Gucci’s triumphant return to Florence is a love letter in lace and leather
Gucci returned to Florence not just to show a collection, but to stage a moment—an elegant, full-circle homecoming that felt less like a runway show and more like a cinematic love letter to the city that shaped it. Held at the historic Palazzo Settimanni, the Cruise 2026 presentation embraced the past with arms wide open, weaving together centuries of craft, culture, and pure fashion glamour. It was clear from the first look: Gucci isn’t reminiscing. It’s thriving in this nostalgia.
There’s something deeply assured about this new chapter for the House—post-Sabato, but firmly planted in its heritage. The collection moved between eras and moods with ease: richly embroidered brocades gave way to lean, sharply tailored silhouettes; diaphanous lace layered over silks felt at once regal and rebellious. The styling was sharp but unforced, with that signature Italian sprezzatura—the kind of effortlessness that takes serious intention. Accessories stood out as statements in their own right: the Gucci Giglio bag (a nod to Florence’s emblematic lily) was both poetic and practical, and the new high jewellery collaboration with Pomellato brought a tactile, jewel-box richness to the collection’s softer edge.
But perhaps the most powerful moment came at the end, when models drifted out of the palazzo and into the city streets, Gucci folding seamlessly back into the city that birthed it. There was no need for theatrics—just Florence, fashion, and the quiet confidence of a House that knows exactly who it is.
Below, the very best looks to draw on for the season ahead.
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