GUCCI CRUISE 2017

It is a cold Thursday afternoon in London. We're in the West End. 

It's windy and dark. June 2nd. A typical summer day in London. 

The location is Westminster Abbey. The grand place of state worship, 

home to many an event of pomp and pageantry, as well as resting place 

for many an historical figure of importance or of notability.

The why is for a fashion show. The Gucci Cruise 2017 show held for the first 

time in the heart of London. A host of stars and celebrities from around the world 

have flown into town to witness this very special show, from the new creative 

director to Gucci, Alessandro Michele.

It's 8.30am and the shows models start to turn up, in coached shipments.
Slim nerdy geek chic young 20 something’s step off to brave and face 

the elements. Weather so blustery it may well be cause for concern, 

or at least caution, as models stand and shiver exposed, hair blowing.

No matter. One can shiver as one chats surly.

Backpacks, bomber jackets, the cigarette and skinny jeans, the perfect combo. 

Soon a sea of chatty giggling models greets the eyes as they play the classic 

game of queuing in London. They may well be for one day the most elite and 

desirable in the world of fashion, but for now they're at the mercy of your typical 

Mr security guard. Will they get in? Like Paul Simon says, 'Wristband, my man,

 you've got to have a wristband'. Fortunately for brand Gucci, all are welcomed.
A steady flow of make up artist, stylist and hair quaffers arrive wheelie cases in tow.

2pm. The first of the celebrity guests and attendees start to arrive.

International actresses, models, singers. Super stylish Li Yuchun or Chris Lee 

in the west, with her famed androgyny fuelled beauty and elegance. 

Next up Japanese model and actress Rila Fukushima, Tiny in stature, 

nothing diminutive however about her visual impact and presence. 

Next up, Rolaローラ. 

Another Japanese model more new gen with blond hair.

Other celebs, beauties, people of notability and accomplishments included 

photographer Margaret Zhang, South Korean actress Kong Hyo Jin, 

music producer Will.I.am elite style and fashion bloggers Shini Park and 

Susannah Lau. Also stylist TinaLeung, footwear designer Amina Muaddi, 

US actress Elle Fanning and Italian actress Valeria Golino.

 The editor of Vogue China, Angelica Chung 

who I think was absolutely rockin’ her look in a pair of skinny jeans and

 a 60s style multi colour eel jacket from Gucci with a pair of heels. 

Angelica with her trademark fringed Bob hairstyle is a woman that is most kind 

to ones eyes. She is normally seen in feminine dresses or empowering 

skirt top combos, but this look was hers. Possibly the best we’ve seen her. 

Properly owned and we’ll have no one taking away from her moment.

3.10 for a 3pm start. 

Fashion shows rarely if ever start on time. The last of the guests arrives. 

The show starts. The grand wait. 15 minutes later people start to vacate 

the premises.  Smiles are on faces. The verdict seems good. People are pleased 

with what they saw, but they all seem to have green seat cushions attached 

to them or pinned under their arms. What’s going on?

The answer is that all invited were seated on them, with lush woven embroidery 

and offered as a parting gift. That should bolster ones memories and 

opinion of a grand but brief moment in Italian style influenced and touched 

by British culture.

 

Well done Alessandro.

 

 Japanese fashion models Rola ローラ (left) and Rila Fukushima (right).

 Stylist and photographer Margaret Zhang

 The editor of Vogue China, Angelica Chung looking great in skinny jeans 

heels and a multi coloured eel jacket by Gucci

Stylist Tina Leung catching some selfie love

  Major visual excitment from Gucci. OK maybe a little help from Tina

 Arabian beauty from footwear designer Amina Muaddi wearing a dress 

by Gucci with ankle boots designed by herself.

The Asra Bootie from Oscar Tiye

 Fashion buyer Tiffany Hsu in her cute socks and Nicholas Kirkwood 

for Roksanda Illincic Mary Jane bow heels

All images featured in this blog belong to and are shot by 

Pat Lyttle of JSTREETSTYLE