Gucci Returns to Florence for Its 2026 Cruise Fashion Show

Under the warm Tuscan sun, where the echoes of cobblestones and the Medici vibe connect, Gucci unveiled their Cruise 2026 collection – a homage to Florence, crafted with silk, brocade, and unfettered creativity. Instead of being just a fashion show, what took place was a reinvented Renaissance, a wonderful space with the past and future beating at its heart.

“With deep Florentine roots, Gucci has always drawn strength from a tradition of artisanal excellence and cultural richness. Today, we honour creativity, craftsmanship, and heritage through a collective effort that reflects the depth and resilience of our brand. It is through extraordinary teamwork – guided by shared values and a common vision – that we carry forward an evolution conceived as a continuum: consistent with our past, grounded in the present, and projected into the future, as we open a new chapter in the story of Gucci,” said Stefano Cantino, CEO of Gucci, in a press statement.

The event kicked off in the hallowed halls of Palazzo Settimanni, ladened with the Gucci Archive, where each piece tells a story. As if building to a crescendo, the models poured out into the piazza, creating an outdoor scene in which the city itself served as the catwalk.

The collection? Different time periods engage in an upbeat conversation. Voluminous mediaeval lace flirted with razor-sharp ’80s shoulders; splendid velvet – woven with the same mastery that once dressed Florentine nobles – brushed against sleek, elongated silhouettes that whispered nonchalance. The GG monogram, ever-iconic, was joined by a bold new singular G, a fresh spin to the Maison’s ever-evolving expression.

The accessories were a show-stopper: gracefully draped half-Horsebit purses, the Gucci Giglio, a bag, which is named after a lily, were introduced. And last but not least: a partnership with Pomellato, wherein high jewellery was created with small masterpieces fashioned from gold, leather, and pavé diamonds.