Gucci Resort 2024 Debuts at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Following suit from Dior and Louis Vuitton, Gucci’s runway debut in the South Korean capital cements the city as the emerging sweetheart of high fashion. The country’s increasing influence in the world of the Arts cannot be understated; the South Korean luxury fashion market is one of the fastest growing globally, and with many Western fashion houses embracing K-Pop icons as their ambassadors it is obvious that Seoul has firmly situated itself as the global cultural zeitgeist.

The Resort 2024 collection was designed by Gucci’s in house team, forming the final collection before Sabato de Sarno takes the reins as Creative Director for the Italian fashion house. It is therefore unsurprising that the collection delved into previous epochs of the brand. The collection brimmed with clear nods to both Alessandro Michele’s pearl embellishments and eclectic accessories, as well as Tom Ford’s signature design styles: notably the horse bit clutches carried by models. The collection summarised its recent history whilst simultaneously looking to the future, and above all else embracing the sensibilities of the city.

Models walked down the runway in garments inspired by Seoul’s past and present, the influence of South Korean street style was evident in the boxy silhouettes and superb tailoring, whilst bows inspired by the traditional hanbok were reimagined on sheer dresses, tailored coats and neoprene zipped tops.

Neoprene featured heavily in the collection serving as a sleek twist to the sartorial choices and adding unexpected points of interest to otherwise elegant and classic shapes.

The show was current, wearable and felt to be exciting melding of the East and the West. We look forward to seeing not only what is next for Gucci under new direction, but also the fashion future of South Korea as it so confidently steps into the main stage.

All images from Vogue Runway

Article by Sophie Thomalla