Some of the world's greatest masterpieces are littered with symbols and signs. Snakes, rabbits, dogs, crows, goldfinches, peaco*cks and parrots—with their hidden meanings —can be spotted in the works of Titian, Raphael, Goya, Hirst and Da Vinci. In the modern era, we have witnessed this kind of symbolism within another artistic form: Fashion.
Gucci, in particular, is a fashion house with animal symbols interwoven into many of their collections. The man behind these symbols and Gucci's design vision is Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. While symbols have appeared inGuccicollections for decades, Michele's fascination with "nature's physical and spiritual beauty" has undoubtedly taken these motifs to another level.
Michele was appointed as Creative Director of Gucci in 2015 and has since upturned the brand, bringing new life, invigoration, and an increase in revenue.
His appointment was considered a risky move by the fashion community, despite him being part of the fashion house since 2002. Michele climbed the ranks, becoming Leather Goods Director in 2006 and Associate to the Creative Director in 2011, before taking on the prestigious role of Creative Director.
His work aimed to breathe life into the brand while bridging the past and the present. One consistency is his use of flora and fauna throughout his work: "Appearing in every collection is a thriving world of animals and plants, including the snakes, tiger, cat and bee—first seen in Gucci ready-to-wear from the 70s." This love was incited by his father, who he described as a sort of shaman, deeply passionate about nature.
Michele's passion and connection to the brand runs deep. He often draws on the fashion house's archives and past collections, noting that "Gucci's historical archive is an incredible treasure: it is full of codes, images, icons and artifacts that created the glorious past of the brand."
Let's take a look at a few of the animals appearing across Michele's coveted collections and delve into what they all mean.
Why Does Gucci Have a Bee Logo?
Why Does Gucci Have a Snake Symbol?
The black, white and red stripes of the Kingsnake are one of Gucci's most striking animal symbols. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed snakes symbolise wisdom and knowledge and elsewhere "signify a mixture of power, sensuality and seduction."
About the Gucci Tiger Symbol
The powerful tiger, appearing across Gucci suits, bags, sneakers, jewellery and cushion covers, is referenced frequently in Asian cultures. The proclaimed "lord of the mountains" represents strength and bravery.
Gucci's Butterfly
Like a butterfly, Gucci underwent a metamorphosis when Michele became Creative Director. The butterfly, both colourful and beautiful, is known as a symbol of Gucci's past and present, appearing in its original flora print.
What Does the Gucci Lion Mean?
The lion, appearing on patches and Gucci accessories, is heralded as the "king of the jungle" and symbolises authority and command—the epitome of strength.
Visit Gucci's digital storybook to learn more about these and other iconic symbols.
While you’re here, check out this mascara tutorial, courtesy of Gucci.
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Author Bio:
Jennifer Palframan
Jen is a South Africa born, Sydney-based lifestyle writer and blogger. She is a long-time word lover and storyteller—passionate about travel, tech, fashion, and food.
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2 Comments
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of fashion and symbolic artistry, particularly within the realm of Gucci, let me establish my expertise by delving into the rich tapestry of Alessandro Michele's design philosophy. My knowledge spans not only the surface interpretations of symbols but extends to the historical context, the evolution of these motifs, and the creative genius behind their incorporation.
Alessandro Michele, the Creative Director of Gucci since 2015, stands as a transformative force within the fashion industry. His vision is rooted in a profound appreciation for nature's beauty, a theme that pervades his work through the extensive use of flora and fauna. Michele's journey within Gucci, from Leather Goods Director in 2006 to Creative Director in 2015, is a testament to his in-depth understanding of the brand's heritage and his commitment to breathing new life into its identity.
Central to Michele's design language are animal symbols, each imbued with layers of meaning. The bumblebee, a motif dating back to the 70s, signifies nobility in European culture. Michele's debut collection in 2015 featured the humble worker bee, intertwining tradition with modernity.
The Kingsnake, characterized by black, white, and red stripes, represents wisdom and knowledge according to ancient Greek and Roman beliefs. In a broader context, it symbolizes a potent blend of power, sensuality, and seduction.
The majestic tiger, a recurrent theme in Gucci's collections, draws from Asian cultures where it symbolizes strength and bravery. Michele seamlessly weaves this symbol into suits, bags, sneakers, jewelry, and cushion covers.
A transformative element in Michele's era is the butterfly, representing Gucci's metamorphosis under his creative direction. This symbol, with its vibrant colors, mirrors the brand's past and present, manifested in the original flora print.
The lion, symbolizing authority and command, is featured on patches and accessories, embodying strength and regality. This symbol, heralded as the "king of the jungle," underscores Gucci's authority in the fashion realm.
Michele's approach involves a deep dive into Gucci's historical archive, treating it as a treasure trove of codes, images, icons, and artifacts that contribute to the brand's glorious past. His ability to bridge the past and the present, coupled with his personal connection to nature, breathes authenticity into Gucci's design ethos.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Gucci's digital storybook offers a comprehensive exploration of these iconic symbols. The narrative unfolds, revealing the intricate layers of meaning woven into each design, providing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados a deeper understanding of the artistry behind Gucci's symbolic language.
