If one combines the suspense and thriller of a gory film with a dark period drama, odds are it’d result in the Gucci’s Cruise 2019 collection. Gucci never fails to surprise audiences and teleport them into another dimension, and this new collection was no exception. In a captivating and dazzling revelation, the show brought together glamour, drama, and mystery, showcasing a harmonious intersection of modern and ancient times. 

For its debut, the show took place in Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis in the southern French city of Arles. Accompanied by a haunting soundtrack of Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespers for the Blessed Virgin” that contributed to the show’s overall ambience, the models began to walk down the runway as clouds of smoke emerged and rows of church candles lit the way to a gothic nighttime display of 114 looks for women and men. 

If you consider yourself a minimalist, then the looks are probably not your cup of tea, but I can assure you that after watching almost 15 minutes of this show, you might change your mind and become a maximalist. Be warned. One of my favorite things about Gucci is Alessandro Michele’s artistic vision and his ability to create stories through every single look he sends down the runway. I love the bold colors, the clash of prints, the embellishments, and his ability to connect pieces in a way you didn’t think of doing yourself. I want to individually dissect each look and then somehow magically have it appear in my closet—a girl can dream.

Some of my favorite looks included two-piece sets paired with red, pink, green, and blue tights. A paisley kimono paired with a plaid suit, which you can find Harry Styles wearing in the Gucci Cruise 2019 tailoring campaign (more on that later). Lavender trousers accompanied by a purple pussybow blouse layered with a moss-colored blazer. And my favorite of all, a long, purple velvet gown layered with a blue cape, embellished with silver stars all over, finished off with a pink, floral headpiece and long, dainty earrings. The collection’s accessories most definitely had their shining moment. From stunning, gold and feathered headpieces—this one in particular reminded me of the one Beyonce wore in her 2017 Grammy’s performance—to statement earrings, to bold and quirky eyewear, long satin hand gloves, chunky shoes, and cross chokers and necklaces—it was everything I never thought I needed, but wish I had now.

When it comes to selecting the models to walk the runway, it seems as Michele has a clear idea of who he wants to cast. The models always seem to have a distinct look and perfectly embody the looks that they are given. According to Michele’s show notes, he describes his line of characters as “widows attending grave sites, kids playing rock ’n’ roll stars, and ladies who aren’t ladies.” In other words, his selection of models plays an important role in bringing these characters and pieces to life.

September 18, 2018: 

Harry Styles costars with baby farm animals for Gucci Cruise 2019 tailoring campaign.

If there’s one guy that can pull off a pantsuit in any color or print, it’s Harry Styles. So it comes as no surprise that he’s joined forces with Gucci to give audiences all over something to talk about, and to be honest, I ain’t even mad. In fact, I am thrilled! Since his departure from One Direction—which I’m still mourning—Harry has become a true style icon, known to pull off some marvelous androgynous looks ranging from pussybow blouses to flare trousers and floral suits. He’s the perfect candidate for Gucci’s Cruise campaign.

I can only imagine how the meeting for this shoot went about:

Creative Team: “So we all know Harry Styles is a literal god, but what can we do to shock the world even more?”

*silence for a few seconds*

Alessandro Michele: BABY FARM ANIMALS.

Creative Team: GENIUS! 

I have to say that waking up to find Harry Styles in all these beautiful images with baby farm animals did indeed wake a girl up! Shot in ardens of the historic Villa Lante, north of Rome, you can find Harry accompanied by a baby piglet and lamb as he wears some of the pieces found in Gucci’s Cruise 2019 collection. In one of the images you can find him wearing a plaid, double-breasted blazer with matching pants and a paisley kimono, baby piglet in hand and a gold crown as a headpiece—like a true king! In another, Styles is sitting down, staring out at the sky, unbothered and angelic in a light purple pussybow blouse, lavender trousers, a gray blazer, and a long cross necklace. I think it’s safe to say one of these images will become your phone’s wallpaper soon, and I don’t blame you.

September 21, 2018:

Gucci gives us more to love with a Noah’s Ark-themed film for Cruise 2019.

Just when you thought Gucci couldn’t give us any more surprises! The Italian fashion house decided to give us their own version of Noah’s Ark with a short film, Gucci Gothic, for its Cruise 2019 campaign. Along with a series of beautiful images depicting a rural community where people and animals coexist, the film shows models wearing the collection’s pieces and embracing their characters as they make their way to a wooden ark accompanied by every animal imaginable.

Though high fashion would seem out of place in a rural and deserted area, this was not the case here. If anything, Gucci Gothic made the clothing even more fascinating—it was if they belonged there all along. Visually, it is stunning. The toned-down, earthy tones and upbeat music really add an alluring and captivating essence. It carries the story along and quite frankly left me wanting more; two minutes just wasn’t enough!