House of Gucci
Courtsey of The Indian Express
Written By: Natalie Psyhogeos
It all starts with a glimpse at the glistening Gucci belt, transporting you to the golden era of 1970s Milan. But in this movie, that iconic double G buckle represents an infamous family and its struggle to maintain global power.
Courtesy of Gucci
Fashion fans have been long awaiting the Ridley Scott fashion flick that details the rise and fall of the Gucci family empire. Lady Gaga stars as the striking Patrizia Reggiani who marries into the Gucci family courtesy of Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver.
Courtesy of TIME Magazine
The Italian luxury brand was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, who later turned his thrown over to son Aldo. Al Pacino takes on Aldo’s persona, who is responsible for transforming the Florentine leather store into an international couture powerhouse. During the course of the film, the vivacious Reggiani persuades her husband to take over the company through buying each family member’s shares, starting with Aldo Gucci, Maurizio’s uncle. All know the cautionary tale to not mix family and business, which could have been modeled after the Guccis. For all those wanting a crime-filled, soapy fashion exposé, look no further than House of Gucci.
Courtesy of TIME Magazine
Enough with the heavy, let’s talk fashion! The style in this movie was impeccable, it was Gucci-glorified film after all. Janty Yates, the costume designer, stitched together more than 500 costumes for the production. Her previous work in films like Gladiator won her an Oscar, so Yates was extremely prepared to take on the assignment of a lifetime, resurrecting the legacy of the Gucci family. Yates had to research photographs to animate each character’s style in addition to tracking the evolution of the brand itself. Reggiani, for example, begins the film in a simple figure-hugging green dress and heels to show off in front of her father’s construction workers. But once her dominance in the Gucci family is known, confidence oozes from her being through the outrageous 80s jewelry, synched canvas coats, and bodacious ski gear. For admirers of the Italian clan, the Gucci museum in Florence spews inspiration, to which Yates utilized for her vision, with its patterned walls and 1920s artifact pieces.
Courtesy of Gucci Museo
Although cult followers of Gucci may enjoy this film, many are not pleased, including the Gucci family. Several Gucci members called the film “inaccurate” and “baffling” in an interview with The New York Times. Nonetheless, since the motion picture’s release, sales for Gucci skyrocketed and web searches increased by 270%, according to Wethrift. It also draws attention to the brand relaunching both its Bamboo and The Jackie 1961 collections, accentuating Gucci’s classic goods.
Therefore, time will tell if the controversy surrounding House of Gucci will be as dramatic as the plot itself. In the meantime, support your local movie theater by watching it on the big screen this holiday season.