Fashion History at Cannes
Salma Hayek debuts new Gucci couture collection
While some major design houses are abandoning the high-end couture business and such couture stalwarts as Christian Lacroix are in financial disarray, Gucci is jumping in to fill the void. The Italian fashion house debuted its very first couture gown from the new Gucci Première collection on the red carpet at the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival.
At the premiere of the movie, Robin Hood, actress Salma Hayek wore a floor-length Bordeaux silk one-shoulder draped gown with red crystal embroidery designed by Gucci creative director Frida Giannini.
Of course, Hayak would look in a burlap sack, so it's hard to quibble with the design, although it lacks some of the intricate detailing that is the hallmark of a couture gown.
But we can't wait to see Giannini's other couture efforts, which are sure to show up on the red carpet soon. (In recent years, Gucci had abandoned red carpet fashion, but the new couture collection indicates the company wants a piece of the action — and the publicity that comes with it.)
According to reports, Gucci won’t show the collection at the Paris couture shows in July; instead it will be sold by appointment only. Check with the Galleria boutique for details.
