GUCCI X BALENCIAGA collaboration on the “Gucci Aria 2021” runway show

Gucci is celebrating its 100 years in the business. An event of such magnitude inspired Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele to take the bold step - the unexpected collaboration with Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia. The internet immediately created a new hashtag #Balluci. If you look closely at the new Aria collection, you will notice the redefined models of other brands, for example, the iconic Tom Ford’s 1996 red velvet suit. Alessandro Michele always mixed elements from different eras and subcultures in his collections. Michele decided to showcase, through the prism of Gucci, the borrowed, or hacked looks of different brands to commemorate the anniversary. The designer said that “fashion is no longer limited by the walls of the house”. “I was so impressed by [Gvasalia’s] first show, it was marvelous. I really loved it and things stuck in my mind. That’s why I decided to combine our visions and feelings in the new Aria collection.” 

 As a result, the new Gucci anniversary collection took the best out of both brands. The new versions of Gucci's iconic Jackie 1961 handbag with "Balenciaga" text appearing and, in reverse, the new model of Demna’s Hourglass handle bag with “Gucci” monogram. Michele renewed some of the most iconic Balenciaga silhouettes: more classical fitted jackets, coats, and suits were decorated with gems, “Gucci” monograms, and the signature Green and Red Web details. Also, it is known that Gucci is going to team up with a certain brand for a new collection this year…