Casual Grandeur: Sabato De Sarno has entered a bold new era with Gucci SS25
Sabato De Sarno’s SS25 collection for Gucci, Casual Grandeur, was a bold manifesto for the brand’s new era, firmly rooted in its storied past while provocatively pushing it forward. Presented at the Triennale Milano, the show was rooted in colour and texture, each room bathed in hues inspired by a summer sunset, guiding the audience from the crispness of white to the profound allure of Gucci’s signature Rosso Ancora. But for all the talk of capturing fleeting moments, this collection wasn’t about ephemerality. It was about a lasting impact—both sartorial and cultural.
via Gucci
De Sarno’s task is no easy one. Inheriting a house as iconic and emblematic as Gucci comes with the weight of expectation, but Casual Grandeur was an assertive rebuttal to any criticism garnered. This was Gucci refined but not subdued; irreverent but not chaotic. Opening with the sleek precision of tailored trousers grazing sneakers, the collection wove together influences from the 60s, Tom Ford’s slinky 90s glamour, and a contemporary twist on heritage motifs. There was something thrilling in seeing such disparate elements—structured jackets, glossy leathers, delicate lace dresses—merged with effortless fluidity.
via Gucci
What stood out most, though, was the balancing act between luxury and ease. De Sarno tapped into Gucci’s DNA of casual opulence, reworking the Bamboo 1947 bag and drawing on Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style, but it wasn’t about mere homage. The juxtaposition of grand, couture-like coats worn with denim and tank tops was an audacious statement on modern femininity. Who says luxury has to be at odds with ease? With its relaxed silhouettes and meticulous craftsmanship, this collection felt at once laid-back and decadent—a marriage of comfort and couture that is deserving of the casual grandeur namesake.
via Gucci
It is evident that De Sarno’s genius lies in his ability to look backward and forward at once, to pull from Gucci’s archives while creating something fresh and undeniably current. The kimono-inspired coats paired with distressed jeans, the jersey dresses cinched with golden bangles, and the glow of chartreuse jacquards all felt like modern-day icons in the making. It was a collection that embraced Gucci’s glamorous past without getting stuck in it, and in doing so, it staked a claim on the future. As the final notes of an Italian pop classic echoed through the venue, it was clear: Gucci’s next chapter has officially begun, and it’s looking radiant.
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