For me, clothes are an atlas of emotions,” says Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s creative director. “With each piece, I tried to map out what was in my head.” Four collections into his role at the storied Italian house, Michele is referring to his spring/summer 2016 showing: an ultra-bright, joy-inducing parade of vintage-y, romantic-intellectual pieces, including ruffed blouses and dresses, shiny knits, boldly hued lace, graphic mixed prints, embroideries, appliqués and more, all with a ’70s slant.
Before taking the helm at Gucci, Michele had worked there as an in-house designer for 12 years and has demonstrated a respect for heritage (see his geeky-luxe takes on mainstays such as loafers and eyewear). But he’s taken a sharp turn from the overt sexiness of Tom Ford’s reign, and from the more understated style…