Alessandro Michele is known for his star-making power – the creative mastermind behind Gucci has single-handedly orchestrated some of the brand’s most exciting projects, from their recent Love Parade fashion show in Los Angeles, which saw him turn Hollywood Boulevard into a runway, to their much-lauded Shoreditch pop-up, Gucci Circolo. Now the Italian luxury house has set its sights on emerging talent, launching a roster of 12 new jewellery designers as part of its Gucci Vault experimental online space. Â
Following Michele’s recent commitment to champion rising talent, he has hand-picked a dozen of the most exciting new names in jewellery to create capsule collections for Vault – the brand’s new online concept store that debuted at Milan Fashion Week in September – allowing them to express themselves with highly personal pieces for the house. The names he’s chosen are: Seb Brown, Mondo Mondo, Bernard James, Bleue Burnham, Charlotte Chesnais, Georgia Kemball, Martine Ali, Rebekah Kosonen Bide, Fraser Hamilton, Castro Smith, Tétier, and Elie Top.
Among those featured, particular highlights come from London-based Bleue Burnham, best known for his jewel-encrusted rings made out of recycled materials; fellow Londoner Georgia Kemball, whose ethereal pieces draw on magic, mythology and mysticism; Castro Smith, whose richly detailed signet rings are sold in Dover Street Market; and Rebekah Kosonen Bide, who creates opulent talismanic pieces inspired by Christian Lacroix and the costume jewellery worn by her grandmother. Most importantly, all of the designers chosen by Michele have a story to tell.
To accompany the new roster of talent in the Vault, the fashion house has also announced its fourth drop of pre-owned Gucci pieces, taken deep from within the archives. Each of the items has been chosen by Michele himself, along with Gucci’s archivists, and has been specially restored and reconditioned, bringing back to life several one-of-a-kind pieces – previous drops have included original printed silk scarves, iconic GG-emblazoned bags and vintage ready-to-wear looks.Â
To shop the capsule collection in full, visit vault.gucci.com
