The show was staged at the historic Palazzo Settimanni in the heart of Florence, home to the Gucci Archive, representing the House’s legacy: The Gucci of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Just like Gucci, revealing itself in full bloom for this cruise collection, the city’s name, derived from Latin, also means “to blossom”. This marks one of many full-circle moments surrounding the cruise show. The collection draws on Florence’s rich history as a center of textile craftsmanship since the Middle Ages, showcasing a dynamic blend of minimalism and maximalism across fashion eras, brought to life through luxurious materials like brocade, jacquard, silk, velvet, and lace.

The GG Monogram and a reinvented single G added modern and bold graphic touches, while silhouettes featured structured, oversized shoulders balanced by sleek, fluid lines for effortless day-to-night transitions. Gucci’s leather heritage was honored through archival designs and reimagined pieces like the half-Horsebit and vanity-style bags: For example the Gucci Giglio Bag, inspired by Florence’s lily emblem, debuted with immediate availability. Jewelry highlights included Monili, a high jewelry line co-created with Pomellato, featuring leather, gold, and pavé diamonds, inspired by 1984 archives.

In its entirety, the collection captures the essence of sprezzatura, Gucci’s hallmark of effortless elegance, and underscores its continued commitment to a cinematic, character-focused narrative.

To end with breaking the tradition and looking forward to new beginnings with creative director Demna Gvasalia, the show concluded not on the runway but in the open: models walked out into a Florentine piazza, symbolizing Gucci’s reentry into the city, a gesture of gratitude, renewal, and continued evolution. The show ended as a celebration of Gucci’s heritage and its enduring bond with Florence.