Gucci Just Left the Fashion Calendar Behind!

Gucci Shifts to Seasonless Fashion, Plans Biannual Shows

In a significant shift for the fashion industry, Alessandro Michele, the creative force behind Gucci, has decided to end the conventional reliance on seasonal collections. In a heartfelt diary entry shared on Gucci’s Instagram, Michele reflected, “I will abandon the worn-out ritual of seasonalities and shows to regain a new cadence.” This radical move comes at a time when many other brands are reconsidering their approach to fashion presentations and seasonal cycles.

• Gucci plans to host a virtual press conference on Monday to elaborate further on this new direction.
• This transition follows fellow luxury brand Saint Laurent’s decision to abandon the traditional fashion calendar, a call echoed by many independent designers advocating for a modern overhaul of the industry.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably shaken the fashion world, leading both established and emerging labels to reexamine the conventional fashion system that was conceived in a bygone era. Historically predicated on a pre-internet and pre-global reality, this system dictates how clothing collections are developed, showcased, marketed, and discounted. Gucci’s commitment to a seasonless schedule, with shows now set to occur twice yearly, signals strong support for transformative change within the industry. Saint Laurent, under the same Kering umbrella as Gucci, has also made headlines by opting to skip the upcoming Paris Fashion Week this September, redefining their own collection presentation strategies for the future. Recently, two groups—one led by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten and another facilitated by BoF—have proposed critical modifications to the fashion framework.

The Bottom Line: The question remains: who else will join in calling for this essential change? Notably, LVMH, the reigning leader in luxury fashion with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and Celine, has thus far refrained from issuing a statement regarding this new direction in fashion.

– This insight was contributed by Vikram Alexei Kansara