Watkinson
GUCCI LOOKS NORTH
I WON’T pretend that thinking up content to fill this space has been a breeze, we have been locked up for nearing on a year, albeit with short bursts of freedom in between.
But on the whole reasons for shopping have been few and far between, and while pyjamas and lounge pants are super useful, they aren’t fashion, they’re essentials.
Fashion is far more interesting, and in the midst of this mess, it should be a form of escapism.
So while shops may be closed, the fashion world keeps spinning, and my job is to tell you about it.
So you won’t hear me talking about how to dress from the waist up for a Zoom call, or recommending the best slippers. I promise you pure, unadulterated fashion news, with a smattering of sarcasm and realism, as we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously, dahling...
First up, the most exciting collaboration of 2021 so far: Gucci X The North Face. If, on paper, these brands seem juxtaposed, a quick look at the campaign images and you will see how they have taken the strengths of each brand and blended them perfectly.
The North Face is best known for outdoor performance wear and hiking gear in technical fabrics. Combine this with Gucci’s retro extravagance and maximalism, and you have a collection that’s aspirational and truly wearable, even in the middle of a pandemic.
The puffer coats are the best thing I have seen in a long time, vivid colours for those who want to be seen in a snow storm, monogrammed for those who want you to know this is no ordinary puffer coat.
The collection also includes shoes, T-shirts and accessories... even shell suits and a tent for the truly outdoorsy fashionista.
The collaboration launches online on January 22 with prices starting at £135, which for a Gucci collaboration is positively cheap.
The pieces won’t hang around long, expect to see eager early birds making a killing re-selling it on ebay.
If you want to own a piece of fashion history, set your alarm now.
Creative Director: Alessandro Michele; Art director: Christopher Simmonds; Photographer and director: Daniel Shea