Gucci’s spring-summer 2024 men’s collection, launched at Milan Fashion Week, was a refreshing burst of style that honored an iconic staple of the fashion house: the Gucci Horsebit Loafer. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Horsebit Loafer, a timeless symbol of the brand that became a classic when Aldo Gucci introduced it in 1953.
The collection launch didn’t just display new fashion pieces; it told a story, using the journey of the loafer over seven decades as a backdrop. The brand turned the celebration into a full-fledged event called the Gucci Horsebeat Society, where art, fashion, and history intertwined in an exciting showcase curated by Alessio Ascari.
The show featured installations by ten international artists, each offering their unique interpretations of the Horsebit Loafer’s iconography. From a ‘patio’ made by Harry Nuriev to a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ by Anna Franceschini and a Horsebit-pattern wallpaper specially designed for the event, the exhibition truly brought the loafer’s legacy to life.
Gucci Spring/Summer 2024 Collection
The collection itself was as diverse as the array of artistic interpretations at the exhibition. From double-breasted suits in relaxed, slouchy proportions to printed CO-ORD fashions, a variety appealed to every taste. Sweaters, flared denim jeans, and boxy tops added a casual twist, while long dress shirts and statement suits brought a touch of formal elegance. The pieces ran the gamut from the sartorial to the playful, with monogram prints and disco-ball-like sequins nodding to Gucci’s daring side.
But the true star of the show was the iconic Horsebit Loafer. Not just a shoe but a symbol of Gucci’s evolution. It reflected the changes in social attitudes towards dress codes since its launch in the 50s, was adopted by cultural icons in the 60s, and remained a constant through the following transformative decades.
While the brand has evolved over the years, it continues to honor its roots, always remembering the iconic pieces that helped define it. In this way, the spring-summer 2024 men’s collection was a perfect blend of past and present, a fusion of history and style, all held together by the unifying symbol of the Horsebit Loafer.
