Even throughout a pandemic, Gucci still remains one of the most notable fashion brands on the planet. Founded by Guccio Gucci in Florance, Italy, Gucci just passed its 100th anniversary. Big things were expected to commemorate the event. Gucci announced the first show of their hundredth year and instantaneously, rumors began to spread about what it would entail. The most prevalent one being that they would collaborate with another Italian-based, luxury fashion brand. Kicking off their centennial birthday, Gucci debuted “Aria,” its most recent co-ed collection and runway show. It was here that they unveil who exactly they were working in collaboration with.

“Aria” began with a model in a red velvet suit entering a club, Savoy. Here, a note pointed to the name of the hotel where Guccio Gucci was said to first find his love for leather fashion. A few looks later, a model in a pair of Balenciaga legging-boots came onto the runway. The boots were first seen in Balenciaga Spring 2017. However, this time, The boots were also cover in the iconic green and red Gucci stripe and logos; kicking off the official Gucci x Balenciaga collaboration. The two brands took iconic pieces from each of their portfolios, like the unmistakable lurching Balenciaga shoulder bag and the classic Gucci Jacket, but would immerse both brands into them through various use of colors and prints, (GQ). This collaboration with Balenciaga could be considered Gucci’s highest-profile “intersection to date and its anchored by plenty of Gucci fanservice, realized through loads of retro-cool ready-to-wear, branded bags, hats, shoes and jewelry,” (Hype Beast).

The whole idea for the collaboration is said to be a product of creative director, Alessandro Michele. He has been known for pulling together wild references from various sources, places, times, and movements, to refashion them and paint them in a contemporary light. “He used his obsession with Renaissance painting to kickstart the gender fluid fashion phenomenon…[When] Michele first came on the scene [he] changed the way nearly everyone in the entire world dresses.” (GQ). The Gucci x Balenciaga collaboration is no exception, paying homage to the past 100 years of Gucci designs.  This “hack lab” frequently results in bold, crazy creations, as too many questions the true limitations of fashion. The impact fashion can have on society is frequently overlooked, but with Alessandro Michele’s constant, inventive and gender-defying creations, people and brands have begun to use clothing as a medium for change.