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26 GUCCI: BACK TO CLASSIC FINDING OUR EQUILIBRIUM ENJOY THE SILENCE ALESSANDRO MICHELE G ucci turns back the clock, giving us a modern take on classic designs from its archives. The timeless Sylvie 1969 top-handle handbag, with its soft construction and iconic shape, adds another layer of sophistication with exotic skins — crocodile in black, red and green; ostrich in bright green and orange; python; and snakeskin with a cobra print. Homesick for travel? The Gucci 1955 Horsebit handbag has been reintroduced as a small duffel in a wide range of colors. The Ultrapace R, Gucci's latest running sneaker — hence, the "R" — is sold in various colorations for both men and women, including a mismatched pair in neon yellow and hot pink with reflective trim. gucci.com. Steven Hempel O n the streets and on our screens, we live in a world of constant change. For many, it marks an opportunity to move to a better place. For others, it's an unwelcome circumstance that threatens our tranquility. However you feel, Gucci continues to embrace its role as a thought leader and progressive voice in the fashion world. In June, the fashion house unveiled its Gucci Equilibrium initiative on Instagram (instagram.com/ gucciequilibrium) and revamped its online presence, equilibrium.gucci.com, originally launched in 2018. The latest campaign promotes continued environmental efforts through increased sustainability initiatives while encouraging dialogue, shared experiences, and ideas that are aimed at creating a fair, just, and equitable world for all. We're reminded that the world is far from a perfect place and that big ideas take time, effort, and people to grow and sustain. Towards this goal, Gucci continues to lead by example in both thought and action. To that, we simply say: Thank you. Steven Hempel A s creative director of Gucci, Alessandro Michele has released excerpts of his diario on Instagram while fashion brands both large and small begin navigating new landscapes. His words lay out in very raw terms the physical and emotional impacts of recent times. Like a hamster spinning on a wheel, we all seem to be constantly chasing something … but are we getting there? Entitled Notes from the Silence, the missive puts forth a new ethos for the brand. Noting the fragility of life, the harm we've done to our environment, and the constant drive for more, reflected in greed, that has come to characterize the fashion world, Michele calls for change. That change will be felt most dramatically in the fashion calendar as Gucci moves from five annual shows to two. "I will abandon the worn-out ritual of seasonalities and shows to regain a new cadence, closer to my expressive call," writes Michele from Rome. "We will meet just twice a year, to share the chapters of a new story. Irregular, joyful and absolutely free chapters, which will be written blending rules and genres, feeding on new spaces, linguistic codes and communication platforms. And beyond." Closing optimistically, Michele looks toward the return of embraces, his still- burning passion for fashion, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us. I have a feeling it's a sentiment we all share. Steven Hempel Gucci Ultrapace R running sneaker Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele COURTESY OF GUCCI Gucci Sylvie 1969 bag