Lila Moss in 'My Roman Empire' Gucci Story by Theo Liu for British Vogue February 2024
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Mom’s Big 50
Model Lila Moss is styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson in a Gucci advertorial ‘My Roman Empire’. Photographer Theo Liu [IG] is behind the lens for British Vogue February 2024./ Hair by Benjamin Muller; makeup by Kali Kennedy
Lila, now 21, was with her mom Kate Moss and friends on a ‘spiritual retreat’ on the private island of Mustique this week. The girl gaggle was celebrating the runup to Kate’s 50th birthday celebration.
Gucci’s Forward Direction
WSJ reflected on Gucci and the brand’s new CEO Jean-Francois Palus, writing that Palus “embodies the severity of the changes: A Frenchman at the head of a company that is as Italian as Chianti, he isn’t yet fluent in the native language, nor does he have a creative background.”
Kering CEO and chairman Francois-Henri Pinault, Gucci’s parent, chose Palus, 62 years old to advance his goal of reinventing Gucci as a more dependable and less vulnerable to shifts in the fashion cycle business.
Palus began his career as an auditor and financial adviser with Arthur Andersen. He then ran the books for the timber division of the conglomerate that would go on to become Kering.
“Gucci thrives when over the top,” Bernstein analyst Luca Solca told WSJ. The “shift to classic makes the collection potentially more commercial, but it also pitches Gucci against more credible incumbents.”
Stiff Competition for Gucci
Can new Gucci really play against Hermès and the rising stars of Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli? Even Dolce & Gabbana is doing old-Hollywood glamour with impressive ‘la dolce glamour’ visual results.
Noteworthy in the 9 percent Kering brands sales drop in third-quarter ending October 31, 2023 was a 21 percent drop in North America.
During the same period LVMH revenues grew 9 percent, with a 16 percent increase at Hermes. Brunello Cucinelli is roaring as we speak.
I was about to say that hope springs eternal in Rome — but Gucci is moving the design studio to Milan. This business has a very hard climb ahead, and our fingers are crossed they can stabilize the truly-iconic Gucci brand. ~ Anne
