FASHION

GUCCI’S EYE OF THE TIGER

JANUARY 4, 2022

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WORDS

by KRISTOPHER FRASER

PHOTOS

COURTESY of GUCCI

Father, son, House of Gucci, and the tiger too. In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, beginning on February 1, Gucci presents Gucci Tigerm a capsule collection of ready-to-wear and accessories, for both men and women, featuring various renditions of tigers, which have long been a signature motif of Gucci under creative director Alessandro Michele’s tenure.

A new print, a reinterpretation of a late 1960s archival design by Vittorio Accornero, the artist and illustrator who created Gucci’s signature Flora design—depicts the tiger against a colorful backdrop of greenery and flowers in a pastel palette. The past meets the present with this new take on the design. 

The print is presented in an all-over variation across the ready-to-wear pieces from outerwear and denim to shirts and dresses. In a more subtle inclusion, it appears in the lining of a trench coat. A tiger and ‘Gucci Tiger’ wording is seen in patch form on jackets, jeans, and knitwear, accompanied by a maxi multicolor monogram, Interlocking G, or the equestrian-inspired Web stripe. An ample range of sweatshirts and T-shirts feature the tiger and logo elements in diverse iterations. On some pieces, the tiger is painted by hand or applied as a patch crafted with artisanal crochet and embroidery techniques, rendering these styles one-of-a-kind.

Prints, patches, and embroideries can also be seen on signature shoe and bag silhouettes, often combined with the GG monogram. Eyewear, silk accessories, and hats round out the Gucci Tiger selection. Watches deserve a special mention as for the first time, the design is eco-friendly in every way starting from the recycled steel case to the dial and strap crafted from the brand’s animal-free Demetra material made primarily from sustainable, renewable, and bio-based raw materials.

Gucci’s Eye of the Tiger

The Gucci Tiger collection comes to life in a campaign conceived by Michele and shot by photographer and director Angelo Pennetta. In a literal reference to the collection’s main motif, actual tigers roam the scenes of the campaign, having joined a group of friends for high tea in various spaces of a luxurious, retro-style hotel. A second part of the campaign starring four special guests will be unveiled later this month.

The special product selection comes with exclusive, themed packaging including a set of coordinated boxes, shoppers, envelopes, and pouches of different shapes and sizes as well as a dedicated label adorned with the all-over Gucci Tiger print. In keeping with Gucci’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, shoppers are made from paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, handles contain 100 percent recycled polyester and are knotted so to avoid the use of glues. Lastly, all ribbons are crafted from 100 percent organic cotton.

 

The collection, launching on January 4, will be showcased in Gucci stores worldwide through dedicated window displays and Pop-Ups. Beginning January 14, Holt Renfrew Yorkdale and Holt Renfrew Vancouver (opening January 17) will both host dedicated pop-up experiences. In the United States, New York Wooster, Chicago Michigan Ave, Las Vegas Forum Shops, Santa Clara Valley Fair, and Manhasset boutiques will feature pop-in creativity to support the Lunar New Year collection.

The dedicated pop-up creativity is inspired by a print of the collection. A portal with an illuminated “Gucci Tiger” sign marks the entrance to the forest-like space. Giant leaves outlined by LED lights form a canopy as the greenery elegantly contrasts with the checkered black and white flooring that distinguishes the space. The location is furnished with matelassé velvet poufs and matching stock bunkers while aged brass racks and shelves are used to display the products, illuminated by chrome spotlights placed on tripods.

Gucci’s Eye of the Tiger