Gucci revives the flamboyant memory of the 1970s for a cruise show

Unveiled on May 15, the 2026 cruise collection offered a stylistic anthology of the previous designers who have marked the once glorious history of the Florentine fashion house. For this interlude without an artistic director, since Sabato de Sarno’s departure last March, the creative studio has brilliantly risen to the challenge of exploring the archives ahead of the arrival of Demna, who is eagerly awaited as the messiah next July.

No grand gestures, but a more than honorable return to its roots.

This is essentially what characterized Gucci’s 2026 cruise show, which highlighted the cultural and stylistic roots of the House, and what’s more, at home, on the banks of the Arno.

A veritable potpourri of Gucci’s heyday, the collection evoked both the Tom Ford years and those of Alessandro Michele, albeit expurgated by its outgoing artistic director.

In short, the show had something to delight fans of the film House of Gucci (2021) with its unapologetic bling and the gold double-bridge sunglasses so reminiscent of the 1970s worn by Maurizio Gucci as he grappled with the poisonous Patrizzia Reggiani, played by Lady Gaga.

Back to its roots

As if to remind us of its roots in Italian craftsmanship and pave the way for a new era with the arrival of Demna this summer, Gucci chose the city of Florence to present its cruise show. A choice that had been suggested by Sabato de Sarno, before he was dismissed due to a lack of commercial success.