Retro Fusion

blazer, shorts & socks GUCCI, shirt BROOKS BROTHERS, tie Stylist's Archive

Alessandro Michele’s Gucci era (2015–2022) was nothing short of a cultural reset in men’s fashion, and it’s the focal point of this PIBE fashion story, featuring mostly archival pieces from his transformative collections. When he took the creative reins, Michele shattered conventions, blending vintage opulence with unapologetic maximalism. His debut collection in Fall/Winter 2015 reimagined masculinity—men walked in silk blouses, lace, and fur-lined loafers, a bold rejection of Gucci’s sleek, sexy past. Michele’s vision wasn’t just about clothing; it was about storytelling, where every piece was an artful clash of eras, colors, and textures.

As his collections evolved, Michele unleashed a fantastical universe for men. By Fall/Winter 2017, his eclectic, gender-fluid approach reached new heights, layering embroidered velvets, sequined suits, and vintage florals in a parade of excess. Whether it was Renaissance-inspired jacquard coats or 70s-inspired wide-leg trousers in Spring/Summer 2019, his pieces felt like relics from an alternate past—mythical, daring, and luxurious. He blurred the lines between the masculine and feminine, offering men the freedom to play with identity and style.

Michele’s final bow, Gucci Cruise 2022, was a love letter to Hollywood glamour and punk rebellion, mixing rhinestone suits and leather harnesses. His archival designs remain iconic today, treasured not just as fashion but as cultural artifacts. He redefined what it meant to dress as a man—transforming Gucci into a symbol of fearless individuality and gender-fluid luxury.

PIBE Team

Left: shirt, shoes & bag GUCCI, jacket & trousers JAC+JACK, tie ZEGNA, earrings Model's Own • Right: shirt, flower, & sunglasses GUCCI, cardigan LOVAAN, earrings Model's Own

Left: jacket GUCCI, turtleneck, shorts & hat Stylist's Archive • Right: cummerbund & scarf GUCCI, blazer & trousers PRADA, shoes MARNI, gloves Stylist's Archive

Left: coat, belt & shoes GUCCI, tights & leg warmers CHUSETTE, tie as headband LANVIN, turtleneck & trousers Stylist’s Archive • Right: jacket & trousers GUCCI, earcuff CONSTANTINA VINTAGE, earrings Model's Own

Left: jeans & belt GUCCI, top BERKLEY shoes MARNI • Right: jacket, bag & shoes GUCCI, leg warmers CHUSETTE, turtleneck & shorts Stylist’s Archive

This PIBE exclusive has been produced by:
Photography / Mathew Stott
Styling / Carlos Mangubat
Models / Flynn @Alt-Cast, Eli @FiveTwenty Model Mgmt,
Tun @FiveTwenty Model Mgmt, Deng @Pricillas, Max S @Pricillas,
Max T @Pricillas, Maximo @Pricillas
Stylist Assistant / Remi Ragusa
Photography Assistants / Zach Dean, Bella Simmons