Confessions of a Fashion Writer: Gucci S/S 2011

Legendary fashion photographer inspires Gucci. Italian designer Frida Giannini was motivated this season from the work of the late French fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. He was one of the best photographers in the business in the late half of the 20th century known for his controversy and style. His work that was referenced was from the 1970's when he was working with Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Giannini also gave a nod to the late designer Yves St. Laurent. The color palette was bold with bright colors of violet, green, orange and turquoise. The 1970's chic sensation was visible in the jumpsuits, drop-crotch trousers, blazers, jackets and free flowing blouses. There was also the signature Frida pants that had a relaxed sensation available in black, beige, camel, turquoise and purple. The craftsmanship in the collection was obvious with immaculate details in the leather pieces visible on fringed jackets, leather pants and various cocktail pieces. The signature equestrian sensation was perceptible in the woven tassels and horse-bits in the belts and bags. The Gucci look was seductive with a nice hint of sophistication and elegance.

The show was held at the Piazza Oberdan Gucci show space with the signature Gucci beige backdrop. Brazilian model Raquel Zimmermann opened the event in a bright orange blazer, green pants and violet top paired with a python belt. There was a great number of day wear pieces such as the signature Frida pants and a relaxed drop-crotch pants offered in a variety of colors from the bold color selections to the basic black. The evening pieces were show stopping with great attention to details giving off a North African vibration. The cocktail dresses had great panache with embroidery, gold touches, eloquent leather detailing and feathers.

Admired pieces in the collection were the leather and crocodile jackets, one in particular was bomber jacket that was made in burnished crocodile. The ethnic woven finale pieces available in purple, turquoise, orange and black were greatly admired.

Referencing a legendary fashion photographer was the key component to the successful collection of Frida Giannini. She referenced an era of the 1970's when Yves St. Laurent reigned as the king of fashion and when glamour prevailed. The Gucci women is sexy with immense provocation while maintaining great sophistication. -Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.