When Did Alessandro Michele Start at Gucci?

Alessandro Michele, the Italian fashion designer, took the helm of Gucci as its creative director in January 2015. He succeeded Frida Giannini, who had been with the company for over a decade.

Early Days
Michele was born in Rome in 1972 and graduated from Accademia di Costume e di Moda in Rome. He started his career in fashion as an assistant to designer Rome-based designer Sergio Zambonin. Michele later moved to Fendi, where he worked for more than a decade under Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi.

Michele’s Start at Gucci
Michele’s appointment as Gucci’s creative director came as a surprise to many in the industry. At the time of his appointment, he had been working with the brand for over a decade but behind the scenes as head of accessories.

However, it was Michele’s unique vision and passion for fashion that caught the attention of Marco Bizzarri, CEO of Kering (Gucci’s parent company). Bizzarri believed that Michele could bring something new and exciting to Gucci and decided to give him a chance at leading the brand.

Impact on Gucci
Michele’s first collection for Gucci was showcased during Milan Fashion Week in February 2015. The collection was an instant hit among fashion critics and enthusiasts alike. It featured bold prints, bright colors, and intricate embroidery – all of which were a departure from Giannini’s minimalist aesthetic.

Since then, Michele has transformed Gucci into one of the most talked-about luxury brands in the world. He has reimagined the brand’s iconic motifs like double-G monogram and horsebit hardware into contemporary designs that resonate with younger consumers.

Awards and Recognition
Under Michele’s creative direction, Gucci has won numerous awards and accolades. In 2015, he was named International Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. The following year, Gucci won Brand of the Year at the same event.

In 2019, Michele was awarded the Fashion Trailblazer Award at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. He was also listed among Time’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

Conclusion
Alessandro Michele’s arrival at Gucci marked a turning point for the brand. His unique vision and passion for fashion have breathed new life into the brand and made it one of the most exciting labels in luxury fashion today.