If you’re looking for some inspiration for your spring/summer wardrobe, look no further than Gucci’s latest collection, designed by Alessandro Michele. The creative director presented a dazzling show that explored themes of identity and otherness through 68 sets of twins wearing identical outfits.
In the Spring Summer 2023 fashion show, 68 sets of identical twins paraded down two separate runways divided by a partition. During the finale, the partition was raised to unveil the game of reflection, enabling the siblings to walk hand-in-hand. Each twin mirrored the other. While the concept of twinship may evoke ideas of identicality or sameness, Alessandro Michele aimed to demonstrate the opposite: “It’s exactly the impossibility of the perfectly identical that nourishes the magic of twins… It’s the deception of similitude. The game of illusion of a cracked symmetry,” he said in his notes on the show.
Upon a second viewing of seemingly identical models, it became apparent that the looks seen on individual models were remarkably different. This realization compelled one to take a closer look and scrutinize the differences, no matter how subtle. Confronting a double necessitates a greater degree of attentiveness to identify and name even the slightest distinctions. Through this meticulous observation, details emerge that serve as both echoes of collections past and indications of collections yet to come.
Entitled The Twinsburg, the show was a kaleidoscopic mix of styles, from sharp tailoring to sporty tracksuits, from sequined glamour to cozy quilting, from oriental embroidery to Gremlins handbags. Yes, you read that right: Alessandro Michele paid homage to the 1980s cult movie by accessorizing some of the looks with stuffed animal versions of the mischievous creatures.
Clothes are also a tool to express identity and freedom, and Alessandro Michele demonstrates this perfectly. He alludes to Italian LGBTQ+ history, with a jacket emblazoned with the word FUORI!!!, meaning “out” in Italian, and inspired by a magazine produced by a revolutionary gay rights movement in the early ’70s. Alessandro Michele’s vision was a celebration of diversity and solidarity, as well as a playful and eclectic expression of his personal cosmogony.
The collection draws inspiration from the notion of identical twins who share a bond beyond physical resemblance and genetics. The Twinsburg delves into themes of identity, connection, and expression through a diverse array of styles, colors, and patterns inspired by various cultures and epochs. The concept of duality and individuality is explored using identical twins as models and contrasting elements in the garments and accessories.
Nature-inspired themes weave throughout the collection, with animal kingdom references visible in vibrant prints on boots, tights, gloves, and fully sequined gowns, as well as a range of accessories like crystal-adorned eyewear and face embellishments. These adornments evoke our innate desire to present an alternate version of ourselves, one that captures attention.
The collection showcases a cohesive aesthetic that seamlessly blends fluid and relaxed silhouettes with rich and textured fabrics. Oversized shapes, loose-fitting trousers, draped dresses, and tunics exude an effortless ease, while jacquard, brocade, velvet, and silk fabrics provide an opulent touch. The vibrant and varied colors, ranging from shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, to orange, complement the bold and whimsical patterns, featuring an array of floral prints, geometric motifs, animal prints, and logos.
The collection also showcases Alessandro Michele’s signature details, such as embroidery, sequins, pearls, and crystals. The accessories include hats, sunglasses, scarves, belts, and jewelry. The shoes range from sneakers and sandals to loafers and pumps. The bags are spacious and practical, with tote bags, backpacks, and crossbody bags.
In an interview, Alessandro Michele stated, “Fashion has something to do with the other, too. It’s about repetition but you pretend to be unique. That’s interesting. It means we are all the same and we are different.” The collection brilliantly addresses individuality and unity,exploring how reality reflects both oneself and the other.
The Twinsburg is more than just a collection of clothes. It represents Gucci’s vision of fashion as a form of self-expression and a way of connecting with others. It pays tribute to the power of creativity and the joy of diversity. The collection celebrates twins who are distinct yet united, transforming an exploration of duality into a bold statement of individuality in the Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
