IMAGES: RONAN GALLAGHER, GUCCI

There’s no denying how ethereally beautiful Alessandro Michele’s Cruise 2016 collection for Gucci is, what with the lineup of pussy-bow blouses, pleated skirts and the frilliest of chiffon dresses in the most faded of pastel hues, decorated with embroidery, lace and all things nice. Yes, it’s like your little girl playing princess dress-up, albeit one that’s definitely more Margot than Margaret.

While the RTW can be described as ‘soft’, the accessories, from bags to shoes to jewellery are decidedly ‘hard’, all statement pieces in their own right from metallic leather booties to heirloom-inspired rings all depicting creatures of mythology. And then there are the bags that range from over-the-top feminine to a modern piece with antiqued details and a tote that’s actually unisex, because in Michele’s imagined world of Gucci, the girls and boys do dress somewhat alike.

IMAGE: KEVIN TACHMAN, GUCCI

First up, the Dionysus, which you first saw from the Italian house’s F/W15 collection. Whilst the first versions come almost entirely in GG Supreme Canvas with contrasting suede interiors (or emblazoned with a bee or a snake), this one for Cruise 2016 comes made entirely of leather, with Blooms (that’s Gucci-speak for the geranium floral Michele is so fond of) printed onto the leather. Available in Emerald Green or Ruby Red, the Dionysus Blooms bags are sized 30 cm across by 21 cm (a smaller one comes in at 28 cm by 17 cm), a good size for a city bag for one on the go.

GUCCI

If that, however, is much too subdued for you (I did say the bags were all statement pieces in their own right), how about the Dionysus Arabesque? The detailed design is first cut out of leather before it is sewn onto the GG Supreme Canvas for a bag that’s not only a guaranteed head-turner but one that would work well with any modern minimalist outfit as well. Besides the Black, there’s also another in Hibiscus Red that I do think is perfect given the seasonal festivities that are coming up soon.

Next, there’s a full leather sling that while is pretty simple looking, comes detailed with a tiger head clasp that must be derived from another antique that inspired Michele. Available in solid hues or dual-tones, which I have a snapshot of over on Instagram.

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Last but not least, the unisex leather tote from Gucci’s Cruise 2016 collection that I absolutely love. Available in a variety of sizes (the ones above are described as XL and measures 35.5 cm wide by 38 cm in height), I know that the smaller ones do come with an extra shoulder sling, which instantly makes it even more useful as a messenger of sorts.

While I don’t have the full list of prices yet, these bags (along with the RTW, shoes and accessories) have gradually started appearing on Gucci’s shelves in Singapore, so either stay tuned for more updates here or head down to Gucci’s boutiques at Marina Bay Sands, Ngee Ann City and Paragon and have a look for yourself. But let no one touch the large leather tote in Black, it has my name written all over it.

Images: Gucci

YOU SHOULD SEE: Gucci GG Blooms SLG Collection
YOU SHOULD SEE: Gucci: Alessandro Michele’s F/W15 Collection Launches

View DIRECTORY to find GUCCI in Singapore