All Eyes On The Gucci Flagship

Jalan Bukit Bintang was soaked in rain, fell heavily upon the city last Thursday evening. Albeit the heavy shower may kill just anyone’s mood to move around the town, it did not dampen my spirit to attend one of the most anticipated events of the year – the grand launch of Gucci flagship store at Pavilion KL.

Held on the third floor of Couture Pavilion, the intimate evening was participated by celebrities, Gucci fans, and media members alike. As a tribute to Gucci’s current Russian bohemian rock star look, I decided to bring forth one of its runway looks this season – an all black ensemble with a simple woven pashmina sash with fringed edges tied around my waist. Though I was not the main attraction of the event that evening (even though I was fashionably late), the Gucci people still loved it!

Too bad everyone seemed to be on time these days; hence I missed the front row seats. But never mind, the event space was quite small so I decided to stand and pay a visit into the new retail temple. Now, talking about the new store, all I can say is that the KL flagship store truly mirrors the 14-storey Ginza Flagship or perhaps, the world flagship store at the inevitable Fifth Avenue from the outside. Inside, the air of luxury and contemporariness ruled the spaces with two separate floors connected by a super-modern staircase.

While the waiters made their rounds serving pink mocktails, bubblies, and sumptuous finger deserts to the esteemed guests, the runway show took off. Instead of showcasing the current fall/winter 2008-09 ready-to-wear collection, we were treated to a big surprise – Cruise 2009 ready-to-wear collection for men and women ahead of Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asian cities where the brand is present! Some may call it Cruise, while others choose to call it resort. But like they say, a rose, whatever the colour, scent or size would be, it is still a rose. And so is the Gucci Cruise/Resort collection too.

Staged against the picturesque backdrop of Rome’s Via Condotti oversized sketch in black and white, models beautifully graced the catwalk with the latest pieces from the Cruise/Resort collection for both men and women. Showered in plethora of exciting prints and a liberal juxtaposition of summery colours from earthy terracotta to shades of aquamarine blue, the collection simply represents a laidback of perhaps, a socialite who decided to abandon her hectic city life for happiness in a deserted island.

As usual, Creative Director Frida Giannini drew her references from several renowned style icons who painted the fashion scene with their own take of style. Giannini credited the ever-fabulous New York socialite cum fashion week front-row fixture Lee Radziwill (sister of late Jackie Onassis) for the neat banded coats; the late Talitha Getty for fabulous yet airy gypsy gowns, and Jane Birkin (remember that Hermès bag of the same name?) for thigh-high smocks trimmed with classic Broderie Anglaise.

Giannini even kept the bohemian spirit high by retaining the mood within the Cruise collection. It was literally displayed on the seductive sheer and flowing gypsy gowns with billowing skirts. On the menswear side, sophistication and urbane were the themes of the collection. Though the collection itself is known as Cruise, that does not it should be worn during holiday season or sailing the seven seas aboard the posh cruise liners. After all, with the given hot and humid condition of our climate, it won't be a big surprise to see why Malaysian guys would snapped the Cruise/Resort collection faster than the main Fall/Winter line.

By 9.30 p.m., the fashion show ended with all models making their final moves on the runway and posed for the camera. Even I and my friends did not miss the opportunity to pose for the cameras against that Via Condotti sketch! Somehow, I felt as if I have been transported to Gucci Cruise 2009 show at the 17th century Villa Aurelia in Rome, where the Cruise show was staged.

Therefore, a million thanks to Danielle and Gucci Malaysia team for organizing such a great fashion event, great food and blissful atmosphere.

Gucci’s Cruise 2009 ready-to-wear and accessories collection for him and her will be available at Gucci boutiques next month.

*Photos courtesy of Emileen and Lind Shah.

Gucci Flagship Store – Level 2 and 3, Couture Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.