Italian luxury brand Gucci artfully makes another transition statement under new creative director Sabato De Sarno. Yes, we see the changes, but it’s an evolution that’s not trying to burn bridges built by Alessandro Michele.

The changes at Burberry represent a definitive statement around course correction in the eyes of management and stockholders. This is not the case at Gucci.

Fashion photographer Harley Weir [IG] captures models Adarsh Jaikarran, Aivita Mūze, Indira Scott, Kevon Adonis Gyamfi, Pierce Abernathy and Sora Choi styled by Mel Ottenberg. Art direction comes from Charles Levai and Kevin Tekinel. / Hair by Mustafa Yanaz; makeup by Diane Kendal

We see major emphasis on accessories, which is the correct path. Gucci expands the narrative:

“Icons of the House such as the Jackie 1961 and the Horsebit 1955 are presented in woven raffia with leather details. The refined combination of textures is repeated on a timeless classic, the Horsebit loafers, declined in soothing earth tones. Weather it’s a weekend getaway or a long-haul holiday, the curated selection envisions solutions to travel in comfort and style. Jumbo GG leather duffle and tote bags of different sizes and colors from the Gucci Valigeria selection combine the House’s beloved motifs with its heritage, creativity, and innovation.”

In a new annual report — Kearney’s Circular Fashion Index — Gucci again has the top spot, joined by Burberry, Coach, Louis Vuitton and Moncler as the top five luxury labels who are exhibiting “an unwavering commitment to fashion circularity.” Robb Report wrote:

This year, the company assessed 200 global brands across 20 countries, splitting them into six categories: premium and affordable luxury, mass market, fast fashion, sports and outdoor, and underwear and lingerie. Each brand’s circularity performance was scored based on seven aspects that affect clothing longevity. The index also looked at the percentage of recycled fabrics used to make new products, the promotion of circularity in brand communication, secondhand sales, rental services, and the upcycling of returned garments. Each aspect was given a score between one and 10 and then those figures were added up for the company’s overall score.

On top 10 global rankings, Gucci appeared again in the fifth position. We’ll drill down further on this report.