The Runway Sniper #30

Gucci Spring Summer 2010 Menswear

Frida Giannini knows what her Gucci man represents...youth, exuberance, flamboyance, hedonistic individuals who knows how to enjoy life while working hard. This season, this Gucci man balances work and play with a healthy dose of sporting edge. Sauntering down the runway of Gucci's Spring Summer 2010 Menswear Collection, inspirations are derived from sports such as scuba diving and kitesurfing. We see outfits with a fusion of nylon, cotton, leather and rubberised looking croc and python, ready to sweat it out on those able-bodied Gucci men. Fabulous parkas, bikers jackets and windbreakers are a staple in the collection.

On a more formal side, we see pristine white jacquard suits paired with colourful ethnic Kilim shirts that adds zest and a sense of worldly travel. Colours of bright whites, electric blue, iridescent pink and summery yellows suggest a vibrant and adventurous spirit of the Frida's Gucci men .

Clothes wise, the silhouette is perfect, streamlined and sporty, nothing too radical and yet nothing too safe. A very wearable collection that will guarantee healthy finances for Gucci. Wearability has always been the basis of Frida's tenure at Gucci. The positive sales figures amongst the other weaker Gucci owned brands are evidence for the success of her designs, especially during these trying times.

However, much as I applaud the ready to wear pieces, what turns me off are the bag designs. In my opinion, a half baked effort that relied too much on recurring designs, while lacking imagination and surprise. Most were either under or over-designed. The only saving grace are the midnight-blue matte croc skin tote and duffel bag that is of bearable mention.

Same can be spoken on the other accessories such as belts and necklaces. Equally a letdown. Use of boring branding as a main design element quickly plunge them into territories of tacky and mundane. Shoes border on copying, as seen on the multi-coloured/leather loafers (Prada SS2008?) and strappy high cut trainers (Kris Van Assche?).

Mixed feelings were had upon viewing the collection. Perhaps seeing these when they arrive in stores might help change my opinion.

Source: www.men.style.com