Gucci Fall / Winter 2016

MILAN — To say that fashion has once again taken to Gucci, a little over a year since appointing a new creative director in late January 2015, would be a gross understatement. Gucci has come into its own with a refreshed look about it and none more so that than it did Wednesday. For the latest runway show, Gucci returned to the erstwhile train terminal on the outskirts of Milan, but this time swapped the open-air venue of last season for a high-tech catwalk-cum-cinema complete with a video wall running the length of the runway. If the stage was big, and it most certainly was, a cast of 70 models more than matched its ambition. Of the full cast, 18 models or 25% of the total, were from Next including its opener, Kasia Oskard. Joined on the runway were the other 17 including Klementyna Dmowska, Maria Clara, Sophia Friesen, Jay Wright, Milena F, Hedvig Palm, Lea Issarni, Emily Butcher, Caitie Greene, Julie Hoomans, Alina, Vera Van Erp, Julia Fleming, Mical, Charlotte Thomas, Hazel Crew, and Elena Z. As for the collection, time will tell, but for now these faces are the most abiding memory of this first day in the Italian fashion capital. Credits include: Client, Gucci; Collection, Women’s Ready-To-Wear Autumn / Winter 2016; Hair, Paul Hanlon; Makeup, Pat McGrath; Casting, Barbara Nicoli & Leila Ananna; Photography, Damien Neva at Next Management.