Nature: the Teacher of Art

Slithering snakes, blooming flowers and golden bumblebees, the animal and nature symbols Alessandro Michele casts over his collections are modern day totems that complement the House’s codes.

Fascinated by nature’s physical and spiritual beauty, Alessandro Michele has planted a thriving Gucci Garden since taking over as creative director. Wistful creatures and romantic blooms create a compelling allegory, appearing amongst extravagant color, print and embellishment.

Take the season’s pink silk organdy gown, appliquéd with sequined red, white and black kingsnakes, butterflies and ants. A recurring theme in pre-fall’s lineup, serpents also detail jeans and knits, and appear on the back of men’s evening jackets. Signifying a mix of power, seduction and fear, snakes represent knowledge in Greek and Roman art.

Another of Michele’s favored animals is the tiger, which appears as the metal closure of Dionysus boots—named after the Greek god who rode a chariot pulled by tigers.

Industrial and cooperative, bees are a sign of nobility in Europe. Carved into buildings all over Rome, where the Gucci design studio is based, the bumblebee is a distinguished member of the Gucci Garden, together with butterflies and birds. Bees and blooms feature in a painterly style print on a silk crepe dress. While butterflies and birds, appearing on the reverse of bright silk or leather bomber jackets and a dramatic red cape infuse a sense of mystery and wonder.