The Sheer, The Bold and The Opulent ... Gucci SS2014

I have a feeling that Frida Giannini is taking her Gucci woman’s image to a higher notch – feminine and graceful, yet tough and a true rock star or diva in her own right.

While the opening ensemble – triangular bra with mesh three-quartered sleeves tee, floral print skirt and black strappy sandals – could have caused a faint wave of gasp among the audience, rest assured anyone with a pair of arcane eyes in fashion would agree that the collection is akin to an open invitation, inviting Gucci die-hard fans to be bold, sporty and free-spirited for the upcoming spring/summer.

Sheer is the order of the day for Giannini’s spring/summer collection, be it from the trousers right to the triangular bra tops. While lucidity in some culture – Asian, especially - is something that is traditionally associated with lewdness, the collection’s transparency begs to differ. 

Rather, it eludes the allusion of subtle sexiness, opulence and sensuality, especially when paired with floral prints and matte surfaces.

Case in point: A lucid black front-zipped top with ribbed-cuffs on the long sleeves and glistening cross-cut floral appliqué on the front, paired with harem pants in similar style.

Colour wise, the collection’s working palette is dominated by orange and black with sprinkles of purple, yellow, green, burgundy and blue. 

Moreover, the omnipresent floral prints that appear on the pieces are more or less, similar to the ones that appeared in the last spring/summer collection – a cross cut of a flower’s interior.

Apart from the dominant sheerness, the relaxed silhouettes of the 70s are also abundant within this collection and they are present in the forms of belted printed long-sleeved top with matching long pants; translucent printed top with elongated sleeves; and glistening kimono top with sequined floral print, just to list a few.

As the show commences, more redux confections are revealed, thus bringing the spectators back to the good ol’ days of Studio 54. In other words, these dazzling pieces are enough to bring out the inner rock stars in you. 

What’s more, they are also enriched with astounding and meticulously hand-embellished embellishments that would remind you of Cher’s eccentric yet trendsetting stage outfits crafted by Bob Mackie during her Sonny & Cher heydays.

Accompanying the vivacious and liberated looks are fringed handbags in suede, luxe tasselled clutch in crocodile leather, and a selection of high-heeled strappy sandals in various materials.

Gucci spring/summer 2014 ready-to-wear collection will be available at Gucci stores and select department stores worldwide starting early next year.

*Photos by style.com

Gucci - Lot No. : 2.21.00 & 3.23.00, Level 2&3, Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; G37, Ground Level, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre 50088 Kuala Lumpur.