Presenting its Cruise 2026 show, Italian luxury brand Gucci chose Florence as the location, the city where the brand was founded in 1921. Famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence continues to hold lasting importance for the brand, not only as its place of origin but also as a symbol of renewal. This event, thus, created a link between Gucci’s history and its present, taking place in the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni, home of the Gucci Archive.
The collection, titled Gucci Is Florence, Florence Is Gucci, captured the deep link between the brand and the city. And the show reflected this idea through a balance of history and modernity, combining archival references with contemporary silhouettes.
Gucci’s Cruise 2026 collection draws inspiration from multiple decades by combining minimal and maximal design features. The silhouette features structured shoulders alongside lean, flowing lines that transition smoothly from daywear to eveningwear. Materials are a significant aspect of the collection. Florence’s reputation as a textile hub is reflected in the use of brocades, jacquards, silks, velvets, and lace that are layered, embroidered, and enhanced with strass for depth.
The GG Monogram appears throughout the collection, while a bold, single G symbol is reimagined and placed on belt buckles, shoe heels, and inlays. Leather goods, a key part of Gucci’s identity, are presented in both archive-inspired forms and new, softer constructions. Highlights include a casual version of the half-Horsebit design and a vanity-style bag.
A new handbag, the Gucci Giglio, is introduced as a tribute to the city of Florence. Named after the giglio, the Italian word for lily and the city’s medieval emblem, the bag is already available for purchase.
Gucci also revealed a high jewelry collaboration with Pomellato. The collection, titled Monili, meaning “jewels” in Italian, reflects a shared design philosophy between the two houses. Inspired by Pomellato designs from 1984, the jewelry combines leather, gold, and pavé diamonds in detailed pieces, including a necklace and minaudière shown during the presentation.
Throughout the collection, Gucci highlights the idea of sprezzatura, an effortless, natural approach to dressing. This concept, rooted in Renaissance courtiers and still present in Italian culture today, shaped the styling and tone of the show.
Instead of a traditional runway finale, Gucci chose to take the show outside. Models walked from the palazzo into the piazza, allowing the collection to flow back into the city that inspired it. The House returned to the streets, absorbed back into Florence for the beginning of a new journey.
The collection seemed to be a re-edition of its past few collections that seem to take a bit from each of Gucci’s different eras. As Demna is set to take reins of the Italian brand, we are excited to see what the designer will bring to the fashion house. His first collection for Gucci will be revealed in September 2025.
