Following the news that Raf Simons would be closing his eponymous label, the fashion set has been served another blow this week with rumours that Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele is leaving.
Although the brand has yet to comment on the matter, trusted sources told WWD that a statement could come as early as next Wednesday announcing Michele’s exit. Renowned for his critically and commercially acclaimed reinvention of the Italian brand during his seven year tenure, the news has understandably surprised the industry.
The anonymous insider told WWD that Michele “was asked to initiate a strong design shift,” to breathe new life into Gucci, but he was unable to do so. Another source has suggested that “the honeymoon with [Gucci CEO and President Marco] Bizzarri is over, and the relationship is not as strong as before,” which could explain the shock-departure.
It wouldn’t be the first time François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of Gucci’s parent Kering, has shaken up one of its key brands. Last November industry superstar Daniel Lee was ousted from Bottega Veneta despite the creative director’s stellar performance at the brand. Instead he was succeeded by Matthew Blazy who has reverted Bottega back to its artisanal roots, which begs the question: could the same be on the cards for Kering’s star brand Gucci?
The evidence suggests so. Michelle noticeably didn’t fly to Seoul for Gucci’s repeat Cosmogonie show, which was originally scheduled for November 1 but was cancelled following the tragic death of more than 150 people in the Itaewon nightlife district during a crowd crush. And the recent rumours could explain why.
If confirmed, the news would arrive head of Milan Fashion Week Men’s, which is slated for January 2022 - signalling big changes on the horizon.
However, the maximalist designer should fear not. Michele’s gender-fluid and romantic spirit has influenced a slew of other designers and helped Gucci post growth exceeding 35 percent for five consecutive quarters, meaning he will be in high demand if his exit is confirmed.
There is currently no report on who would succeed him at Gucci’s top spot so watch this space as the story develops.
