Old School Gucci, a Fresh Celine Fragrance, Starting a Spring Travel Moodboard, and More Event Dresses
Thoughts and things from the past week.
Gucci Now: While I used to enjoy a deep dive into new season collections, today I’ll check out just a few. Creative directors come and go putting their stamp on whatever house they’re designing for. The revolving doors and change is tiring. I want a brand with a legacy identity that’s reliable while introducing tweaks for a fresh perspective. I realize that’s not popular and doesn’t drive trend driven sales, but it’s what I hope for at Gucci where a creative director has yet to be named. When I think of Gucci, my mind goes old school. I imagine 70s vintage with Horsebit hardware, red and green webbing, effortlessly cool Italian style. The Fall 2025 collection was assembled by the design team showcasing plenty of pieces that speak to this idea highlighting classic motifs celebrated for decades. Perhaps a mishmash for those hoping for a new look for Gucci, but not for me. I don’t want a designer’s heavy handed stamp creating something unrecognizable. I’m sure this doesn’t align with fans of designers like Michelle Alessandro who grew sales at Gucci with his maximalist vision and overhaul of the brand. But, with such a heavy handed aesthetic driven seasonally by trend, it’s no surprise fatigue set in and sales declined. Which brings me back to my point of stability through legacy design. I have a deep appreciation for old-school Gucci, an aesthetic that’s stood the test of time, and hope it survives.
“Today, the collection could be seen as foundational, that says something of Gucci in its codes and beliefs both past, present and future; things that have meant something to many, adopted and adapted in their own way…
A distinctive sense of Italian style, characterized by ‘sprezzatura’ – the perfectly imperfect, a studied effortlessness – a way of living and dressing that has been integral to Gucci's aesthetic from the beginning, is something that permeates the collection and its presentation…
Traversing the decades, heritage codes identify new styles embellished with signature Horsebit and half Horsebit hardware.” ~ Gucci Fall 2025
Celebrating Gucci classic motifs - Jordaan Horsebit loafers in suede - tan, brown, and beige. Horsebit 1955 bag reintroduced in a soft leather with longer strap (and several sizes mini, small, top handle). I tried on, it’s divine. I’m thinking of selling my older Horsebit bags and replacing them with the new version. A nod to the iconic bamboo handle in a belt (this one with brass bamboo buckle is beautiful) and an exaggerated half Horsebit introduced on the new Softbit bag - small or large.
Shifting gears: In other fashion musings, beautiful pieces from Altuzarra Fall 2025:
The Fall 2025 collection included these outstanding evening looks. I mean perfection. Some pieces are available for pre-order on Moda Operandi. I’ve added them to the Event Dresses collection on Shop My.
I love boxy cropped jackets and Altuzarra (and several other designers) showed a few fabulous styles. One as a smart little peacoat and another trimly tailored giving a vintage vibe. I love the versatility of a snug little jacket. The shape feels less serious than a blazer with jeans or pants - which is how I wear it - and adds polish worn with a sleeveless dress.
Cropped Pants: As much as I love wearing my long, loose jeans lately, I know I’ll be swapping them for cropped styles this spring for travel. Most of my long jeans require a short heel limiting my shoe options. With flats (the only style I pack for casual trips), the hems will drag on the floor. After numerous days on the road, I’d be collecting dirt from each place I visit. Nope.
As I’m thinking this through, I’m spotting a void in my closet. I’ve parted ways with most of my cropped pants over the years and want a few to take on trips. I’m starting a Spring Travel Moodboard with the above looks saved. When it’s more complete, I’ll share.
Celine Fragrance: You know a fragrance is good when you can’t get it out of your head. That’s the case for me with Celine Cologne Celeste… I tested it last week, kept the little spray card with the scent on it and didn’t want to put it down. I’m going back to get the body lotion. It’s fresh, green and wonderful!
Keep Checking the Event Dress Collections: I am continually adding pieces to the two event dress collections on Shop My so check in occasionally and scroll to the bottom to see the newest additions.
T H I S ! Thank you Karima - cheers to the concepts of classics and consistency. Any thoughts on the Loewe presentation?