Vogue’s best looks from the Gucci and Versace spring/summer 2024 shows

Gucci SS24

10-word show review: Sabato de Sarno’s highly-anticipated debut at the storied Italian maison.
Designer: Sabato de Sarno
Location: Gucci Headquarters

The vision: Most might remember the news of  Alessandro Michele’s departure from Gucci—an announcement that came in November of 2022. After his appointment in 2015, Michele had quickly become synonymous with the Italian maison, titillating audiences with all things avant garde and ostentatious. The unveiling of his successor at Gucci was a long awaited one and just two months later, designer Sabato de Sarno was named the brand’s new creative director. Walking into the show space in Milan, it was almost impossible not to feel a wave of impending excitement and wonder. With  a room awash in red and celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Ryan Gosling, Kendall Jenner and Hanni in attendance, there were elements that hinted at the direction of de Sarno’s debut.

The vibe: “It’s a story of joy of life, of passion, of humanity, of people, of real life, of irreverent glamour, of provocation, of confidence, of simplicity, of immediate feelings and emotions, of a specific type of art, of words,  words in artworks, words in pictures, words in spaces, just words. A story of richness and lust and desire, of red but also blue and green, of flash, of spontaneity, of light, of a party at the first light of day,” elaborates Gucci. Indeed, it was an amalgamation of all these things. With the rain forcing the show to move indoors (and to be hosted at the brand’s headquarters), the dichotomy and the novelty of the afternoon was that much more resounding.

Signature silhouettes: Contemporary, classic, clean—these are the words best used to describe the first few looks that made their way down the runway and by proxy, set the scene. A blazer, shorts and platform loafer look broke the seal. Following it was an equally simple white mini dress with pockets, paired with platforms in a similar hue. Gucci embossing found itself on barely-there babydoll dresses and knee-length skirts (the latter with attached shorts to account for its high, sharp slit) sparkling embellishment found themselves on the Horsebit, dresses, tops, and even collars. Gucci’s propensity for drama, under de Sarno, was presented in considered pockets—wearable and at the heart of the woman. What’s probably slightly unclear is just who exactly the Gucci woman is right now and it’s clear that the world is hoping to see her come to bloom in the next few seasons.

Versace ss24

10-word show review: High-octane playfulness and glamour with colour and contrast.
Designer: Donatella Versace
Location: Viale Sarca

The vision: Youth, confidence and city life were some of the pivotal focal points for Versace’s spring/summer 2024 show. Showgoers walked into a sprawling set with checkered tiles, complete with projections across the walls–grand and contemporary all at once. The runway, as far as Milan Fashion Week goes, was the longest attendees had seen and celebrities like Demi Moore and Cole Sprouse graced the event—the former with her tiny pup in tow and fashion designer Kim Jones on her arm.

The vibe: Versace’s co-ed runway was equally as star-studded. Supermodels Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Vittoria Ceretti boasted the season’s most dynamic designs. Interspersed between them were trios of models in a host of pastels walking in unison, reminiscent of some of the recognisable scenes from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s Barbie. In press notes, Versace affirms the spirit of the season: “The Versace woman is free and vibrant. The Versace man is confident and daring.”

Signature silhouettes: And vibrant, confident and daring it was. Playful and directional all at once, the brand’s latest offerings are not for the wallflower. Anchored by pastel yellows, greens, blues and pinks, the collection hones in on key codes. Lace and metal find themselves intertwined; the Versace Constrasto checkerboard finds new life and sleek finishes are achieved through newly-developed techniques and satin. As for some of the line ups key looks as well as our favourites?)= The cotton coat with Medusa buttons as seen with Look 2, the checkerboard silk dress as seen with Look 6 and the denim with pearl and metal denim jacket as seen with Look 39.