Discussion: Who Should Be The Creative Director of Gucci?

[HigthaVandah]

They were in talks with Hedi and then went with Vaccarello? There's an insult there, but I'm not sure to whom.

 

[louis]

Reports are saying HEDI SLIMANE is the front runner to take the creative direction at GUCCI.
The source is Repubblica a daily newspaper in Italy.

 

[Salvatore]

This has been the biggest fashion musical chairs session that I can remember !

 

[yslforever]

but is there an actual rumor/intel about AV? or we are just discussions possibilities?...any of the french members know something?...

people attending the show were murmuring it, but the usual actresses so I would not give credit to filler small talks.

 

[yslforever]

Reports are saying HEDI SLIMANE is the front runner to take the creative direction at GUCCI.
The source is Repubblica a daily newspaper in Italy.

Yes several times since February, and last time on March 7th. But this is an Agnelli paper, so I don't think they have certified info ((Ginevra Elkann had to quit Kering's Board because of Exor extension in fashion - Louboutin, Ferrari etc - and potential conflicts of interests between Exor fashion ventures and Kering's)).

 

[FashionPower]

It takes guts (or an insane amount of money) to accept to work for the company you sued 10 years ago with the same executive board, I can't see an ego drama queen like Hedi taking free inputs from Bellettini and Cantino and hold a conventional fashion show in Milan with Conde Nast attendees...
However, being Hedi the control freak we all know, his antics would do wonders for Gucci, meaning taking full creative control of the brand (ready to wear, makeup, campaigns, fine jewelry and such). Gucci makeup is irrilevant and so is fine / high jewelry (basically discountinued after Michele's departure).

 

[HigthaVandah]

I'd expect the limiting factor to be the egos at Gucci corporate, not Hedi's ego. He sued and won, and it's not difficult to believe he'd do it again if he "needed" to. If anything, Kerring seriously considering Hedi sounds like a huge ego boost for Hedi.

Imagine the Gucci thread being full of complaints about clothing instead of complaints about dancing.

 

[Salvatore]

I'd expect the limiting factor to be the egos at Gucci corporate, not Hedi's ego. He sued and won, and it's not difficult to believe he'd do it again if he "needed" to. If anything, Kerring seriously considering Hedi sounds like a huge ego boost for Hedi.

Imagine the Gucci thread being full of complaints about clothing instead of complaints about dancing.

Agreed. If they indeed hired Hedi, for them to basically grovel at his feet after all this time to fix their biggest brand ... his ego and paycheck are probably both astronomical after it.

 

[style_expert]

I agree, and we also don’t know the terms under which Hedi parted ways with LVMH recently (or whether he has indeed parted ways with them at all). I think the Arnaults are clever enough to have ensured that his departure wasn’t on bad terms.
But with many ego's in the room, we simply don't know. I think they could offer him Fendi at some point but I'm not sure how much that would interest him with Silvia still there...

For whatever reason, Hedi was bypassed for both Chanel and Dior. So, if Hedi is still interested in a new creative director role, Gucci could be the perfect opportunity for some sweet revenge.
Or if we're talking longer term, maybe Armani.
Or he can go back to his black and white photography of course!

 

[Grets]

I can only see Hedi going back to Kering if he can work with the CEO. Cantino previously was at LV overseeing brand image, communications, merchandising. If Hedi and Cantino are able to work together it's possible.

I really can't see Vacarello designing for a handbag/accessory heavy brand like Gucci. No bags on his runways, I think he despises this side of fashion. YSL bags/accessories are still mainly a rehash of Hedi's designs anyways. Walk into any YSL store. Even though they have tried to make some merchandising changes, it's still Hedi to its core.

 

[carla56]

Here Fashionmagazine.it an italian serious magazine about finance in fashion,is saying that they want to split the creative direction, one creative director just for the runway, and a team for the stores collection, so they are not depending just on one person. All this is so distant from what Hedi would accept. The title also says “waiting for the 13th March”… so maybe tomorrow we could have double announcement in two of the most iconic italian brands! yayyyy

 

[LadyJunon]

Here Fashionmagazine.it an italian serious magazine about finance in fashion,is saying that they want to split the creative direction, one creative director just for the runway, and a team for the stores collection, so they are not depending just on one person. All this is so distant from what Hedi would accept. The title also says “waiting for the 13th March”… so maybe tomorrow we could have double announcement in two of the most iconic italian brands! yayyyy

View attachment 1362880

If they're splitting the runway (image building) from store collections, that heavily implies that they're pulling from Saint Laurent, if not transferring AV himself.

 

[Salvatore]

I am so tired.
I really hope these appointments are made with longevity in mind, not just short term thinking.

 

[HigthaVandah]

So the runway will be totally disconnected from the store at Gucci? Is that really the way to bring the brand back? It sounds like a way to sell fragrances... But Gucci fragrances are owned (or licensed?) by Coty...

 

[Olaffo]

According to this article 50% would be classical products kind of permanent collection and 50% will be fashion products (runway collection). They basically want to implement what LV did years ago and what worked out for them.

 

[LadyJunon]

According to this article 50% would be classical products kind of permanent collection and 50% will be fashion products (runway collection). They basically want to implement what LV did years ago and what worked out for them.

Oh, that makes much more sense.

 

[FashionPower]

So avantgarde designs to Spice up the fashion conversation and please Anna Wintour and Stylenotcom + have a privileged stage to display new bags while in the stores you will find GG monogram nylon flashy tracksuits a la Alessandro Michele and logo twinsets...great

 

[yslforever]

So the runway will be totally disconnected from the store at Gucci? Is that really the way to bring the brand back? It sounds like a way to sell fragrances... But Gucci fragrances are owned (or licensed?) by Coty...

Until 2028, then it goes back to Gucci (according to the latest annual report).

 

[KilltheLook]

According to this article 50% would be classical products kind of permanent collection and 50% will be fashion products (runway collection). They basically want to implement what LV did years ago and what worked out for them.

Aren't most fashion brands already do that? I rarely see runway pieces in store now for the mass to shop where I live (and I live in a big city with many flagship/maison boutiques). Most of the runway collection is sold through pre-order (trunk show/preview) and stores are stocked with basic/commercial pieces. From a merchandiser's perspective, this is perfect because the average consumer won't care about a beaded jacket but would splurge on a bag.

Dries is the only brand I can think of that almost produce everything and carry them in the boutiques (but most are sold out the day they came anyway).

 

[Xone]

Here Fashionmagazine.it an italian serious magazine about finance in fashion,is saying that they want to split the creative direction, one creative director just for the runway, and a team for the stores collection, so they are not depending just on one person. All this is so distant from what Hedi would accept. The title also says “waiting for the 13th March”… so maybe tomorrow we could have double announcement in two of the most iconic italian brands! yayyyy

View attachment 1362880

let's wake up early tomorrow kids...lol