i.am and described as a ‘wearable smart device’, the sleek yet unexpected collaboration could signal the start of a new, tech-friendly direction.

EVERYONE WILL BE WEARING THESE T-SHIRTS

The Gucci logo is one of the world’s most ripped off, but Michele has shown he’s not afraid to riff on that. Last season he collaborated with graffiti artist Trouble Andrew, having him paint the Gucci Gs on garments and spraypaint 'REAL' above logos. The Cruise collection upscaled some brilliantly fake-looking t-shirts, embroidering them with flowers.